Acclaimed Bollywood actor Sanjay Mishra has officially kicked off shooting for his maiden Odia film, titled Madhumalati, marking a major milestone for Ollywood. Filming commenced at the bustling Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bus Terminal in Baramunda, turning local hubs into active cinematic backdrops.
Produced under the Auroshree Films banner and directed by Mrityunjay Sahoo, Madhumalati is crafted as a nostalgic 1980s romantic drama. Carrying the banner line “80s Romance is Back,” the project aims to bring the warmth, innocence, and emotional depth of classic cinema to modern audiences.
The veteran actor landed in the capital city on August 14, 2026, and is scheduled to shoot across various local spots until August 26. Alongside Mishra, the ensemble cast features a mix of Ollywood icons and popular faces, including legend Mahasweta Ray, Bhumika Dash, Aakash Hota, Sanoj Kumar, and Pragya Mishra.
Mishra shared his admiration for the regional cinema landscape, citing his fondness for Odisha audiences since starring in the internationally acclaimed film Kadvi Hawa. Addressing the language transition, the actor acknowledged that learning Odia presents a creative challenge, though he embraces the experience with optimism. During his stay, Mishra also plans to visit the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar and the iconic Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.
The production is slated for a Dussehra 2026 theatrical release, making it one of the most anticipated regional films of the festive season.
