image credits: Bookmyshow
Pade Akasha, released on April 11, 2025, is a biographical Odia film that portrays the life of Dr. Sruti Mohapatra, a Bhubaneswar-based disability rights activist. The story traces her journey from a dynamic young woman to a tetraplegic after a 1987 car accident, highlighting her resilience in founding Swabhiman, an organization advocating for disability inclusion. The plot centers on her fight for accessible infrastructure and policy reforms, such as ramps in public buildings and reservations for disabled students. Spanning her early life, accident, and advocacy, the narrative uses real events like her 1990s campaigns for barrier-free campuses.
Craftsmanship and Talent Behind Pade Akasha 2025
Pade Akasha is directed by Sushant Mani under Tarang Cine Productions. The screenplay, co-written with input from Dr. Mohapatra, depicts her life with sensitivity, ensuring factual accuracy. Archita Sahu leads as Sruti, delivering a performance lauded for capturing vulnerability and strength. Supporting actors include Smita Mohanty and Rajeh Jais. The film’s music, composed by Prem Anand, features the title track Pade Akasha, with lyrics by Bijay Malla that resonate with hope. The cinematography showcases Bhubaneswar’s landmarks, like Utkal University. Shot over 45 days in 2024, the Rs. 3-crore production balances authenticity with cinematic appeal.
Audience Review and Critical Acclaim
Since its release in 80 theaters across Odisha, Pade Akasha has drawn crowds, grossing Rs. 1.5 crore in its opening weekend. Audiences have praised Archita’s portrayal, with a Cuttack viewer sharing, “She made me feel Sruti’s pain and power.” Another added, “A heartfelt film with strong message, this movie shines through its powerful female lead. Archita Sahu gave one of the best performances of her career. The making, music, and visuals elevated the movie so well.”
A viewer added “Archita dii delivers a heartfelt performance in this inspiring movie about overcoming challenges. Dr. Sruti’s life story is very heart touching and inspiring, the direction is solid, & the film is well shot, making it a great watch for anyone looking for motivation and a feel-good experience.” in Bookmyshow. Audiences have rated it 9.6/10 on platforms like BookMyShow. The film’s focus on accessibility has sparked discussions, with 200+ students at a Bhubaneswar screening pledging support for disability rights.
How is Pade Akasha Driving Odisha’s Cinematic and Social Narrative?
Pade Akasha joins 2024’s successful Odia films like Karma (Rs. 7 crore gross), signaling Ollywood’s shift toward meaningful storytelling. Its box office steadiness accounts for 50% occupancy in Bhubaneswar’s INOX theaters. The film’s portrayal of Odisha’s disability challenges, like the 1.2 lakh registered disabled citizens, educates while entertaining. Partnerships with NGOs like Swabhiman for screenings amplified its impact, with 10,000+ viewers reached by April 14, 2025. Unlike typical biopics, it avoids exaggeration, focusing on Sruti’s policy wins, like Odisha’s 2018 accessibility guidelines.
Pade Akasha: A Lasting Tribute to Dr. Sruti
Pade Akasha honors Dr. Sruti Mohapatra’s 35-year legacy, from her Padma Shri nomination to Swabhiman’s 2001 launch. By blending Odisha’s cultural aspects with universal themes, it elevates Odia cinema’s global appeal. Both commercial and social success prove that regional films can inspire change. As one viewer noted, “It’s not just a movie; it’s a call to act.”
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