Nanda Master’ Nka Chatasali
Nanda Master' Nka Chatasali (2025) is a biographical Odia documentary-drama exploring the life of Padma Shri Nanda Prusty, a village teacher who offered free education for seven decades. Directed by Pranab Aich, the film highlights his legacy, values, and festival-recognised journey.
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Movie Details
Nanda Master’ Nka Chatasali is a 2025 Odia biographical documentary-drama film based on the life of Padma Shri awardee and rural educator Lt. Shri Nanda Prusty, popularly known as Nanda Master. Directed by Pranab Aich and produced by Abhaya Pati, the film chronicles Prusty’s seven-decade-long contribution to free primary education through the traditional Chatasali system in rural Odisha.
The film released in Indian cinemas on 12 December 2025.
Plot
The film traces the life of Nanda Prusty, who dedicated more than 70 years to teaching children free of cost in his village. It spans his early decision to leave acting, his adoption of Odisha’s informal Chatasali learning system, and his efforts to instill discipline, cultural values, and basic literacy among generations of rural children. The narrative culminates with his recognition as a Padma Shri at the age of 103, acknowledging his lifelong contribution to grassroots education.
Cast
- Nanda Prusty as Himself
- Saisresth Das as Young Nanda Prusty
- Nityasha Pattnaik as Nanda Prusty’s Wife
- Rabindra Rout as Nanda’s Uncle
Production
The film was produced under the banner of Abhismita Films, with additional collaboration from Studiowaala. Concept development was led by Asmita Pati. Cinematography, editing, and direction were handled by Pranab Aich, highlighting the intimate and grounded nature of the film. The soundscape was designed by Manas Choudhury, while Bibhuti Gadnayak composed the music.
Festival Screenings and Recognition
Before its theatrical release, Nanda Master’ Nka Chatasali was screened and showcased at several national and international film festivals, as indicated on the official poster. These include:
- 77th Cannes Film Festival – Bharat Parv (France)
- 19th Kastavura Film Festival
- 16th Habitat Film Festival
- 19th FFINFF (UFC)
- 20th GZDOC (China)
- Tamil Nadu Film Festival
- Celebrating India Film Festival
- Celebrating India Film Awards
The film was also presented at the 67th DOK Leipzig Film Market Exclusives (Germany).
Music
The soundtrack, composed by Bibhuti Gadnayak, blends traditional Odia instrumentation with minimalistic compositions to match the film’s rural ambience and documentary tone.
Release
The film released in theatres across Odisha on 12 December 2025 with a U certification from CBFC. It runs for 1 hour 32 minutes.
Official Posters
News Clippings
References
- BookMyShow: Nanda Master’nka Chatasali release details, runtime, synopsis
- Official Teaser, YouTube – Abhismita Films
- Official film poster (2025)
