Primarily an editor, Susant Mani is an Odia writer and director, who started out as an editor in 2000 with the movie Hari Bhari Harena. Since he always wanted to get into direction, he approached a well-known editor to teach him the basics editing, however, he was refused any help, which determined him to learn to edit. After working on movies like Shaashu Ghara Chaalijibi, Dhauli Express, Bande Utkala Janani, and Hasiba Puni Mo Suna Sansar, he made directorial debut in 2009 with the movie Aa Janhare Lekhiba Naa, with which he also made his debut as a writer. Susant, since then, has directed movies such as Aama Bhitare Kichhi Achhi, Chocolate, Golapi Golapi, Kehi Nuhen Kahara, and Sapanara Pathe Pathe.