Script first, everything follows: Sudhanshu Sahoo

By ARINDAM GANGULY, OP

Bhubaneswar: For veteran filmmaker Sudhanshu Mohan Sahoo, filmmaking begins and ends with one thing—the script. As several of his films are either in theatres or awaiting release, Sahoo remains one of the busiest directors in Odia cinema at the moment.

His upcoming films, including Dandakali, Monster, Mangalpur Diary, Ram Rajya and Nayika, reflect his willingness to experiment. Yet, his approach remains simple: prepare the script thoroughly before anything else.

“My first priority is always getting the script ready. If the script is proper and ready, everything else falls into line,” Sahoo told Sunday POST.

He believes handling multiple projects is possible with careful planning and genuine passion for filmmaking. “With proper planning, you can work on multiple movies. But you have to have a deep love for filmmaking. If you have that passion, you can manage,” says the director. Among his most anticipated projects is Dandakali, scheduled for release during Ganesh Puja.

The film, which took more than a year to develop, is based on a real event and a major festival celebrated in southern Odisha, particularly around Brahmapur. “We had to prepare the story very carefully, keeping the festival and its cultural background at the centre,” Sahoo says. “I believe in discussing the characters and their roles with the actors beforehand. When everyone understands the character and the director’s vision, the work becomes much smoother,” he adds.

The diversity of his upcoming projects, he believes, will be a major attraction for audiences. “My upcoming films span different genres and themes—from religious stories and action-packed narratives to films that address contemporary social issues. I believe this variety will offer audiences something fresh and engaging.”

After making his directorial debut with Kiye Pochiba Maa Akhira Luha in 1998, he went on to helm films such as Sahara Jaluchi, Sa maya Kheluchi Chakka Bhaunri, Swayamsiddha, Don, Bapa Super man, Katak Sesha Ru Arambha Mayabi and Ganda Bhairava.

On the future of Odia cinema, the two-time State Films Award winner says, “Because filmmakers are coming up with more original storytelling, people are beginning to come back to theatres. That is a very good sign, and I hope this continues.”