Things to know about first Odia film ‘Sita Bibaha’

Bhubaneswar: ‘Sita Bibaha’, the first Odia film, completed 82 years of its premier today receiving big applause from audience in the cine industry.

The film directed and produced by Mohan Sundar Deb Goswami was released on April 28, 1936. The two-hour mythological movie was produced at total expenditure of Rs 29,781 and 10 anna.

‘Sita Bibaha’ had put a great impact on the audience during those days because of mythological interpretations and powerful star cast. It starred Makhanlal Bannerjee, Mohan Sundar Deb Goswami, Krishnachandra Singh, and Prabhavati.

Makhanlal, who had played the character of Lord Ram, was paid Rs 120 for the film. Prabhavati, the Sita in the film had received Rs 150, the highest amount, for the prime character.

The film had 14 songs and all the playback singers were from Odisha.

‘Sita Bibaha’, which was the first commercial success, was released at Lakshmi Theatre in Puri and subsequently at Cinema Palace in Cuttack.