Mahurat of Chini in Sambalpur. Telegraph picture

Sambalpur, Sept. 26: The mahurat of the film titled Chini was held at Samaleswari temple here on Monday. It is the fourth film ever to be made in the Sambalpuri dialect.

The film, which is based on condemning superstitions, will hit the silver screen soon. Being made under the banner of Nab Jeevan Films, actors such as Maheswata Ray, Debu Bose, Manoj Mishra and Mihir Das will be seen in important roles in the film.

Several artistes from Sambalpur will also be seen acting in the film. “Veteran singer Asha Bhosle has sung a song in the film,” said director Pradeep Bhol.

Chini was staged in a drama competition organised by Juba Uddayan in Sambalpur in December 2007.

“Drama enthusiasts had appreciated the presentation. The appreciation of the people urged us to make a film on this subject. We hope that the audience appreciates Chini when they see it on the big screen. The film will be shot at different locations of Sambalpur, Sundergarh, the Chhatishgarh-Odisha border and the Jharkhand–Odisha border,” said Bhol.

Chini is the story of superstitions prevailing in the society. Even people who are educated and modern, are not yet free from the chains of false beliefs and myths, said the director. The film is slated for release during the New Year.

“The culture, traditions and festivals of western Odisha will be depicted in the movie. There are seven songs and I hope that people will enjoy the folk touch in music. Hemanta Pandey and Sankar Pradhan are scoring the music. The music director duo and the lyricists have worked hard for the songs. A song on Nuakhai is also there in the film,” added Bhol.

Binod Pashayat, lyricist of the film, said: “I consider myself fortunate for being a part of the venture. I am hopeful that the music of the film will be appreciated.”

Shyam Sundra Dhar, a film critic, who was present at the mahurat said: “I have seen the play Chini. It has a beautiful plot. The film will definitely touch the people of Odisha. Moreover, the effort made by the team of Chini is also praiseworthy. It is the fourth Sambalpuri film and with the dialect gaining popularity across the state, there is growing demand for Sambalpuri films.”