After playing lead roles in about 100 Oriya films during a 15-year career, Oriya superstar Siddhant Mohapatra is now set to direct his first feature film.

'Kahara Kete Dam', his directorial debut, will be released early next year, said Mohapatra.

Jhadeswar Media communication will produce the film.

'I will play the lead role (in the film),' he told IANS. Delhi based actress Namrata will be his co-star.

The film, the debutant director said, will have a 'social message' blended in 'comedy, romance, drama, suspense, action and good music'.

'I will try to give the audiences something new,' he said.

'I know people have high expectation from me and I will not disappoint them.'

Mohapatra said he had been working on the story for the past one-and-a-half-years, adding that he decided to direct the film because it was what his heart told him.

The shooting for the movie will start Oct 15.

'We will launch a talent hunt programme to select its artistes,' said the actor who has also played lead roles in three Bengali and two Tamil movies.

Some of his popular Oriya movies include 'Suhaga Sindura', 'Kalki Abatar', 'Rakata Kahiba Kiye Kahara' and 'Sasu Ghara Chili Jibi'.