Nila Madhab
Nila Madhab (1979) is a mythological Odia film by Jagannath Prasad Bhagat depicting the legend of Lord Jagannath’s tribal origin and King Indradyumna’s quest. Featuring Ramachandra Pratihari and Jayaram Samal, it remains a cultural classic in Odisha’s cinematic heritage.
You Also May Like
Chandrabanshi, an action drama movie directed by Yash Varman Panda and Sunil Sahoo, was released on June 14, 2024. The film stars Sidhant Mohapatra, Aakash Dasnayak, Sritam Das, Daitari Panda, Poonam Mishra, Lipsa Mishra, and Raj Rajesh in the leading roles.
Rolls 2-8 is the first Odia film in Social genre. Fourth Odia film in release and the first Odia film having English title.
Sita - Sangharsa Ra Kahani is a social drama film that premiered on 05 July 2024. Written, directed, and screenplay by Aswin Tripathy, the cast includes Debjani Deghuria, Samaresh Routray, and Pintu Nanda in prominent roles.
Kedar Gouri marks the debut of an Odia director in the Odia film industry, with Manoranjan Das co-directing the movie alongside Nitai Palit.
Bhai-Bhai is a 1956 Odia film produced by Gour Prasad Ghose and directed by Nitai Palit. The film was inspired by a book, Bhai Bhai, written by Santanu Kumar Das.
Cast & Crew
Movie Details
Nila Madhab (1979): A Cinematic Tribute to the Glory of Lord Jagannath
In the late 1970s, Odia cinema witnessed a spiritual resurgence with films that celebrated the glory of Lord Jagannath. Among these gems was Nila Madhab, an ambitious project by ace cameraman Shri Jagannath Prasad Bhagat, who dared to step into the world of film direction with a vision rooted in devotion.
From Doordarshan to the Silver Screen
A graduate of the prestigious Poona Film Institute, Bhagat began his career as a cameraman at Doordarshan. His passion for visual storytelling took him to Indonesia for advanced training in cinematography. After returning, he rose to become Chief Cameraman at Cuttack Doordarshan Kendra and later served as the Director of Bhubaneswar Doordarshan Kendra.
It was during his tenure at Cuttack that Bhagat conceived the idea of making a film on the divine lore of Lord Jagannath. Being a native of Puri and a devout follower, he was deeply inspired by the legend of Nila Madhab – the mystical form of Lord Jagannath worshipped by the tribal chief Vishwabasu.
The Birth of a Vision
At the time, Odia cinema was abuzz with mythological themes. Kranti Kumar’s Sri Jagannath was already in the making, and decades earlier, the prince of Dhenkanal had produced Lalita, another Jagannath-centric movie. Undeterred, Bhagat christened his project Nila Madhab and floated a banner called Shripati Films (officially under his wife Smt. Rajkumari Devi’s name due to service rules). The production was modest, but Bhagat poured his heart into every frame.
Crafting the Narrative
The film traced the sacred tale of King Indradyumna’s quest for Nila Madhab, aided by Bidyapati, and the transformation of the deity into Darubrahma. Bhagat himself penned the screenplay, while Prof. Purna Chandra Mallick, a noted playwright and Odia literature scholar, wrote dialogues and lyrics.
The music was composed by Nirmal Kumar, who recorded soulful tracks featuring leading voices from Doordarshan and Akashvani.
Songs
- Ki Rupe Paibi Tumaku Khoji Mun Dina Ta Jauchhi (Singer: Chitta Jena)
- Ha Hai Jhara Phula Tie Munhi (Singer: Nirmala Mishra)
- Kete Dure Bandhu Kete Dure Jeebi Ta Jauchhi (Singer: Nirmal Kumar)
- Phaguna Ra Phule Phule Malayara (Singers: Nirmal Kumar, Bandita Das & Others)
- Nila Madhab He (Version 1) (Singer: Bhikari Bal)
- Nila Madhab He (Version 2) (Singer: Bhikari Bal)
- He Maina (Singers: Subas Das, Bandita Das)
An Innovative Low-Budget Production
Bhagat avoided costly studio shoots and instead built sets in ordinary houses, using creative camerawork to create visual appeal. Despite his ingenuity, the film struggled at the box office. Released on 14 September 1979 at Suraj Talkies, Cuttack, the movie initially spanned 16 reels (17,000 feet) but was later trimmed by 1,500 feet on the expert advice of Sri Gopal Ghosh.
Financial recovery seemed bleak until Doordarshan telecasted the film multiple times, helping Bhagat recoup part of his investment.
Cast & Crew
Director & Screenplay: Jagannath Prasad Bhagat
Production House: Shripati Films
Release Date: 14 September 1979
Language: Odia
Dialogues & Lyrics: Prof. Purna Chandra Mallick
Music Composer: Nirmal Kumar
Editor: Ravi Patnaik
Lead Cast:
- Raghu Mishra
- Ramachandra Pratihari (Best Actor Award Winner)
- Jayaram Samal (Jayi)
- Gaddi
- Kedar Guru
- Mamata Roy Chowdhury
- Jaya
- Rita Robert
Legacy and Recognition
Despite commercial setbacks, Nila Madhab remains a cultural milestone. It entered the State Film Awards, and Ramachandra Pratihari won Best Actor for his stellar performance. Interestingly, during the 1979 Puja season, Odisha saw a rare cinematic phenomenon where three pauranik films – Sri Jagannath, Mathura Bijaya, and Nila Madhab – graced theatres simultaneously.
Movie Artwork
Reference: Odia Chalachitra Ra Agyat Adhyaya by Bhim Singh, JioSaavn
