Srikrushna Rasaleela

Srikrushna Rasaleela – The Forgotten Classic That Defined Odia Mythological Cinema

When we think of Odia cinema, social dramas and romantic tales often come to mind. But long before today’s era of commercial entertainment, there were filmmakers who dared to bring epic stories of devotion and divinity to the silver screen. One such timeless creation is Srikrushna Rasaleela – a film that beautifully captured the eternal love story of Radha and Krishna and marked a significant chapter in Odia mythological cinema.

Released in 1979, this film was more than just a movie – it was a cultural revival, blending music, dance, literature, and spiritual heritage into a cinematic masterpiece. Let’s revisit the fascinating story behind its making.

The Vision Behind the Film

At the heart of this film was Kamal Lochan Mohanty, a renowned playwright and passionate storyteller. His first venture into films, Ghar Bahuda (1977), didn’t find the expected success, but he wasn’t one to give up easily. With renewed passion, he launched a new production house in his son Chittaranjan Mohanty’s name – Ekamra Chhayachhabi, to bring his dream project to life.

Instead of a typical social drama, he envisioned a mythological musical based on the Rasakrida of Radha and Krishna, as described in the Shrimad Bhagabata by saint-poet Jagannath Das. The goal was clear: to celebrate the eternal love of Radha-Krishna through the rich traditions of Odisha’s devotional art and culture.

Cultural Roots and Literary Inspirations

Rasaleela has always been a significant part of Odia cultural heritage. Over the centuries, it was popularized by stalwarts like Mohan Sundar Deb Goswami, Kabichandra Kalicharan Patnaik, and several other poets and playwrights who composed and staged Rasabahi performances across the state. Literary giants such as Dinakrushna Das (Ras Kalloka), Upendra Bhanja (Chanda Bhushan), and Abhimanyu Samanta Singhar (Bidagdha Chintamani) immortalized Radha-Krishna’s divine love in their works.

Drawing inspiration from these classics, Kamal Lochan Mohanty wrote the story, screenplay and dialogues for Srikrushna Rasaleela. His vision was not just to make a film but to honor Odisha’s spiritual and artistic legacy.

The Team That Made History

To bring this grand vision to life, some of the finest names in Odia art and culture joined forces:

• Director: Sona Mukherjee, the brilliant cinematographer of Malajanha, took the director’s chair.
• Producer: Chittaranjan Mohanty, the son of Kamal Lochan Mohanty.
• Story, Screenplay, Dialogues: Kamal Lochan Mohanty, the brain behind the film himself took the task.
• Music Composer: The legendary Balakrushna Dash created a soul-stirring soundtrack.
• Music Arrangement: Sikandar Alam and Rakhal Mohanty added finesse and orchestration.
• Dance Choreography: None other than Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, whose artistry elevated every frame.
• Playback Singers: Voices like Sikandar Alam, Rakhal Mohanty, Nirmala Mishra, Shyamanani Devi, Sudha Mishra, and Bhubaneswari Mishra gave life to the songs.
• Cinematography: Rajan Kinnagi, making this the first Odia film shot on Eastman Color film, a major technical achievement.

The film featured an impressive cast, including Rabindra, Prasanna Mishra, Banamali, Tapati Bhattacharya, Aruna Mishra, Preeti Patnaik, and Deepa Sahu.

Songs

1. Brundaranya Sarba Bhoma Dampati (Singer(s): Chorus)
2. Naba Basanta Samaya (Singers: Bhubaneswari Mishra, Shyamamani Devi & Others)
3. Aaila Basanta Raja (Singer(s): Sudha Misra & Others)
4. Dekha Fula Bana Pulina Kanana (Singer(s): Bhikari Bal)
5. Suna Priya Sahachari (Singer(s): Bhubaneswari Mishra)
6. Tarana (Singer(s): Chorus)
7. Mali Mala Shyama Ku Debi (Singer(s): Bhubaneswari Mishra)
8. Chandana Charchita Nila Kalebara (Singer(s): Nirmala Mishra & Others)
9. Kahin Gale Murali Phunka (Singer(s): Shyamamani Devi)
10. Bohu Dine Paichhi He Nilamani (Singer(s): Sudha Mishra)
11. Abirate Abirata Abiraudaa Go (Singer(s): Bhubaneswari Mishra, Shyamamani Devi, Sudha & Others)
12. Na Na Kunje Gali Dhira (Singer(s): Shyamamani Devi)
13. Krushna Nama Aaji (Singer(s): Bhubaneswari Mishra)
14. Ki Ninda Kalaku Radhe (Singer(s): Archana Das, Bhubaneswari Mishra)
15. Ete Belaku He Mukha Aaja (Singer(s): Shyamamani Devi)
16. Ehi Madhaba Ehi Kesaba (Singer(s): Nirmala Mishra)
17. Aago Duti Aaja Rati (Singer(s): Nirmala Mishra)
18. Aahe Jubati (Singer(s): Sudha Mishra)
19. Kshina Hela Tanu (Singer(s): Shyamamani Devi)
20. To Karaku Kala Racha (Singer(s): Basanta Kumar Das)
21. Dhira Samire Yamuna Tire (Singer(s): Sikandar Alam)
22. Aasa Ke Pindhiba (Singer(s): Geeta Das)
23. Ja Ja Napi-Tuni (Singer(s): Shyamamani Devi)
24. Gopa Nagare Aaji (Singer(s): Bhikari Bal)
25. Dande Thia Hua (Singer(s): Archana Das, Bhikari Bal)
26. E Bhikhyare (Singer(s): Bhikari Bal)
27. Saki Re Muki Hudili (Singer(s): Bhubaneswari Mishra)
28. Priye Chare Sile (Singer(s): Bhikari Bal)

Challenges and Triumph

Like many ambitious projects, Srikrushna Rasaleela faced financial challenges. But Kamal Babu’s determination never faltered. Help eventually came from Adikanda Samantaraya, a respected contractor from Cuttack, through his son-in-law Engineer Subodh Samal’s Gauri Films.

Finally, in 1979, after years of struggle and unwavering commitment, the film hit the screens. It was warmly received by audiences and recognized at the National Film Awards. Singer Bhubaneswari Mishra also won the State Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer, adding to the film’s glory.

Why Srikrushna Rasaleela Still Matters Today

In an era dominated by commercial blockbusters, Srikrushna Rasaleela stands as a reminder of the artistic depth and cultural pride that Odia cinema once celebrated. It wasn’t just a film – it was a melting pot of literature, classical dance, soulful music, and devotion.

Even today, when we speak of Odia mythological films, this masterpiece deserves a place at the top. It represents a time when filmmakers were not just storytellers but custodians of culture, ensuring that the divine love story of Radha and Krishna reached generations through the power of cinema.

Movie Artworks

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