Odia film ‘Pade Akasha’ released on Friday on the big screen, bringing to life the incredible journey of Dr. Sruti Mohapatra, a woman who turned her pain into power and became an unwavering voice for the thousands through purpose. Based on her true story, the film offers an emotional and inspiring portrayal of how one individual’s resilience can ignite change in the lives of many.
Dr. Sruti Mohapatra, an iconic figure from Odisha, has become a symbol of determination and advocacy for the rights of the disabled. A wheelchair-bound woman, she defied all odds when a major setback her job dismissal due to her disability could have crushed her dreams. Instead, it served as the catalyst for her to rise, become an IAS-qualified woman, and lead countless movements advocating for the rights and dignity of people with disabilities.
Starring Archita Sahu in the lead role, with Susant Mani at the helm as director, ‘Pade Akasha’ has taken viewers on an emotional rollercoaster. The film highlights Dr. Sruti’s struggles, her triumphs, and her unwavering commitment to her cause. It reveals the tireless efforts of a woman who, despite personal hardships, managed to spark a movement and become an inspiring advocate for social justice and disability rights.
Archita Sahu, in her portrayal of Dr. Sruti Mohapatra, said, "Watching Sruti Apa’s incredible life story unfolds on the big screen for the first time was an unforgettable experience. From production to promotion, to shooting, every step felt like a journey. But when I saw it with the audience on the big screen, it was deeply emotional. What moved me most was the pride everyone felt. To be honest, even a full-length film feels too small to do justice to her remarkable work. This isn’t just a story, it's her story of resilience and strength, and it deserves to reach everyone. After the screening, people said, ‘This is what Odia cinema truly is!’ In that moment, I felt like I’d won every award. Their appreciation fills me with new energy to keep doing meaningful work.”
This emotional connection with the film's message also resonated with Archita’s husband, actor Sabyasachi Mishra, who praised the movie for contributing to a larger conversation about the rights and dignity of Divyangs, as well as gender equality. "This film not only showcases creative diversity but also opens the door to a new kind of cinema one that is meaningful and has a deeper societal impact. It’s not just about commercial dance or action films; it’s about real-life heroines like Dr. Sruti Mohapatra, who deserve to be seen and celebrated. I’m proud of the hard work Archita has put into this film, her commitment to this real-life, bold story is commendable. This film will undoubtedly mark a new era for women-centric films in the industry.”
Swadhin Khatua, a volunteer from Swabhiman (State Disability Information And Resource Centre), founded by Dr. Sruti Mohapatra shared, “Dr. Sruti Mohapatra is an unwavering source of inspiration. Her journey is marked by immense struggle, but also extraordinary success. Her work in advocating for the rights and protection of people with disabilities across India is unparalleled. Over the past 14 years, my wife and I have learned discipline, values, and work ethics from her. This film will help share her story with a larger audience, and I hope that people across Odisha watch it and gain meaningful insights from her incredible life."
The film’s team is also supported by an array of talented artists and technicians. The screenplay, written by Biplav Singh & Debidutta Mohanty, gives the story depth and emotion, while Bharadwaj Panda’s dialogues add to the authenticity of the script. The music, composed by Prem Anand and the heartfelt lyrics by Bijaya Malla, amplify the film’s emotional beats. Cinematographers Subranshu Das & Falgu Satpathy create visually stunning imagery, and editor Sukumar Mani’s work ensures a seamless narrative flow that keeps audiences engaged.
Despite the film’s challenging subject, Pade Akasha has been met with overwhelming praise, with audiences appreciating the cinematic journey that brings to life not only the struggles of Dr. Sruti but also the untold stories of so many others who find themselves overlooked by society.
At its core, Pade Akasha is a poignant reminder that mainstream cinema can tell stories that matter—stories of real-life heroes who, despite adversity, change the world for the better. And through Archita Sahu’s performance, the film brings a deeper understanding of the courage, dignity, and resilience that we must all strive to embrace.
In a time when cinema often focuses on flashy heroes and commercial success, Pade Akasha is a beacon of hope, showing that stories of real heroes—especially those who fight for justice and equality—deserve to be heard.
