Bhubaneswar: The much-anticipated documentary-hybrid film Nanda Master’nka Chatasali will make its theatrical debut on December 12, 2025.
Produced by senior journalist-educationist Abhaya Pati under the banner of Abhismita Films, and directed by award-winning filmmaker Pranab Kumar Aich, the film honours the extraordinary life of the late teacher Nanda Prusty — a man whose commitment to free education transformed generations in rural Odisha.
Nanda Prusty — fondly remembered as ‘Nanda Master’ — ran one of India’s last traditional open-air schools (a Chatasali) for more than 70 years, offering free education to children from his village without seeking funds or fame. The film delves into his life across three generations, portraying how his humble, selfless dedication touched countless lives, and captures his final years — a period during which his decades-long devotion earned him the prestigious civilian honour, the Padma Shri.
In his 103rd year, Nanda Sir made headlines in 2021 when he ascended the Rashtrapati Bhawan stage barefoot to receive the Padma Shri — a gesture that resonated deeply across the country. He also met and blessed Prime Minister Modi ji, who followed up with a series of appreciations, wishes from across India, including Cabinet Ministers in the Central Government.
It is pertinent to mention that though the world had a glimpse of this deeply moving journey during its premiere at the 29th Kolkata International Film Festival in December 2023 under the prestigious Asian (NETPAC) award, and subsequent screenings at 12 plus international festivals — including at 77th Cannes Film Festival (where its trailer was screened at the Bharat Pavilion), and DOK Leipzig in Germany, St. Louis in USA, and Kanazawa in Japan – the only authentic Odia film to do so in recent times which also stands for Odia pride. Nationally, it grabbed the best documentary award at the 15th Dada Saheb Film Festival and the Best Documentary Award at Jharkhand International Film Festival, 2025. The film was also invited to be screened at the prestigious IIT Bhubaneswar, where it received massive applause.
