The cast and crew of Thookool at its mahurat in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 16: Mitra Creative Arts is all set to launch its new production Thookool after the success of its first production Jiyanta Bhuta. With much fanfare the mahurat was held here last week.

Yesteryear actor and director Prasanta Nanda will be directing the film. The excited director, who has recently bagged two state awards for Jiyanta Bhuta said: “Everyday I think of at least two story ideas. But the plot of Thookool has been haunting me for a long time. I discussed the idea with Akshaya Parija and we both decided to go ahead.”

The film is based on the philosophy of eternal love that knows no boundaries. The story revolves around two artistes — a dancer and a singer — and their journey of unconditional love. Actress Archita is playing the role of the danseuse and Babushan is the singer.

“It’s a very powerful and sensitive subject. I cried when I heard the storyline. Moreover, it has always been my dream to work with legendary actor-director Prasanta Nanda. In the film I play the mridangam and whenever I hear the sounds of the ghungroo, I feel the urge to play the instrument. I am enchanted by the character played by Archita and also fall in love with her dance. Our beautiful journey of love, its different emotions and nuances, is something I know the audience will love, ” said Babushan.

To give a fresh feel to the film, Thookool will be shot at international locales such as Muscat.

The film will be on floor from the first week of September and is slated for release in the second week of January 2012.

“I am grateful to our distributor Ashok Shubarna, who will be taking care of the entire schedule at the foreign locations. He has agreed to distribute the film internationally. Like the last film, we are expecting to finish the production much before the scheduled date,” said optimistic producer Akshay Parija.

Well-known dancer Meera Das will be teaching Odissi to actress Archita and the young woman is excited about this new experience.