S. K. Muralidharan, the acclaimed filmmaker and choreographer who made a lasting contribution to Odia cinema, has passed away, leaving behind a body of work that spans decades and several important chapters of the Odia film industry.
His story is particularly special because Odia was not his mother tongue. Originally a Tamilian from South India, Muralidharan came to Odisha and gradually became an integral part of the Odia film industry. What began with choreography eventually turned into a successful journey as a filmmaker and over the years, he earned the affection and respect of Odia audiences. His journey is a reminder that cinema has no language barrier when an artist understands the emotions of the audience.
From South India to the Odia Film Industry
S. K. Muralidharan began his association with the Odia film industry as a choreographer, making his entry with the 1990 Odia film Paradeshi Chadhei. His career then continued through the 1990s and 2000s, with choreography credits in numerous Odia films.
At a time when the Odia film industry was going through significant changes in its music, dance and presentation styles, Muralidharan became one of the familiar names behind many film songs.
His choreography credits include films such as Kula Nandan, Subhadra, Stree, Santana, Singha Bahini, Dharma Nikiti, Maa Pari Kie Heba, Suna Sankhali, I Love You, Agnee, Sathire, Topae Sindura Di Topa Luha, Suna Chadhei Mo Rupa Chadhei, Abhimanyu, Dhire Dhire Prema Hela, Nari Nuhen Tu Narayani, Rangila Toka, Love Master, Akhire Akhire, Bhaunri and several others. He also worked beyond Odia cinema, including choreography for the Telugu film Om Sairam.
From Choreographer to Director
Muralidharan’s journey did not stop with choreography. After establishing himself as a choreographer, he moved into filmmaking and made his directorial debut in Odia cinema with Chaati Chiri Dele Tu.. in 2008. That transition marked another important chapter in his career.
He subsequently directed a series of Odia films, including Nei Jaa Re Megha Mate, Akashe Ki Ranga Lagila, To Akhire Mun, Nua Nua Premare, Kie Daba Takkar, Target, Smile Please and Just Mohabbat, among others.
He also ventured into other regional languages, demonstrating that his filmmaking career was never restricted by linguistic boundaries. He directed the Bengali film Kakhono Biday Bolo Na and later worked in Tamil and other regional projects.
‘Akashe Ki Ranga Lagila’ Became a Major Milestone
Among his directorial works, Akashe Ki Ranga Lagila remains one of the most remembered films of his career. Released in 2009 and starring Anubhav Mohanty and Archita Sahu, the film became a major success and is described as a blockbuster that completed a 100-day theatrical run. It also received multiple Odisha State Film Awards, including awards for screenplay, editing and art direction, while Anubhav Mohanty received the Best Actor award.
The film demonstrated Muralidharan’s ability to move beyond choreography and successfully handle the larger responsibilities of a feature-film director.
For many Odia moviegoers, films such as Akashe Ki Ranga Lagila, Chaati Chiri Dele Tu.., Nei Jaa Re Megha Mate and To Akhire Mun became part of the filmmaker’s identity in Odia cinema. His filmography also includes Kie Daba Takkar, Nua Nua Premare, Smile Please, Target and Just Mohabbat.
He Was Not Born in Odisha, But Odisha Accepted Him
Perhaps the most remarkable part of S. K. Muralidharan’s story is his relationship with Odisha. He was originally a Tamilian from South India, and Odia was not his mother tongue. Yet, after spending years working in Odisha, he became fluent in Odia and established himself within the local film industry. The Indian Express previously described him as a South Indian who had lived and worked in Odisha for a long time and had established himself as a successful filmmaker and choreographer there.
This is what made his journey particularly meaningful. He came to Odisha as an artist. He stayed because of his work. And eventually, he became a part of Odisha’s own cinematic story.
The love he received from Odia audiences was not simply because he directed films. It came from years of contribution, collaboration and his understanding of the creative language of Odia cinema.
A Career That Continued Across Generations
Muralidharan’s association with the industry continued for many years. Even after establishing himself as a director, he continued to contribute as a choreographer. His later credits include films such as Rangila Toka, Love Master, Akhire Akhire, Bhaunri and Pilata Bigidigala.
His connection with the industry also continued into more recent projects. A recent report on the Odia film Racket described the project as marking the return of veteran choreographer S. K. Muralidharan. That continued association with cinema showed how deeply the craft remained a part of his life.
More Than a Director or Choreographer
Looking back at S. K. Muralidharan’s career, it would be difficult to put him into only one category. He was a choreographer, director and writer. His filmography also includes screenplay and story credits, including Kie Daba Takkar and screenplay work on To Akhire Mun.
He understood the rhythm of songs, the visual language of cinema and the demands of storytelling. That combination allowed him to move naturally from choreography into direction.
A Legacy That Belongs to Odia Cinema
S. K. Muralidharan’s journey is ultimately a story about how cinema can make someone a part of a culture. He arrived in Odisha from another part of India, beginning his journey as a choreographer. Over the years, he became a filmmaker, directed popular Odia films and contributed to countless songs and productions. His work crossed linguistic boundaries, but his connection with Odia cinema became one of the most important chapters of his professional life.
He may not have been born Odia, but his work became a part of Odia cinema and the love he received from Odia audiences became a testament to that bond. With his passing, the Odia film industry has lost an experienced filmmaker and choreographer whose career connected generations of artists and films. His films will continue to remain part of the memories of Odia cinema lovers, while his choreography will remain embedded in the songs and movies with which he was associated.
A Tribute to S. K. Muralidharan
From Paradeshi Chadhei to the many films he choreographed and directed, S. K. Muralidharan left behind a journey that deserves to be remembered.
From choreography to direction.
From a South Indian artist to a familiar name in Ollywood.
From working in Odisha to becoming a part of its cinematic identity.
That is the legacy of S. K. Muralidharan.
Rest in Peace, S. K. Muralidharan.
Your contribution to Odia cinema will be remembered.
Disclaimer: This article has been prepared from available film records, published sources and publicly available information. Film credits and historical details may vary across databases.
