Pati Patni

Released in November 1978, Pati Patni is a family drama directed by M.S.K. Reddy, featuring Sarat Pujari, Uttam Mohanty, Bijay Mohanty, Mahasweta Ray, Tandra Ray, Netrananda Mishra, Pira Mishra, and Jayi in key roles.

Cast & Crew

Movie Details

Pati Patni (1978) – A South Indian Touch in Odia Cinema

In the evolving landscape of Odia cinema during the late 1970s, filmmakers often looked southwards for inspiration and resources. Among these ventures, Pati Patni emerged as a notable experiment – blending Odia storytelling with South Indian production techniques. This film not only brought together future icons Uttam Mohanty and Bijay Mohanty in one of their earliest collaborations but also reflected the era’s cross-cultural cinematic exchanges.

Production Background

In the late 1970s, producer Smt. D.D. Ahalya Devi embarked on the ambitious task of creating a full-fledged Odia feature film on a modest budget. Inspired by the cost-efficient production methods of South Indian cinema, she produced Pati Patni under the banner of Subhadra Art Pictures, adopting a distinctly South Indian style.

The film was based on a Telugu story by K.S. Narayana Rao, with the screenplay, dialogues, and lyrics penned by celebrated Odia lyricist Brundaban Jena. Jena, who had professional ties with South Indian producers through Raman Rao of Kalinga Film Distributors, was also responsible for the film’s songs.

Story & Style

At its core, the narrative explored the warmth, humor, emotional turbulence, and mutual understanding in a marital relationship. However, traces of Telugu cinematic influence were unmistakable, suggesting that preserving Odia cultural authenticity was not the script’s primary focus.

Filming & Crew

The movie was shot in Hyderabad under the direction of M.S.K. Reddy, a newcomer to Odia cinema. The team also introduced:

  • Ramesh Naidu – Music Director
  • J. Satyanarayana – Cinematographer
  • Randhir – Dance Director (featuring Telugu dancer Lakshmi)

Associate Directors: Sabyasachi Mohapatra, Rao Sri, Narasimha Rao
Screenplay, Dialogues: Brundaban Jena
Costumes: Suri, Irsan
Makeup: Bhaskar, Iswar
Processing: VDS Cine Lab, Sarada Studio
Equipment: Pratap Art Pictures, Madras
Art Direction: Akshay Patnaik
Lyrics: Brundaban Jena
Music: Ramesh Naidu

Cast Highlights

Pati Patni holds a special place in Odia cinema history as one of the earliest films to feature Uttam Mohanty and Bijay Mohanty together. The ensemble included:

  • Sarat Pujari
  • Uttam Mohanty
  • Bijay Mohanty
  • Mahasweta Ray
  • Tandra Ray
  • Netrananda Mishra
  • Pira Mishra
  • Jayaram Samal (Jayi)
  • Akshay, Sabyasachi, Gitarani, Bijaya Vani, Mohini, Sita, and others

Reception & Legacy

Featuring a blend of veteran and new actors, the film’s quality stood above several contemporary remakes of the era. While warmly received by audiences, it did not achieve lasting iconic status.
Release Date: November 1978
Venue: Grand Cinema, Cuttack
Distributor: Gouri Films (Engineer Subodh Samal, Rajabagicha, Cuttack; producer of Taapoi)
Budget: ₹2,25,000

Songs:

  • Bagichare Phula Phulare Shurabhi (Singers: Vani Jayaram, Akshaya Mohanty)
  • Luchichhi Mun Luchichhi (Singers: Vani Jayaram)
  • Abujha Manaku Bujheiba (Singers: Vani Jayaram)
  • Chhuanna Nana Chhuanna (Singers: Vani Jayaram, Akshay Mohanty)
  • Patita Jananku (Singers: Vani Jayaram, Akshay Mohanty)

Movie Artworks:

Reference: Odia Chalachitra Ra Agyat Adhyaya by Bhim Singh, Odiamelody

'Pati Patni' Vinyl Disc Cover (Image Courtesy - Odiamelody)