'I Am Kalam'director working on new film 'Pallavi'

Filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda whose directional debut "I Am Kalam" won over 30 awards in India and abroad, is working on "Pallavi", a movie based on the art and culture of his home state Odisha.

"'Pallavi' (blossoming) will be based on a story that will trace the journey of three generations of classical Odissi dancers, a journey from Odisha to Moscow and Paris," Panda told IANS over phone from London.

The theme of the film revolves around Raghurajpur, the famous heritage crafts village in state's Puri district, about 50 km from state capital Bhubaneswar. The place is known for its rich tradition of art and culture.

Panda is on his way to Russia and France to finalise the co-production venture with both countries. He will also be looking to lock the foreign cast for the film, auditioning in Moscow and Paris, before returning to his headquarters in New Delhi.

"'Pallavi' will be a first for various reasons in mainstream Indian cinema, including the first ever crossover Odiya film, that will be in both Odiya and English," he said.

The film will serve as a tribute to Indian history and heritage, in symbiosis with western art and culture, especially the performance arts, and the various forms of dance and music. The journey will start from the 'Gotipua' tradition from where the Odissi classical dance form originated.

Shooting of the film will begin at the start of next year. The director expects to release the film seven months later as he is packed with projects till then.

Panda said he is also looking for an Odishi dancer for the film from his own state.

Panda got international success with "I Am Kalam" which travelled to over 60 international film festivals. It was followed by "Jalpari - The Desert Mermaid" last year, and his new film "Love is not Mathematics" all set to hit the box office soon.