Hero’s mantle: Comedian Harihara in a scene from Rumku Jhumana

Bhubaneswar, April 21: The Odia film industry is witnessing a paradigm shift. The comedian who played a sidekick over the past many decades is now assuming the role of protagonist.

After Pappu Pom Pom’s Rangila Toka set the trend last year, Chauka Chakka last month and now Rumku Jhumana, which released today, take it forward.

In recent times, comedians found themselves being called for exclusive television and stage shows, popular ones, from finding space in just a few scenes in movies. And now, they are also taking the lead in films.

Pappu’s Rangila Toka enjoyed box office success. Chauka Chakka too made good profits. Comedian Harihara Mohapatra made his debut as the protagonist in Rumku Jhumana.

“Today, producers are queuing up for comedians like me. I am glad that we comedians have finally got our due in the Odia film industry. My remuneration has increased manifold,” said Pappu.

Comedian Jayiram Samal, who has acted in more than 300 Odia films, feels comedians get only a few scenes, but entertain, and that’s why people love them.

“Our popularity is no less than that of heroes. I remember, one of my films was stalled in Berhampur as it did not have me in the poster,” said Samal whose role of ‘Mathuri Das’ in his debut movie Jajabara (1975) established him as comedian who would go on to enjoy a massive fan following. In his four-decade career, he came within an inch of playing the lead just once. “Once, I was supposed to play the hero opposite Aparajita Mohanty, but that movie never saw the light of the day,” said Samal.

The comedian-turned-heroes believe they have a bigger challenge. Harihara feels that people have a preconceived notion about the hero, but the comedian can take up roles that are unconventional.

Film researchers call this a welcome change but also expressed doubts. “The phenomenon is welcome but it seems to be a passing fad. Comedians as protagonists have always had a short, successful run. There was a time when only family films were made. Later, they made way for action films. The recent past saw a surge of romantic dramas and now, the rise of comedians,” said Surya Deo, film analyst.