Once known for its Maoist insurgency, Koraput district in Odisha is now drawing filmmakers with its breathtaking landscapes and improved security.
The transformation of Koraput has been remarkable. Areas like Bairipadar, Lamtaput, Narayanpatna, Pottangi, Nandapur, and Semiliguda once echoed with fear. Today, they buzz with film crews and tourists. The efforts of central forces and state police have restored peace, allowing the region to flourish as a filming destination.
Filmmakers are increasingly choosing Koraput for its natural beauty. Locations such as Duduma Waterfall, Rani Duduma, Deomali, Tala Mali, and Kolab Reservoir have become popular backdrops for Telugu, Hindi, and Odia films. The lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and towering hills offer a cinematic canvas unmatched in Eastern India.
Deomali, Odisha’s highest peak, now sees a surge in visitors and film crews. Last year, South Indian director S.S. Raja Mouli shot a bilingual film starring Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu and Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra in Tala Mali and Deomali. This year, renowned Tollywood filmmaker Janekiram Marelli began shooting “Comrade Kalyan,” a film based on the life of a former Naxalite, in Kolab, Deomali, and Kaliamali.
Local residents gather in large numbers to witness the shoots, turning the film sets into community events. The district’s cinematic appeal continues to grow, positioning Koraput as a rising star in India’s film tourism map.
