Bhubaneswar, Sept. 11: Well-known film and television humorist Harihar Mohapatra is set to play the hero in upcoming Odia film Roomku Jhumana.

Popular comedian Pappu Pom Pom was seen last playing the lead on screen in the recent romantic comedy Rangila Toka.

The mahurat ceremony of the film was organised on Sunday evening in the city.

As the title of the film suggests, Roomku Jhumana is a mix of comedy as well as serious emotions, said director Tapas Sargharia.

“The film is a family entertainer and we want to prove that it does not take slapstick comedy or crude one-liners to make people laugh. Our film features both entertaining comedy as well as emotional drama,” said Tapas.

For actor Harihar, the film is very special not just because he is the hero, but also for its script.

“Being the male lead is definitely a matter of pride for me. But it also gives me an additional responsibility of entertaining the audience. With a wonderful script, I am sure the film will be a success,” he said.

The film revolves around the relationship between the protagonist, Govinda (played by Harihar), and a small girl (played by child actor Bhoomika), whom he adopts and raises.

“Through the film we want to show that there are ties that are stronger than the bond of blood,” said Harihar, who has written the story and dialogues of the film. He and Tapas are the joint screenplay writers for the film.

The film is being made under the banner of Green Return Entertainment. Ramachandra Pradhan is the producer and Baidyanath Das is the music composer. Among other artistes in the film are veteran actor Mihir Das, Asit Pati, Ushashi Mishra, Pintu Nanda, Choudhury Bikash Das and Pradyumna Lenka.

Nepali actress Soujanya will make her debut in the Odia film industry as the female lead in the film.

“I have been working for the last two years as a leading lady in Nepal. The team of Roomku Jhumana approached me through our film development board. After listening to the script, I was glad to have been offered the role. Though I cannot speak Odia, I understand the language a bit and will not use any dubbing artiste for my dialogues,” said Soujanya.

The mahurat ceremony saw actor Sabyasachi, noted film personality Hara Patnaik and many others as guests. Shooting for the film has begun and it could be ready for release during the upcoming festive season, said a member of the crew.