When the long-awaited moment finally arrived and tickets for "Pushkara" became available, my family and I wasted no time in securing our seats at the Esplanade Mall near Rasulgarh, Bhubaneswar. The excitement was palpable as we posed for mandatory photos with the movie's poster, eagerly anticipating the cinematic journey that awaited us.

"Pushkara" unfolds from the pages of the celebrated Odia novel "Nadabindu" by the esteemed writer Sankar Tripathy. It offers a captivating glimpse into the fading tapestry of traditional rituals and cultures of Odisha, casting a unique spotlight on the city of Puri through the lens of a resident.

As the movie began, we embarked on a rollercoaster of emotions. The playful antics of the kids around Nilakantha and the comical attempts of the priests to seek "daana" had us giggling in delight. However, the film quickly delved into the depths of Nilakantha's complex and somber life, leaving us profoundly moved.

Sabyasachi Bhaina's impeccable acting skillfully portrayed the frustrations and sorrows of Nilakantha, immersing us so deeply that we felt as if we were experiencing his trials firsthand. The movie masterfully captures various facets of Puri, creating a sense of belonging to this enchanting place.

The timing of the songs was perfection, acting as emotional catalysts, enhancing the film's impact. Bibhuti Bhusan Gadanayak's remarkable work left an indelible mark, and I find myself humming "nuaghara khandi dine puruna heba"(ନୁଆ ଘର ଖଣ୍ଡି ଦିନେ ପୁରୁଣା ହେବ ) to this day.

Right until the very end, "Pushkara" kept us on the edge of our seats. The youthful squabbles between Nilakantha and his friends, the weight of his responsibilities, and the revelation of a hidden tradition made this movie a compelling must-watch. It effortlessly made us laugh, smile, and shed tears.

On a personal note, my parents can't stop saying, "ବହୁତ୍ ଦିନ ଲାଗିବ ଏହି ଫିଲ୍ମ ରୁ ନିଜକୁ ବାହାର କରିବା ପାଇଁ"("Bahut time lagiba ei film ru nijaku bahar karibaku") ("This movie will linger in our hearts for a long time").

In conclusion, "Pushkara" is an unmissable cinematic experience that will tug at your heartstrings. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in creating this remarkable movie that has left an indelible mark on all of us. Don't miss this cinematic gem!

Pushkara: is an unmissable cinematic experience

An unmissable cinematic experience that will tug at your heartstrings