In a landmark moment for Odisha’s film industry, Maliput Melodies has been officially selected for screening in the Indian Panorama section of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). This achievement marks the film as the only Odia entry among the 25 feature films shortlisted this year.
Maliput Melodies is a compilation of five interconnected short films that capture the culture, emotions, and untold stories of tribal and rural communities in southern Odisha. The film is acclaimed for its authentic storytelling, soulful music, and faithful representation of local life.
Directed by Vishal Patnaik, written by Sudhakar Patnaik, and produced by Kaushik Das, the film features music and lyrics by Tosh Nanda, adding emotional depth and resonance to the narrative. Despite challenges such as limited resources and difficult terrain during production, the team’s dedication earned the film international recognition.
The film will have its world premiere at the 56th IFFI in Panjim, Goa, on November 22, 2025, followed by screenings at multiple festival venues.
Tribute to Lead Actors
The team paid heartfelt tribute to lead actors Prasanta Kumar Misra and Kartik Raut, whose untimely passing left a void in the Odia film community. Their performances are considered the emotional core of the film.
Voices from the Team
Writer Sudhakar Patnaik expressed his pride:
“Maliput Melodies was born out of a deep love for the stories and people of southern Odisha. Every frame reflects our land, our struggles, and our music. This recognition by IFFI is for all local artists who dream big despite limited opportunities.”
Director Vishal Patnaik added:
“This achievement belongs to every team member who worked tirelessly to bring the project to life. Our goal was to show that storytelling rooted in our soil can resonate nationally and internationally.”
Music composer Tosh Nanda said:
“Creating the music for ‘Maliput Melodies’ was a journey through the heart of Odisha. Folk sounds, traditional instruments, and the rhythm of nature inspired every song, and I’m thrilled that audiences worldwide will experience the voice of our land.”
Debutant actors and crew members shared immense pride in contributing to the project. The film’s recognition is seen as an encouraging milestone for independent filmmakers and local artists striving to make a mark on the national stage.
