Nijhum Ratira Sathi
Akshaya Mohanty
Sirsananda Das Kanungo
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Cast & Crew
Music
Akshaya Mohanty
Lyrics
Sirsananda Das Kanungo
Movie Details
Nijhum Ratira Sathi: When a Playwright Stepped into Filmmaking
The name Biswajit Das holds a special place in Odia literature and theatre. A celebrated playwright, he carved his niche with numerous short plays and several full-length and experimental productions. Alongside stalwarts like Professor Pranbandhu Kar, Biswajit Das was regarded as one of the most influential voices in the world of Odia drama. His works were widely staged by cultural institutions, earning him both fame and respect.
But Biswajit Das was not just a man of letters – he was also a man of many roles, having held key positions in the Public Relations Department. In fact, it was during his tenure as the Chief Minister’s Public Relations Officer that he ventured into cinema, directing his debut film Priyatma.
His second outing as a director came in 1979 with Nijhum Ratira Sathi, a project close to his heart.
The Making of Nijhum Ratira Sathi
Produced by Shri Durgashankar Patnaik, this film was brought to life under Biswajit Das’s own banner – Konark Films, headquartered in Bhubaneswar. What’s remarkable is that Biswajit Das self-financed the project without taking a single institutional loan, reflecting his commitment and passion for cinema.
Much like his plays, Biswajit wrote the story, screenplay, and dialogues for the film. His vision was complemented by Dilip Dutt’s cinematography and Akshay Mohanty’s magical touch in music. The legendary Akshay Mohanty not only composed the songs but also lent his voice as a playback singer alongside S. Janaki and Dhananjay Satapathy. Lyrics came from the pens of Akshay Mohanty and Sirshanand Das Kanungo, while the soulful tracks were recorded at Vijaya Gardens, Madras.
Among the songs, the title track “Nijhum Ratira Sathi” and the haunting melody “Kali Ratire Kahin Gala Nagar” (picturized on Bindu) remain the most memorable.
Songs
- Chhati Daka Mana Saka (Singer: S. Janaki)
- Kaali Raatire Kahin Gala Nagara (Singer: S. Janaki)
- Priti Nuhen Seta (Version 1) (Singers: Akshaya Mohanty, S. Janak | Lyrics: Shirshananda Das Kanungo)
- Nuan Ghara Khandi Dine Puruna Hebare Mana (Singers: Dhananjay Satpathy, Chorus)
- Heire Kulu Eiya Kalu Pani Kakharuku Anguru Bhabi (Singers: Akshaya Mohanty, Chorus)
- Priti Nuhen Seta (Version 2) (Singers: Akshaya Mohanty, S. Janak | Lyrics: Shirshananda Das Kanungo)
The Cast and Crew
The film featured an impressive ensemble cast including Uttam Mohanty, Mahasweta, Kshetrapal Mishra, Ghanashyam Patra, Radha Panda, Gaur Kumar Jena, Dr. Prashant Das, Niranjan Satapathy, Leela Dulali, Rukmini, Nalini Ray, Jagannath Mahapatra, Soudamini, Swapna Samal, and Dhira Biswal, among others.
Key members of the technical crew included:
- Art Director: Asim Basu
- Dance Director: Chanda (Bombay)
- Editor: Sudhakar
- Assistant Directors: Prasanna Kumar Mahapatra & Srinivas Mohanty
- Production Controller: Nishakar Mallia
The film was distributed by D.J. Productions, Cuttack-9.
The Release and Reception
Nijhum Ratira Sathi hit the screens in June 1979 at Grand Cinema, Cuttack. Expectations were high – after all, it was the second film by a playwright who had already earned immense acclaim in the world of drama.
However, the film failed to strike a chord with the audience. Despite its strong cast, melodious music, and high production values, it struggled at the box office. Critics and cine-goers alike pointed to one major weakness – the screenplay.
And perhaps, therein lies a harsh truth: the art of playwriting and the craft of screenwriting are worlds apart. Many believe this gap was the reason why Biswajit Das, despite his brilliance on stage, couldn’t replicate the same success on screen.
The Lesson Behind the Attempt
Nijhum Ratira Sathi remains a significant experiment in Odia cinema – a reminder that even seasoned storytellers face challenges when transitioning to a different medium. While the film didn’t achieve commercial success, it stands as a testament to Biswajit Das’s passion for storytelling and his willingness to take bold creative risks.
Movie Artwork
Reference: Odia Cinema Ra Agyat Adhyaya by Bhim Singh, Apple Music
