In a landmark interaction that has sent waves of optimism through Odisha’s film fraternity, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday declared that Odia cinema is no longer “ordinary” — it is time for “extraordinary efforts.”
Addressing a packed gathering of leading actors, directors, producers, and technicians at Sanskruti Bhawan, the CM announced that a comprehensive new Odia Film Policy will be formulated very soon, positioning cinema as a powerful vehicle for the state’s cultural identity and global recognition.
Describing cinema as far more than mere entertainment, Majhi said, “Cinema is the memory, culture, emotions, and soul of a nation. A society that creates great cinema strengthens its presence on the world stage.” He urged filmmakers to stop imitating other industries and instead discover their own distinct voice by drawing from Odisha’s rich tapestry — stories of Lord Jagannath and Odia culture, the maritime glory of ancient Kalinga, tribal heritage, the resilience of people during cyclones and floods, the joys and sorrows of rural life, and the everyday struggles along the banks of the Mahanadi and other rivers.
The Chief Minister was candid about the past neglect of the sector. “Previous governments paid little attention to Odia cinema. But today, an ‘Odia Asmita’ government is in place, and money will never be a hurdle for the growth of Odia films,” he assured the gathering. He also announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art Film Training Institute in Odisha and build robust film infrastructure to nurture new talent.
Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj added that Odia cinema would play a pivotal role in the state’s centenary celebrations in 2036. “Today’s dialogue will propel our film industry forward,” he said with confidence.
The high-profile meeting saw the presence of popular actors and MLAs Akash Das Nayak and Sidhant Mahapatra, Additional Chief Secretary Saswata Mishra, Director of Odia Language, Literature & Culture Dr Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, Lalit Kala Akademi Director Dr Chandrasekhar Hota, and leading stars including Anubhav Mohanty, Anu Choudhury, Pushpa Panda, Harihar Mahapatra, Pinky Pradhan, producer Siddharth Agrawal, and many more technicians.
Chief Minister Majhi patiently listened to the problems faced by the industry and gave firm assurances for permanent solutions. The evening marked a clear shift — from decades of indifference to a promising new chapter where Odia cinema is set to reclaim its pride of place.
