NFDC-NMIC, Mumbai | Event Timing: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | March 22, 2026
Mumbai, March 22, 2026 – Shri Jagannatha Nka Nabakalebara, presented by Sai Shradha Teleproduction Private Limited, stands as a sincere devotional and cultural offering dedicated to the sacred heritage of Lord Jagannath and the spiritual identity of Odisha. The film is being presented in Mumbai not as a commercial proposition, but as an effort to respectfully carry the philosophy, devotion, and living tradition of Jagannath culture to wider audiences.
Released on July 4, 2025, the film dramatizes the sacred Nabakalebara ritual – the periodic renewal of the wooden deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Sudarshana. Through a narrative rooted in faith and history, it seeks to depict the spiritual depth, ritual discipline, and emotional devotion associated with one of Odisha’s most revered traditions. The journey of Banajaga Yatra, the search for the divine Daru, the role of sevayats and artisans, and the profound philosophy of renewal together form the spiritual foundation of this cinematic work.
Directed by Bini Samal, credited as Saubhagyalaxmi Jena, and produced under the banner of Sai Shradha Teleproduction Private Limited, the film reflects years of committed effort toward preserving sacred storytelling through cinema. It also marks an important creative milestone in a body of work long associated with Odia cultural narratives. The film features a notable ensemble from Odia cinema, including Siddhant Mohapatra, Sritam Das, Pinky Pradhan, Suryamayee, Jyoti, and Shivani, among others, whose performances contribute to its devotional and emotional resonance.
The journey of the film has been marked by meaningful recognition. It was screened at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi in the presence of the Hon’ble President of India, a moment of pride for Odia cinema and for regional storytelling rooted in civilizational values. The film has also reached audiences in India and abroad, including presentations associated with Indian diaspora communities and Indian Embassy platforms, enabling the spirit of Jagannath devotion to travel beyond regional and national boundaries.
For devotees, cultural institutions, and younger generations alike, Shri Jagannatha Nka Nabakalebara serves as more than a film; it is an act of remembrance, preservation, and cultural transmission. Its purpose is to honor Mahaprabhu Jagannath’s timeless legacy and to deepen awareness of Odisha’s sacred traditions through cinema. As it is presented today at NFDC-NMIC, Mumbai, this occasion invites reflection on faith, continuity, and the enduring place of Jagannath culture in the spiritual and cultural life of India.
Distinguished Guests & Dignitaries who were present at the premier of the film:
- Dr. Surendra Nath Mohapatra, President – Vishwa Odia Mahasangha
- Dr. Santrupt Mishra, MP – Rajya Sabha
- Mr. Arup Patnaik, IPS (Retd.) – Former IPS Officer
- Dr. Ramakanta Panda – Padma Bhushan Awardee, Chairman, Asian Heart Institute
- Mr. Ritesh Mishra, IRS – Income Tax Commissioner
- Dr. Srikrishna Patnaik – Industrialist
- Mrs. Kavita Mishra – Social Worker
- Mrs. Lopita Mishra Hota – Singer
- Mr. Prakash Ratha – IndusInd Bank
- Mr. Bibhuti Rath – Tata Steel
- Mr. Deepak Sahu – HDFC Bank
- Mr. Manoj Patra – Percept Events
- Mr. Rinkesh Roy – JSW Group
- CA Rashmikant Mohapatra – Chartered Accountant
- Mr. Prakash Guha – Industrialist
- Mr. Bijay Mishra – Businessman
- Mr. Benudhar Biswal – Industrialist
- Mr. Sanjib Patil, IPS – ACP, Mumbai
- Mrs. Saubhagyalaxmi Samal (Bini Appa)
- Shri Debadutta Chand, MD & CEO, Bank of Baroda
- Shri Amit Tripathy, CIO, Nippon India Mutual Fund
- Shri Ajit Das Chowdhury, Director, Cadmus Capital
- Dr. Poonam Gupta, Deputy Governor, Reserve bank of India
- Shri Brahmananda Meher, Managing Director, Arundhati Jewellers
- Shri Kanti Kumar, producer, Luminary pictures
- Cpt Kamalakanta Chaudhry
- Mrs Sadhana Chaudhry
- Mrs Saubhagyalaxmi Samal, ( Bini Appa), Producer and director
- Sri Ranjan Ray
- Advocate Sri Gobind Mohanty
- Mr Sunachand Sahoo
- Mr Manoj kumar Nayak , (Muna Bhai)
- Sri Nilamani Nanda
- Sri Ratan Patnayak
- Sri DP Padhiary
- Sri Surya Gauda
- Smt Linu Nayak
- Smt Dolly Jena
- Sri Durgaprasad Harischandan
- Sri Nilesh Dalai
- Sri Arabinda Jati
- Sri Nihar Baral
- Juhar pictures, (Juhar Pictures is associated with this initiative as the Strategic Partner.
This cinematic work revisits the spiritual journey of renewal, faith, sacrifice, and collective service through the Banajaga Yatra, the search for the sacred Daru, the making of the divine forms, and the profound mystery of rebirth that lies at the heart of Jagannath culture.
Cinematic Divinity: The Phenomenon of Sri Jagannatha nka Nabakalebar A concise interpretation
What the film presents
Directed by Bini Samal (credited as Saubhagyalaxmi Jena) and produced under Sai Shradha Teleproduction Pvt. Ltd., the film is a devotional historical drama built over nearly three years of work. It dramatizes the sacred Nabakalebara ritual—the renewal of the wooden deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Sudarshana.
Why it matters
The film works not only as cinema, but also as cultural documentation. It introduces younger audiences to lesser-known dimensions of Odisha’s living spiritual heritage and to the philosophical idea that even the Lord undergoes renewal.
Public and cultural response
The film drew strong theatrical response, including reported housefull screenings and emotionally charged audience participation. Its journey extended to Rashtrapati Bhavan and to international screenings and releases across diaspora centres in North America, Europe, Indonesia, and South Africa.
Narrative and ritual journey
At its core is a journey of desecration, resistance, faith, and restoration. The story follows devotees, servitors, artisans, pilgrims, and a rising king through Banajaga, the search for the sacred Neem trees, the making of the
divine forms, and the mystery of Brahma transfer.
Creative and cast highlights
It marks the directorial debut of Saubhagyalax mi Jena, known for producing state award-winning serials including Bahu and Sindura Bindu, along with many other television works since 1999. The ensemble includes Siddhant Mohapatra, Sritam Das, Pinky Pradhan, Suryamayee, Jyoti, Shivani, and others.
Interpretive takeaway
For Odisha, this work stands as more than a film screening. It is an offering—one that carries memory, ritual, and identity to the screen, and invites viewers to encounter Jagannath culture with reverence rather than distance.
