Odia web series “Barang 1999” is now running on OTT platform
Bhubaneswar: The Odia web series, Barang 1999, a gritty political drama that traces the journey of Amrita Paddy, who takes up arms against the bigots of the system, is now rolling on Kanccha Lannka.
The seven-episode series is a powerful exploration of political struggles and a woman’s indomitable spirit when faced with injustice in her own family and then framed by those who claim to be guardians of justice. While Supriya Nayak plays the female lead, the film’s star cast also includes two nationally acclaimed Odia artistes – the recently appointed Director of NSD and popular Bollywood actor Chittaranjan Tripathi. Sacred Games, Phantom, Shubh Mangal Savdani Kudos to Sukumar Tudu who acted Maharani, Jengaburu, and 12th Fail glory.
The web series, written by Saroj Mahapatra and conceptualized by Dilip Bisoi, is directed by Ajay Padi.
Although marked as a fictional offering, one cannot help but draw parallels with the sensational Barangay gang-rape case in which the victims were gang-raped at gunpoint for nearly four hours on January 9, 1999, and the subsequent public outcry over the demolition. Law and order in the state and the fall of the Congress government. While two of the three accused in the gruesome act were arrested in the days following the incident and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2002, the main accused from Maharashtra was arrested 22 years later.
“Barang 1999 was not even a challenge for me as the canvas was huge with a believable script. Re-creating the 90s was exciting and challenging, but the team managed to do a great job and I hope viewers enjoy the series as much as we did making it,” said Paddy.
The series also shows the bitter battle between the political leaders that lasted for more than five years, and how the gruesome sexual assault case was used by both to further their political interests, the director added.
“We are very excited to introduce a concept to our audience that promises to be both entertaining and inspiring. This is not the story of one woman, it is the saga of women around the world who have taken a stand and locked horns with the system in search of justice. This is Odisha’s first and biggest political thriller and we hope the audience will love it,” said Kanccha Lannka co-founder and chairman Akshay Parija.
