After a string of unsuccessful remakes, Ollywood, the Odia film industry, is making a comeback with original content and high-quality productions. This resurgence is receiving recognition not just within the region but also nationally and internationally. One such film that has grabbed attention is 'T'.
Directed by Jitesh Kumar Parida, 'T' marks his directorial debut in Ollywood and holds the distinction of being the first Odia film entirely focused on the transgender community. It delves into the life of Meghna Sahoo, the first transgender cab driver in India. The film's trailer and posters, in both Odia and Hindi, were showcased at the India pavilion during the prestigious Cannes Film Festival last month.
Parida, known for his previous films like 'Mantostaan' and 'Side A & Side B,' which were also featured at Cannes, shared that the idea for 'T' was presented to him by actor Debashis Sahoo. "While attending various international film festivals, including Cannes, I always aspired to create a film in my native language, Odia, that could be showcased on global platforms. The story of Meghna appealed to me because it shed light on the untold perspectives of our society," he explained.
Highlighting the common clichés and negative portrayals of the transgender community in Indian cinema, Parida emphasized the importance of understanding the harsh realities they face. He noted that many hijras face social stigma and mistreatment, often resorting to begging or engaging in sex work for survival.
For the role of Meghna, Parida selected Debashish, who had already been working on the film's concept for nearly six years. Prior to commencing production, the director dedicated two years to extensive research, including in-depth discussions with Meghna and other community members. This allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of their livelihood conditions, cultural backgrounds, and struggles. With the exception of a few mainstream actors, the majority of the cast consists of transgender individuals and the film has been shot at real locations where members of the community reside and work.
'T' also features Usashi Misra portraying the transgender leader Meera Parida, along with Hara Rath, Prasanjit Mohapatra, and Ranbir Kalsi. The film has already made its mark at numerous international film festivals, captivating audiences worldwide with its poignant storytelling.
'T' is a significant step forward for the Odia film industry, as it breaks stereotypes and sheds light on the marginalized experiences of the transgender community. By presenting their stories on a global platform, the film aims to foster greater understanding and acceptance while creating a positive impact on society.
