After nearly 80 years of Netaji asking for blood to get freedom, yet another young Odia sought the same on his social media handle. But this time, his goal is to make Odia films shine on global platforms. Meet Sakti Jagdev, the debutant producer of Phalguna Chaitra, an upcoming movie that has been making the right noises across media. In a unique gesture, he also plans to share the film’s profits among senior artistes, crew members and HIV victims. Ahead of movie’s release, the techie-turned-filmmaker took some time off to have a breezy chat with Bijay Mandal of Orissa POST.
Excerpts:
What made you foray into filmmaking, an uncertain profession, especially in Odisha, while you were quite secure in your IT job in the Middle East?
Let me tell you that the job in Kuwait is still on, which is the source of my finances. The primary reason that pulled me to do this project was to do some action for the betterment of our culture and self respect. I felt it was high time to act rather than complain.
How far are you satisfied with your choice as the movie is ready to hit the screens, and why?
I would say surely 50% on how the product has come out and embracing the appreciation from all around. There is still a lot more to do, as I feel there are areas we lack as an industry and project planning vs execution. I have some plans to implement in the near future, fingers crossed for the audience response.
What changes do you think your movie will bring about in Odia cinema?
I am hopeful that it will set a standard from making aspect. Secondly, it is setting up a channel through which good films in the future can have exposure to the overseas market. This has financial aspects as well, given that we have a really limited number of theatres in Odisha.
How do you manage your job overseas and filmmaking?
I am considering this as another project at my office for which I give time after my office hours. As they say, no better result can be seen without hardship. I am just trying to give my best.
What will your next course of action be?
I am planning a grand project for 2025. I want to implement all my learnings from this project, and for sure there will be a lot of collaboration with other successful industries as well which I have started discussions with. Jay Jagannath