Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday declared that a new comprehensive Film Policy for Odisha will be rolled out soon to safeguard the interests of Odia artistes and ensure the all-round growth of the state’s film industry.
Addressing the glittering 35th and 36th Odisha State Film Awards ceremony at the Lok Seva Bhavan Convention Centre, the Chief Minister said, “Odia cinema is the identity of our nation.
The state government is committed to its holistic development and the security of artistes.”He announced that the prestigious Mohan Sundar Dev Goswami Samman for 2023 has been conferred on veteran actor Shyamalendu Bhattacharya and for 2024 on veteran actress Namrata Das. Both artistes received ₹5 lakh each along with the honour. A total of 62 artistes were felicitated across various categories for their outstanding contributions in 2023 and 2024.
A New Dawn for Odia Cinema
Recalling the glorious history of Odia films, CM Majhi noted that the first Odia film Sita Bibaha was made in 1936 — the same year Odisha became a separate province — by the legendary Mohan Sundar Dev Goswami. He praised timeless classics like Maya Miriga, Bhukha, Shesha Shrabana and Hakim Babu, and highlighted recent successes such as Daman, Pratikshya, Sala Budha, Pushkara, Bou Butu Bhuta and Bara Badhu that have given Odia cinema a fresh national identity.“Today’s youth have mastered world-class skills in cinematography, sound design and VFX. We are determined to give them international training so they don’t have to leave the state for work,” the Chief Minister said.
Kalinga Studio to Become National Digital Hub
In a major announcement, CM Majhi revealed that Kalinga Studio is being transformed into one of India’s premier digital and post-production hubs. This move, he said, will create local employment and position Odisha as a serious player in the national film ecosystem. He also called upon producers to leverage Odisha’s natural beauty for “Cinema Tourism”.
Firm Warning on Theatre Promotions
In a strong message to theatre owners and distributors, the Chief Minister declared, “If Odia films are removed from cinema halls to promote any other language films, the government will take strict action in the coming days. We are fully aware and alert on this issue.”He urged both producers and audiences to support Odia cinema wholeheartedly. “Behind every film stand hundreds of unrecognised technicians, writers and daily-wage workers whose livelihood depends on it. When producers make films rooted in Odia culture with modern sensibilities, audiences will definitely return to theatres,” he said.
Ministers & Dignitaries Extend Support
Industry Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said the Odia film industry would significantly boost the state’s orange economy. Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services and Odia Language, Literature & Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj emphasised that a developed Odisha is possible only when the Odia film industry thrives.
Prominent MLAs Sidhanta Mahapatra (Digapahandi), Akash Das Nayak (Korei) and Babu Singh (Ekamra-Bhubaneswar), along with noted film director Pranab Das, were present at the event. Dr Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, Secretary, Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department, delivered the welcome address.
The ceremony, organised by the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department, celebrated both the rich legacy and the promising future of Odia cinema, sending a clear message that the state government is fully committed to making Odia films shine brighter than ever before.
