First Odia Telefilm "Usha" Screened by Film Journalists Forum

Bubaneswar, June 29: The Film Journalists Forum (FJF) today showcased the screening of ``Usha’’, the first Odia telefilm, today at Jaydev Bhawan with a packed auditorium and film lovers who appreciated the masterpiece and also felicitation of the actors, technicians, writers, voice artists and all those behind the scene amidst rounds of applause.

``Usha’’ was made originally for Door Darshan in 1987 by the legendary Nitai Palit who was behind its story, screenplay, and direction, its message was against the dowry culture and how to create an awareness in the society at that time. The one and only genius singer, lyricist and music director was the music director of Usha and he also acted in the film. 

It can be mentioned here that though much before ``Usha’’ another short film ``Mamun’’ with the original story from the famous Odia writer Fakir Mohan Senapati was made a film, it was referred to as a featurette. In fact, a featurette is a kind of film that is shorter than a full-length feature, but longer than a short film. The term may refer to either of two types of content: a shorter film or a companion film. However, the first telefilm in India was made by the legendary Satyajit Ray in 1981 with the title ``Sadgati.’’

FJF convener Surya Deo thanked all the people who made the evening screening successful, especially those artists and associates who contributed to making the first telefilm of Odisha ``Usha’’. An information booklet on ``Usha’’ was released and people behind the restoration and processing of the telefilm were also called on stage and felicitated. 

FJF is an organization of journalists and film enthusiasts, who are organizing the screening of old films, telefilms, and documentaries relating to Odia film industry. The forum is also working tirelessly under the leadership of Deo to collect the lost prints, restoration of the recovered ones and subsequent digitization for the future generation. 

While Mitrabhanu Mohanty of Akshaya Mohanty Trust spoke, photo sessions were organized for the artists. An exhibition of the images of the film, those who were part of the film, but are no more and a floral tribute to photojournalist Ashok Panda, a founding member of FJF was organized.