Director, writer and producer Sabyasachi Mohapatra’s film Aadim Vichar bagged national film award as best Odia film this year. Aadim Vichar is a tale of ancient tradition and human values. The story depicts the life of tribes settled in the plains of Odisha. They are Kandhas, who are a simple and hard working tribe. Their life is a melody full of songs and dance; they lead a community life and believe in peaceful existence. Mohapatra, an internationally acclaimed director, has also directed many award winning films like Bhukha, Sala Budha, Jai Jagannatha, Bahudibe Mo Jaga Balia, Bou and Jhilli, etc. He spoke to Sefali Suman on his films and life.
The time when Aadim Vichar was written, the life was so simple at that time, whereas today’s life is complicated. Do you think that the movie has some relevance to the present societyIJ
Yes, of course. We should welcome modernity, but we should not forget our tradition. Simplicity, human values, social values and positive thinking were present at that time. We should follow all those things. Culture unites the people and if we have cultural integrity in our nation, then there will be development. I have seen all these qualities among the tribal people. As the movie has all these qualities, it has relevance to the society.
Your father Kapileswar Prasad Mohapatra was very straight and simple in his stories. His stories were less imaginary and more real. How does it help you in film makingIJ
It is very tough for me to depict reality in my movies. I always try to show honesty. That is why I avoid going more to technicalities. My father’s stories are based on many true stories. I try to depict all the stories in real sense. I had taken some tribal people, as the film is based on tribal people, who were not professional artists. It looks real. I research a lot and find the root of reality.
At the time of making a film on a literature piece, sometimes original message of the story is lost. When you are making films on literary fiction, how far you maintain the originalityIJ
I always try to keep the intrinsic value of the story. It has certain impact on the society. I am privileged that I have taken the story of my father. I have convinced my father to change something in the script when film demands. Movie is an audio-visual format and also for the target audience some changes may be required in a film. But I try to keep the message intact.
What is the relation between language and filmIJ Why do you choose Koshali as the medium in Aadim VicharIJ Does Koshali language portray a theme of a film betterIJ
Yes, I could have chosen Odia or Hindi in my film, but I thought Koshali language suits my film best. My father has written the story on western Odisha and, hence, during dramatisation, the film needs the language spoken in the region.
What is so special about Aadim VicharIJ What message do you want to give to society through this filmIJ
In those times, people’s heart was pure; there was social harmony and cooperation. I tried to make those human and social values alive. let life be simple and happy.
What’s your view on present trend of Odia film industryIJ What is your view about the future of Odia filmIJ
Culture, tradition and literature, all are now missing in the mainstream films. Adoption and remake of a film is not bad, but there should not be exact copy and paste. Everyone wants fast food now. Dedication is lacking. But I am hopeful. The audience has started realizing it. People are appreciating good films.
At the same time, our Government doesn’t patronise the film industry. We don’t have sufficient subsidy also in our State for the films. Nobody is taking interest in it though film is a powerful medium.
What is status of art movie in OdishaIJ Do you think that people of Odisha appreciate itIJ
Aadim Vichara is a middle order cinema and this trend is appreciated by the audience now.
Who is the inspiration behind the making of story Aadim VicharIJ
My father and his stories are my inspiration.
What is your next projectIJ
Sala Budha ra Badala (Revenge of Sala Budha). You will find social value in that film also. Your father is cynic, intolerant, and user of harsh language as he has admitted in the preface of his book.
How these qualities influence your personal life and workIJ
My father is an experienced and talented person. He is a Gandhian and a social worker and a man of principle. It influenced me a lot. I’ve imbibed punctuality, principle and honesty from my father. He is the first critic of my films.
What suggestions would you like to give to young directorsIJ
Believe in yourself and believe in God. Be sincere in your work. Don’t think filmmaking is an easy job; it is a serious business. A director should concentrate in every department of the film.