Sanjay Mishra visits Puri Jagannath Temple before debut Odia film Madhumalati
Synopsis
Veteran Bollywood actor Sanjay Mishra made a pilgrimage to the Jagannath Temple in Puri before beginning work on 'Madhumalati' — his first-ever Odia film. The 1980s romantic drama, directed by Mrityunjay Sahoo under the Auroshree Films banner, marks a significant crossover moment for one of Hindi cinema's most distinctive character actors.
Key Takeaways
Sanjay Mishra visited the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri to seek blessings before his debut Odia film.
His first Odia film is titled 'Madhumalati' , a romantic drama set in the 1980s .
The film is directed by Mrityunjay Sahoo and produced under the Auroshree Films banner.
Shooting has begun at the Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bus Terminal in Baramunda, Odisha .
This was Mishra's second visit to the Jagannath Temple; he had previously visited Konark while filming in Odisha.
Actor Sanjay Mishra visited the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha and offered prayers to Lord Jagannath, seeking blessings ahead of his debut Odia-language film, 'Madhumalati'. The visit, which coincided with rainfall at the temple premises, marked a personal milestone for the veteran actor as he steps into a new regional cinema for the first time.
The Temple Visit
Mishra described the experience as deeply moving, noting that the rain during his visit felt like a divine blessing. He also partook in the temple's Mahaprasad, calling it an exceptional experience. The actor also praised the cleanliness of the temple premises, calling it one of the highlights of his visit.
Clarifying to the media that this was not his first visit, Mishra said it was in fact his second time at the Jagannath Temple and expressed his intention to keep returning. He had previously visited Konark while shooting in Odisha on an earlier occasion.
Speaking to reporters, Mishra said: 'It was a great experience. It has rained, and India needs water. Jagannath has been very kind. I have come here to make a film, my first film in Odia, and I have to take His blessings. I also had the prasad, the Mahaprasad. What a thing! Very good. And the best thing is the cleanliness. It was very clean, very good.'
About Madhumalati
Shooting for 'Madhumalati' has already commenced, with the Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bus Terminal in Baramunda serving as one of the film's primary locations. The film is produced under the Auroshree Films banner and directed by Mrityunjay Sahoo.
Described as a romantic drama set in the 1980s, the film carries the tagline '80s Romance is Back', aiming to revive the warmth, innocence, and emotional depth of classic Odia love stories. It marks Mishra's formal debut in Odia cinema.
A New Chapter for a Veteran Actor
Known widely for his roles in films such as 'Satya' and a string of acclaimed Hindi productions, Mishra's foray into Odia cinema signals growing interest among established Bollywood names in India's regional film industries. Notably, his decision to seek blessings at one of India's most revered pilgrimage sites before beginning the project underscores the personal significance he attaches to this debut.
With the shoot now underway, audiences and industry watchers will be keenly watching how 'Madhumalati' shapes up as Mishra's first venture into Odia storytelling.
Point of View
Where scripts often offer more layered roles than mainstream Hindi productions. The choice of a nostalgic 1980s romantic drama as his entry point is strategically astute — it leans into audience sentiment rather than competing on spectacle. Whether 'Madhumalati' can translate Mishra's pan-India recognition into Odia box-office traction will be worth watching, as it tests how much star power crosses linguistic lines in India's fragmented film market.
NationPress
25 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sanjay Mishra's first Odia film?
Sanjay Mishra's first Odia film is 'Madhumalati', a romantic drama set in the 1980s directed by Mrityunjay Sahoo and produced under the Auroshree Films banner. Shooting has already begun in Odisha.
Why did Sanjay Mishra visit the Jagannath Temple in Puri?
Mishra visited the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri to seek Lord Jagannath's blessings before beginning work on his debut Odia film 'Madhumalati'. He said it was important to receive divine blessings before embarking on the project.
Where is 'Madhumalati' being shot?
Shooting for 'Madhumalati' has commenced in Odisha, with the Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bus Terminal in Baramunda serving as one of the key filming locations.
Who is directing Sanjay Mishra's Odia debut film?
'Madhumalati' is directed by Mrityunjay Sahoo and produced under the Auroshree Films banner. The film carries the tagline '80s Romance is Back'.
Has Sanjay Mishra visited Odisha before?
Yes, Mishra has previously visited Konark while shooting in Odisha, and confirmed that his visit to the Jagannath Temple in Puri was his second, not his first.
