Maa (1959)
This film is a classic and holds a significant place in the history of Odia cinema. It was the second production of the husband-wife duo of Gour Prasad Ghose and Parbati Ghose (Chandana).
- Story and Theme: Based on a story by Gyanindra Barma, “Maa” addresses the stark disparity between the rich and the poor. It’s a social drama that resonated deeply with audiences, earning critical acclaim and immense popularity.
- Production and Direction: The film was directed by Nitai Palit, who also directed the popular film Bhai Bhai (1956). “Maa” was produced by Gour Prasad Ghose under the banner of Chitram.
- Cast: The lead roles were played by Gour Prasad Ghose and Chandana, a successful on-screen couple whose real-life romance blossomed during the filming, leading to their marriage after the film’s release. The cast also included notable actors like Laxmipriya Mahapatra, Gobinda Tej, and Ananta Mahapatra.
- Music and Technical Aspects: The music was composed by Bhubaneswar Misra, and the film featured playback singers like Akshaya Mohanty and Pranab Patnaik. One of the film’s most notable contributions was the debut of the legendary dancer Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra as a dance director for films.
- Significance: “Maa” is remembered for its powerful social commentary and its role in launching the careers of many artists in the Odia film industry.
Maa (1992)
This film, while sharing the same title, is a starkly different story, blending family drama with a supernatural twist.
- Plot: The narrative revolves around a murdered mother who returns as a ghost to seek revenge on those who wronged her and separated her from her family for financial gain. This horror-drama element was a unique take on the “Maa” theme.
- Direction and Crew: The film was directed by the veteran filmmaker Prasanta Nanda, who was a multi-talented figure in Odia cinema, serving as an actor, director, writer, and singer. The screenplay was co-written by Prasanta Nanda and Bijay Mishra.
- Cast: The film featured a large ensemble cast including Ritu Das, Rakhee Gulzar, Uttam Mohanty, Aparajita Mohanty, and Hara Patnaik.
- Music: The music for the film was composed by Rahul Dev Burman, a legendary name in Indian cinema, with lyrics by Swarup Nayak. This brought a high level of musical talent to the Odia industry.
Sabata Maa (2003)
This film, while not simply “Maa,” is a significant entry in the list of Odia films that explore the complexities of motherhood. “Sabata Maa” translates to “Stepmother.”
- Direction and Production: Directed by Sisir Misra, the film was produced by Gyana Ranjan Pattnayak and Ashok Kumar Lenka. Sisir Misra also co-wrote the screenplay.
- Cast: The film featured a strong cast of prominent Odia actors, including Bijay Mohanty, Mahasweta Roy, Anu Choudhury, Sritam Das, Barsha Priyadarshini, and Hara Patnaik.
- Theme: As the title suggests, the film delves into the dynamics of a stepmother-child relationship, a theme that has been explored in various cultures and cinematic traditions. It likely examines the challenges, prejudices, and emotional bonds within such a family structure.
These films demonstrate how the theme of “Maa” has been a powerful and versatile subject in Odia cinema, used to tell stories ranging from social commentary and family drama to supernatural revenge fantasies. They are key markers in the evolution of the industry, reflecting changing tastes and narrative styles over the decades.