Janmadata

Janmadata: A Remake That Faced the Cuttack Cinema Rush

The late 1970s was an interesting phase for Odia cinema. Among the many releases in 1978, Janmadata carved its own identity – even though it was a remake. Directed by K.H.D. Rao and produced under the banner of Manjula Art Films, Berhampur, the film hit theaters in December 1978 at the iconic Hind Cinema, Cuttack.

The Year of 15 Films – and Fierce Competition

The year 1978 saw 15 films releasing in Odisha, a significant number for the industry at the time. Naturally, every producer – Odia or non-Odia – wanted their film screened in Cuttack, the nerve center of cinema in the state. Why? Because ticket sales in Cuttack theaters were far higher compared to halls in other towns.

However, this created a big challenge. With so many releases vying for space, screening slots were limited. Add to that the influx of Hindi blockbusters and films in other languages, and the situation became even tougher for Odia films. Big Hindi films, thanks to their popularity and quality, often got priority.

As a result, despite strong demand for Odia movies, they struggled to sustain a long run in theaters. Many were pulled out early – especially remakes, which dominated the scene. The lack of original stories likely added to their short-lived fate.

Janmadata’s Arrival in the Middle of the Chaos

It was during the screening of Sankha Mahuri in Cuttack that Janmadata arrived on the big screen in December 1978. Despite the tough competition, the film made its mark, thanks to its cast, music, and a creative team with a strong reputation.

The Creative Minds Behind the Film

• Dialogues: Written by Natyarashmi Prafulla Rath, who also directed the film Samarpan.
• Music: Composed by the legendary Upendra Kumar.
• Lyrics: Penned by Brundaban Jena and Jugal Joshi. Interestingly, Joshi had earlier worked on Samarpan, which helped him build a rapport with Prafulla Rath. On Rath’s recommendation, Joshi got the chance to contribute lyrics for Janmadata.

The soundtrack featured the melodious voices of Sangeet Sudhakar Balakrushna Dash, Chitta Jena, S. Janaki, P. Sushila, and H. P. Geeta. Cinematography was handled by M. G. Singh, adding visual appeal to the storytelling.

The Star Cast

Janmadata boasted an impressive ensemble:
Sarat Pujari, Chakrapani, Swaroop Naik, Radha Panda, Nityananda, Khatu Singh, Bholanath Das, Basant Samal, Rashmi, Rita Chand, Dr. Sudharani Jena, Rukmini, Shantilata, Krishnamani, Vijayalakshmi, and others.

The film was distributed by Kalinga Films Distributors, ensuring it reached audiences across Odisha.

A Glimpse Into an Era

Janmadata may not have enjoyed an extended theatrical run, but it remains a reflection of its time – a period when Odia cinema battled for screen space against Bollywood giants, while also grappling with its own challenges like remake fatigue and limited originality.

Even today, the film holds historical significance as part of the golden yet struggling phase of Odia cinema in the late ’70s.

Movie Artwork

Reference: Odia Chalachitra Ra Agyat Adhyaya by Bhim Singh