After captivating audiences during its world premiere at the 30th Kolkata International Film Festival, the Odia feature film Lahari is set to create waves on the international front as an official selection at the upcoming Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025.
Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Amartya Bhattacharyya and produced by Jhilik Bhattacharjee under the banner of Jhilik Motion Pictures, Lahari highlights the artistic finesse and emotional depth of Odisha’s storytelling tradition.
The 16th edition of IFFM, celebrated for promoting India’s cinematic diversity, will host superstar Aamir Khan as its chief guest. Lahari’s inclusion in the Melbourne lineup marks a proud milestone for Odia cinema, spotlighting regional narratives before global audiences.
Set amidst Odisha’s eco-tourism locales, Lahari explores themes of friendship, fatherhood, and personal growth. The visuals weave through serene backdrops and showcase the entrepreneurial spirit of the state. Bhattacharyya’s direction also extends to cinematography, lyrics, and editing—underscoring his creative versatility.
The stellar cast includes Choudhury Jayaprakash Das, Choudhury Bikash Das, Dipanwit Dashmohapatra, child artist Smruti Ranjan Mahala, Susant Misra, Swastik Choudhury, and Zeinab Doer. Music is composed by Kisaloy Roy, with vocals by Gaurav Anand and Navya Jaity, and sound design by Anindit Roy and Adeep Singh Manki.
Speaking about the selection, Bhattacharyya said, “It’s a great feeling to have this festival selection, more so because not many of my films would have reached the Australian viewers.” Actor Dipanwit Dashmohapatra added, “From Odisha’s rivers to Melbourne’s shores, Lahari now flows with the tides of world cinema.”
Producer Jhilik Bhattacharjee shared, “I’m overwhelmed to see Lahari travelling to Australia. It’s an absolute honour to showcase our film at such a prestigious festival.”
With its global debut just around the corner, Lahari is not just a film—it’s a cultural journey that promises to echo Odisha’s cinematic brilliance across continents.
