Sala Budha – Tale of Human Values and Generosity

The Director of the Odia film, ‘Sala Budha’ (The Stupid Old Man) Sabyasachi Mohapatra has said that instead of looking at elderly people as liability by the younger ones, he feels that they are a great resource for leading the society. He said this at a media interaction here today during the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

Sabyasachi Mohapatra said that one in every five persons will be over 65 by 2035. It is not just the traditional values but the older generation who could be the light house for prosperity. Sala Budha has a subtle message for the present fast paced uncaring society. He said that the film is a tale of human values and generosity.

Sala Budha, made in Sambalpuri dialect spoken in the western part of Odisha, is one of the 26 feature films selected for the Indian Panorama category in this year’s edition. Mohapatra said that the story is based on a 100 years old story penned by his father, Sahitya Akademy award winner Shri Kapileswar Prasad Mohapatra. It is a black and white film with an 83-year-old protagonist. Sala Budha commemorates the silver jubilee of Mohapatra’s last film in the Sambalpuri dialect, Bhukha, a widely acclaimed film.

Set in a rural backdrop, Sala Budha is a film that ventures into the folklore lives of these simple God believing people. A journey through their faiths, culture, tradition and musical lives where man has only learnt to give and share.

Atala Bihari Panda, the main protagonist of the film said that acting in his first ever film was a challenge for him since he was a dramatist since childhood. The cast and crew of the film said that IFFI is a wide platform for the filmmakers to have cross cultural interaction and share their ideas of filmmaking.


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