To propagate patriotism and sacrifice made by a 12-year-old Odia martyr Baji Rout, a group of students of Ravenshaw University have made a Hindi short-film on his life. Titled, 'Baji Rout: India's Youngest Freedom Fighter', the short film endeavour of total 19 Ravenshaw students, including 7 crew members and has been directed by Riyyan Farooq, Diksha Nayak and Prosari Chanda.
Produced by Candid Cinema, the movie depicts the story of Amar Saheed Baji Rout who was shot dead by the British after he refused to ferry them across the river on October 11, 1938. The film also narrates the life of Baji Rout, who was born on October 5, 1926, at Nilakanthapur in Dhenkanal district and the events which inspired him to join 'Banar Sena' wing of Prajamandal movement and his contribution to the movement.
Set in 1938, the film elaborately depicts the event and contribution of Prajamandal movement to Odia soil and shaping Baji Rout's life. "The language of the film is Hindi. It has been adapted so that the story of India's youngest freedom fighter reaches the people of our country with utmost clarity," said Riyyan, Plus Three Psychology Honours student.
While Munaf Hussain, a Class 7 student of Cambridge School, Cuttack has essayed the role of Baji Rout, Ravanshaw's Abhijit Mishra, Paresh Kumar Mulia, Abhishek Kumar Lal and Gourav Rana have starred as Baishnab Charan Patnaik, Hara Mohan Patnaik, Maharaja Sankar Pratap Mahenda of Dhenkanal and British Officer respectively in the film scripted and screen-played by Prosari Chanda and Kaustav Tripathy.
Sumedha Bordoloi has worked as the Executive Director while the costumes of the film have been designed by Saheer Rafi and Bursha Rasid. The trailer of the 30-minute film, shot in Cuttack, was released on August 15. The full film is available on YouTube from Wednesday.
