Sri Jagannath (1979)
Sri Jagannath (1979), produced by Kranthi Kumar, is a landmark Odia film depicting the divine journey of Lord Jagannath. With soulful music by Akshaya Mohanty, stellar performances, and a record-breaking run, it remains an unforgettable tribute to Odisha’s culture and devotion.
Akshaya Mohanty
Sirsananda Das Kanungo
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Cast & Crew
Music
Akshaya Mohanty
Lyrics
Sirsananda Das Kanungo
Movie Details
Sri Jagannath (1979): A New Vision of Devotion on Screen
Kranthi Kumar, the celebrated producer from Madras known for his successful Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi films, was no stranger to Odia cinema. His first Odia film, Jhilimili, a remake of the Hindi hit movie Do Kaliyan, was well-received.
Encouraged by director K.H.D. Rao and Raman Rao of Kalinga Film Distributors, Kranthi Kumar decided to explore Odia cinema further. His second venture under the Sri Kranthi Chitra banner was none other than Sri Jagannath – a film that carried immense cultural and spiritual significance.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Story
Film enthusiasts may recall that back in the 1950s, Roopabharati produced a hugely successful movie titled Shri Jagannath. Nearly three decades later, in 1979, Kranthi Kumar recreated this timeless story for a new generation. While both films were rooted in the same divine tale, they differed in their cinematic expression, visual treatment, and dialogues. The narrative revolved around the mythological story of Nila Madhab – worshipped by tribal king Biswabasu – and how, through the devotion of King Indradyumna, the Lord was established in Puri as Mahaprabhu Jagannath.
The Inspiration Behind the Film
Kranthi Kumar’s connection with Odisha deepened during his visits for Jhilimili. He was moved by the unwavering faith and devotion that Odias held for Lord Jagannath. It is believed that this personal devotion inspired him to bring Sri Jagannath to life on screen.
Another motive was to dub the film in multiple languages to spread the glory of Jagannath culture beyond Odisha. And indeed, the film was eventually dubbed into Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, and Assamese.
Akshaya Mohanty – The Soul of the Film
For this ambitious project, Kranthi Kumar turned to a trusted creative partner – legendary music director and lyricist Akshaya Mohanty, who had earlier collaborated with him on Jhilimili. Akshaya Mohanty was not just a composer for this film; he was its guiding force and biggest motivator. He provided unwavering support throughout the journey. Mohanty even shared an extraordinary experience from the shoot: during a scene where Lord Jagannath’s divine head was shown floating and touching a character’s face, something supernatural occurred – an incident he believed signified the Lord’s grace.
The Creative Team
- Director: Vijaya Bhaskar (his first Odia film)
- Associate Director: Durgadatta Kanungo (Bubu)
- Assistant Director: Somnath Mohapatra
- Producer: Kranthi Kumar
- Production Co.: Sri Kranthi Chitra
- Music: Akshaya Mohanty
- Lyrics: Sirshananda Das Kanungo, Akshaya Mohanty, Smt. Binodini Devi (of Malajanha fame)
- Playback Singers: S. Janaki, Sangeetha Mohapatra, Akshaya Mohanty
- Cinematography: Sri Rama Rao & Mallikarjuna Rao
- Editing: N. Mahesh (Prasad Lab, Madras)
- Art Direction: M. Ranga Rao
- Costumes: Sayed & Raju | Makeup: Shiva | Hair Styling: Parthasarathi
- Still Photography: Satyam
The songs were recorded at Gemini Studio, Madras, and the music records were produced by Gathani Records, Calcutta.
Songs That Stole Hearts
Two songs became timeless hits and are still cherished:
- Kalia Asila, Kalia Asila, Kalia Asilare Bhai
- Seta Bhakata Bhabare Bandha, Seta Bhakata Jiban Dhana
These were beautifully picturized on Luna Mohapatra, adding an emotional depth that resonated with audiences.
All Songs
- Kalia Asila, Kalia Asila, Kalia Asila Bhai (Singer: S. Janaki)
- Seta Bhakata Bhabare Bandha (Singer: S. Janaki)
- Adha Gadha Diankar (Singer: Akshaya Mohanty)
- Tike Choi, Tike Laja (Singer: Akshaya Mohanty, S. Janaki)
- Dashavatara (Singer: Akshaya Mohanty)
- Charana Kamala Bande (Singer: S. Janaki)
- Garama Garam (Singer: Akshaya, Sushree Sangeeta Mohapatra)
Release and Record-Breaking Success
Sri Jagannath was released on September 14, 1979, at Durga Cinema, Cuttack, and ran for over 100 days – a remarkable achievement for its time. It also created a record at Srikrishna Cinema in Puri, where it ran for more than 100 days.
The film’s closing sequence, showcasing rare depictions and lesser-known stories about Lord Jagannath, fascinated viewers. It served as both entertainment and enlightenment, introducing devotees to authentic stories and the spiritual grandeur of Mahaprabhu.
A Star-Studded Cast
The movie featured an ensemble cast including:
Dhiren Das, Chakrapani, Birendra Mohanty, Priyanath Mishra, Kedar Guru, Saroj Dash, Sahadeb Ojha, Jharana Das, Minushree, Netrananda Mishra, Bichitrananda Mohanty, Shyamlendu Bhattacharya, Luna Mohapatra, and many others.
Legacy of a Cultural Classic
With Brajaraj Movies of Cuttack handling its distribution and promotion, Sri Jagannath became more than just a film – it became a spiritual milestone in Odia cinema. Even today, it is remembered as a cinematic tribute to devotion, faith, and the eternal glory of Lord Jagannath.
Movie Artwork
Reference: Odia Chalachitra Ra Agyat Adhyaya by Bhim Singh, JioSaavn
