After a long gap, I have once again started following Odia films. Thankfully, these days a few young and energetic directors are experimenting and trying their best to bring a fresh approach to filmmaking with genuine intention. Their aim is clear — to present original stories with a strong touch of Odia flavour. Recently, I visited Cinepolis multiplex in Bhubaneswar to watch Bou Butu Bhuta, a horror-suspense thriller that has captured the imagination of audiences across the state. The film has become a runaway success, with reports suggesting it has grossed over ₹22 crore at the box office — an impressive feat considering its modest budget of ₹2 crore. It has now become the highest-grossing Odia film of all time.
The film is directed by Jagdish Mishra and produced by Tripti Satapathy under Babushaan Films. The music is composed by Gaurav Anand, with background scores by Abhishek Panigrahi. Bou Butu Bhuta was theatrically released on 12th June 2025.
From a business perspective, Bou Butu Bhuta is also notable as a family venture. The producer and the two lead actors belong to the same family, making this success a deeply personal achievement for them. Babushaan Mohanty (Butu) and Aparajita Mohanty (Bou) play the leading characters. Trupti Satapathy, wife of Babushaan, is the producer, and this film marks her debut venture.
With its gripping narrative, local essence, and commercial triumph, Bou Butu Bhuta stands as a testament to the evolving face of Odia cinema — one that dares to experiment while staying rooted in its cultural identity.
The film makes selective yet effective use of special effects, enhancing key moments without overwhelming the narrative. Notably, the director refrains from using heavy ghostly makeup for the possessed character, opting instead for a more natural and believable portrayal of horror. Most of the cast members deliver their lines with commendable smoothness, adding to the film’s understated authenticity. Aparajita Mohanty delivers what can easily be considered the finest performance of her career. Renowned for her impeccable dialogue delivery, she has long relied on this gift as one of her greatest strengths. However, in this film, she demonstrates an even greater mastery—conveying depth and emotion through subtle gestures, controlled body language, and expressive glances. Even with minimal dialogue, she commands the screen, standing apart and leaving an indelible mark on the audience.
The film’s frame composition and cinematography are commendable. Direction and camera work stand out as strong points. The director takes his first step into filmmaking with a big boom. The dialogues feel refreshingly realistic, though a few veteran actors occasionally slip into mild melodrama in both their delivery and gestures. The director cleverly explores the potential of Odisha’s scenic village landscapes and waterbodies, using them beautifully as the film’s backdrop. Bou Butu Bhuta perfectly blends comedy, horror, and family drama, creating a unique mixture of suspense and entertainment.
In rural villages of Odisha, belief in supernatural beings is deeply ingrained. The concepts of dayen (witches) and ghosts are natural parts of everyday life. Particularly in tribal Odisha, both the dayen and the village priest hold significant influence within the community. This cultural authenticity ensures that Odia audiences can connect easily with each character and incident in the film.
However, the second half of the film tends to drag, making it feel longer than necessary. In my view, some of the subplots could have been removed. Focusing on just one would have tightened the screenplay, making the narrative sharper and more engaging. The jungle chase sequences also feel unnecessarily long and repetitive, while the song fails to leave a lasting impact.
Overall, the film blends cultural familiarity with a fresh approach to horror, carried strongly by its performances — especially Aparajita Mohanty’s career-defining act. With tighter editing and a more focused narrative, it could have been an even more compelling cinematic experience.
At the end, I give my heartfelt thanks to all the crew members and the creative team for giving the Odia audience a truly good film. The overwhelming appreciation from the public and the box office success will definitely encourage the producer, writer, and director to create more such films rooted in Odia flavour.
Badhia..lekhicha mu bi rabi mishra ku kahuthi jangal katha
The present day odia film producer/director should make effort in making such type of film with odia touch. It will be commercially viable. Already proved. I hope, odia film will again thrive.
Excellent review. But no mention of story and screen play writer.
Yes in 2nd half sub plots got stretched. A tighter editing would have taken the film to even greater heights .