Bhubaneswar, March 8: The state is now ready with its first full-length Santhali feature film.

Jewee Jurie, a love story written by Pratima Hota, is scheduled for release sometime in October.

Debutante Bulu and Shruti have played the star-crossed lovers in the film directed by Ajay Routray and produced by Sohagi Majhi Rusika.

The film that boasts of a moderately large budget was shot in several locations across Orissa, Jharkhand and Bihar with Abhijit Mazumdar as its music director.

“Jewee Jurie will be released in theatres across Orissa and in Jharkhand, Bihar and Bengal, besides Nepal where there is a modest number of Santhali people,” said Routray.

“Through the film we have tried to bring forth the tradition, custom and heritage of our tribal life,” said Routray, adding that films such as these help create a platform for Santhali actors. It’s a commercial film, but it remains true to the community’s spirit and shows the group’s celebrations such as the spring festival.

“The dialogues are all in Santhali and carries messge that is pro-nature,” said the director.

Of late, Santhali film industry has gained popularity among film lovers, so much so that the Jharkhand-based Raghunath Academy of Santhali Cinema and Art (Rasca) has been planning to launch a Santhali film award — to encourage more such steps.