Samar Salim Saimon

Samar Salim Saimon: The Untold Story a Youngman’s Ambitious Film Journey

A Bold Cinematic Dream in the Heart of Cuttack

The history of Odia cinema is filled with fascinating stories of passion and perseverance, and among them, the tale of Samar Salim Saimon stands out. Released in 1979, this ambitious project was the brainchild of Shailajananda Nayak, a man who dared to dream beyond boundaries. While the film didn’t achieve commercial success, the journey behind its making remains a story worth telling.

The Cultural Legacy Behind the Film

Before we dive into the making of Samar Salim Saimon, it’s important to know where it all began. The film’s producer-actor, Shailajananda Nayak, was the eldest son of Hrudayananda Nayak, Cuttack’s first chartered accountant. But Hrudayananda was more than a finance expert—he was a patron of literature, art, and culture, actively supporting cultural institutions and artistic endeavors.

Growing up in such an environment, it’s no surprise that Shailajananda developed a deep love for art and performance, especially acting in dramas and films.

The Birth of a Film Production House

Determined to turn his passion into reality, Shailajananda joined hands with his acquaintance Prafulla Satpathi, and together with a few close friends, they launched a film production company – United Productions. With Shailajananda managing Hotel Shailaja in Cuttack and Satpathi running a medical store, the duo invested their resources and creative energy into making their dream come true.

A Story Inspired by Bollywood Blockbuster

Before stepping into production, Shailajananda showcased his creative side by writing the story and screenplay himself. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Bollywood hit ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’, he crafted Samar Salim Saimon with a similar concept – a multi-layered narrative filled with drama and entertainment.

The film’s dialogues were penned by Dr. Saileshwar Nanda and Bijay Singh, adding depth and emotion to the storyline.

The Team That Brought the Film to Life

Bringing the film to life required a strong crew and talented artists. Here’s who made it happen:

• Directors: Initially Prafulla Mohanty, later Bijay Singh (with Shailajananda as joint director)
• Associate Director: J.H. Sattar
• Music Director: Musir (debut project), who also wrote the lyrics
• Renowned Lyricist: Nizam
• Cinematography: Ashok Swain
• Art Director: Prafulla Swain
• Action Directors: Robert and Ram Shetty (from Bombay)
• Dance Director: Baba Harman
• Playback Singers: Shekhar Ghosh, Tansen Singh, Subash Das, Kumudini Mishra, Kanak Mahapatra, and even producer-actor Shailajananda Nayak himself

The film featured three memorable tracks:

• Hrudayara Ehi Sunyata Ku
• Nia Nia Babu Phoola Gajara
• Tora Udi Udi Jae Kani

Distribution was handled by Pubix, Prabhat Cinema, Cuttack.

Songs

• E Priyatama (With Dialogues) (Singers: Shailajananda Nayak, Subas Das, Shekhar Ghosh & Chorus | Lyrics: Nizam)
• Hrudayara Ehi Sunyata Ku (Singer: Shekhar Ghosh | Lyrics: Nizam)
• Mun Je Eka Pagala Bhanra Parichaya (Singer: Tansen Singh | Lyrics: Nizam)
• Nia Nia Babu Phoola Gajara (Singers: Kumudini Mishra, Tansen Singh | Lyrics: Nizam)
• Tora Udi Udi Jae Kani (Singers: Subas Das, Kanak Mohapatra | Lyrics: Nizam)
• E Priyatama (Singers: Subas Das, Shekhar Ghosh & Chorus | Lyrics: Nizam)

The Full Cast of Samar Salim Saimon

The movie brought together a diverse cast of talented actors, including:

• Shailajananda Nayak (Producer & Lead Actor)
• Anita Das
• Jaya
• Suchitra
• Kuni
• Bibi
• Shanta Samal
• Rita Robert
• Dr. Shaileswar Nanda
• Narayan Pati
• Prabir Mahapatra
• Shuka
• Ilu Banerjee
• Suresh Bala (Banku)
• Pradeepta Mishra

This ensemble of actors brought the film’s ambitious story to life with passion and dedication.

Filming Without a Studio: A Unique Choice

Unlike most films of the time, Samar Salim Saimon wasn’t shot in a studio. Instead, scenes were filmed at Hotel Sagarika, Hotel Shailaja (owned by Shailajananda), and several locations across Cuttack including his home at Telanga Bazaar and also at College Square.

The sound was recorded live during the shoot, and high-end equipment was brought in from Calcutta. Post-production work like editing and processing was completed at India Film Laboratory, Calcutta.

The Challenges: A Clash Behind the Camera

Midway through the shoot, creative differences emerged between producer Shailajananda and director Prafulla Mohanty. This led to Mohanty’s exit, after which Bijay Singh took over as director, with Shailajananda stepping in as co-director. While the reasons for this change remain unclear, it added another layer of drama to the film’s journey.

The Grand Release: August 30, 1979

After months of effort, Samar Salim Saimon was released on 30th August 1979 at Prabhat and Hind Theatres in Cuttack, K.M.B.M. Talkies in Baripada, and Kailash Talkies in Bhadrak. Despite heavy promotion and media buzz, the film failed to make a mark at the box office.

What Happened Next?

Not one to give up easily, Shailajananda began work on his second project, ‘Sima Bihina’. Unfortunately, the film was never completed, leaving his dream of becoming a successful filmmaker unfulfilled. Many still consider his foray into filmmaking an ambitious yet amateur experiment, but one that showcased incredible passion and vision.

Legacy of a Dreamer

Today, Samar Salim Saimon stands as a fascinating chapter in the history of Odia cinema – a reminder that true creativity lies in the courage to dream big, even when success is uncertain.

Final Thoughts

The story of Samar Salim Saimon is not just about a film; it’s about a man who dared to follow his passion against all odds. In a world where commercial success often overshadows creative ambition, tales like these deserve to be celebrated.

Movie Artwork

Reference: Odia Chalachitra Ra Agyat Adhyaya by Bhim Singh, Apple Music