Sati Anasuya
Sati Anasuya is a pauranik Odia film inspired by the timeless tale of Anasuya, was released on 30 August 1978. Directed by A. Sanjeevi Rao, it stars Chakrapani, Bholanath Das, Rosa Ramani, Mahasweta Ray, Rita Chand, Rupalekha Ray, and Rita Robert in prominent roles.
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Movie Details
Sati Anasuya (1978) – A Mythological Masterpiece in Odia Cinema
In the late 1970s, Odia cinema witnessed a revival of mythological storytelling, strengthened by the entry of South Indian producers into the industry. Among these efforts, Sati Anasuya stood out – not only as the first Odia color film by South Indian filmmakers but also as one of the most successful mythological adaptations of its time. Combining the timeless legend of conjugal devotion with a grand visual scale, it captivated audiences and set box office records.
Origins and Story Background
The foundation for affordable Odia film production was laid by Shri K.H.D. Rao, whose work in dubbing films at lower costs encouraged new producers to enter the industry. One such entry was Madhav Pictures, a joint venture between G. P. Mallaiah (Madras) and A. Sreeramulu, which debuted in Odia cinema with Sati Anasuya. Sriramulu would later become the Managing Director of Gemini Labs.
The film’s plot originated from the Padma Purana, also found in the Odia Vichitra Ramayana (Lakshman Shaktibheda chapter). Popular adaptations of the same story had already gained mass appeal in Odisha through the stage play Lakshihra by Kartik Chandra Ghosh – performed for 28 years by Annapurna Theatre troupes – and Gopal Chhotray’s musical drama Na Pahu Rati Na Maru Pati, broadcast by All India Radio.
Myth and Adaptation
While the Bengali film Sati and various stage/radio versions stayed close to the traditional plot, Sati Anasuya introduced variations by merging verses from the Padma Purana with other Puranic accounts. In this version, Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar, disguised as sages, tested the devotion of Anusuya, wife of sage Atri Muni. Through her unwavering purity, she transformed them into her own sons, caring for them with maternal love – much to the confusion of their consorts, Savitri, Lakshmi, and Gauri. This blend of mythology and devotional themes resonated strongly with Odia audiences.
Production and Crew
Directed and scripted by A. Sanjeevi Rao, nephew of legendary filmmaker L.V. Prasad, the film was produced in color – a first among Odia films made by South Indian producers. Filming took place at Sri Sarathi Studios Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, with outdoor shoots in Koraput district (Odisha) and Rajahmundry (Andhra Pradesh).
Directed by: Akkineni Sanjeevi Rao
Co. Director: K. V. Rao
Assistant Directors: R. Amal Rao, Ravindra Gopal
Produced by: G. P. Mallaiah, A. Sreeramulu
Production Co: Madhab Pictures
Distributed By: Vincent Films, Cuttack
Screenplay: Akkineni Sanjeevi Rao
Dialogues: Soubhgya Chandra Das
Editing: Akkineni Sanjeevi Rao
Co. Editor: Goutam Raju
Cinematography: P. Babu
Choreography: Srinivas
Make-up: K. Bujibabu
Outdoor Unit: Sharada Enterprises, Madras
Song, Music Recording & Re-Recording: S. P. Ramnathan, Prasad Studios, Madras
Processing: Prasad Film Laboratories, Madras
Studio: Shri Sarathi Studios (P) Ltd., Hyderabad
Lyrics: Prafulla Kar, Lokanath Pattanaik, Soubhgya Chandra Das
Music: Prafulla Kar
Cast
The film featured a large ensemble cast:
- Rosa Ramani as Anasuya
- Mahasweta Ray as Narmada
- Rita Chand as Parbati
- Rupalekha Ray as Lakshmi
- Rita Robert as Saraswati
- Jyotsna Das as Mala
- Vijalakshmi as Ganga
- Chakrapani as Atri
- Bholananth Das as Shivananda
- Swaroop Naik as Narada
- Narendranath Mishra as Koushik
- Dr. Anang Dwivedi as Premananda
- Rabindranath Rath as Brahma
- Kailash as Shiba
- Raja as Vishnu
- Madan as Dattatreya
Roja Ramani’s performance received special praise for its depth and emotional impact.
Release and Reception
Released on 30 August 1978, Sati Anasuya premiered simultaneously in 12 cinemas across Odisha, including Hind and Capital in Cuttack. Distribution was handled by Pranab Mitra (Kanhu Babu) of Vincent Films, Cuttack.
The songs Kuhukuhu Bane Kuhukuhu Gaye Koili Mahuri Sure Sure, Jai Jai Deva Hare, and Patipada Mile Punyare Sakala Tirtha Dham became immensely popular, contributing to the film’s box office success.
The movie’s business in Cuttack broke records, and Prafulla Kar won the 1978 State Award for Best Music Director for his contribution.
Legacy
Sati Anasuya remains a significant milestone in Odia cinema for combining mythological storytelling with color cinematography and large-scale production. It showcased the potential of Odia films to compete in technical quality while staying rooted in culturally beloved narratives.
Songs:
- He Naga Deba Pranati Ghena Mora (Singer: Vani Jayaram I Lyrics: Prafulla Kar)
- He Sambhu He Shankara Laaja Rakha (Singer: Vani Jayaram I Lyrics: Prafulla Kar)
- Jaya Jaya Deba Hare Narayana Narayana (Singer: Chitta Jena I Lyrics: Prafulla Kar)
- Na Paahu Raati Na Maru Pati (Singer: Vani Jayaram I Lyrics: Soubhgya Chandra Das)
- Pati Pade Mile Punya Re Sakala Tirtha Dhama (Singer: Prafulla Kar I Lyrics: Prafulla Kar)
- Ei Jhiatira Pada Talamala (Singer: S. Janaki I Lyrics: Lokanath Pattnaik)
- Kuhu Kuhu Bane Kuhu Gaae Koili (Singers: Subash Das, Vani Jayaram I Lyrics: Prafulla Kar)
- Nache Re Priya Nayane Nayana Nache (Singers: Vani Jayaram I Lyrics: Prafulla Kar)
Movie Artworks:
Reference: Odia Chalachitra Ra Agyat Adhyaya by Bhim Singh, Odiamelody, Tushar Nath Mohapatra
