TNI Bureau: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced that the state government will soon introduce a new Film Policy aimed at promoting the Odia film industry, protecting artists, and strengthening the state’s cinematic ecosystem.
Addressing the 35th and 36th State Film Awards ceremony at Lok Seva Bhavan Convention Centre in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister said Odia cinema represents the identity and cultural pride of the state. He said the government is committed to providing technological support for quality filmmaking and ensuring the welfare of film artists.
CM Majhi also announced plans to transform Kalinga Studio into one of India’s leading digital and post-production hubs. He said the initiative would equip young filmmakers and technicians with world-class training in cinematography, sound design and VFX, creating employment opportunities within Odisha and reducing the need to migrate to other states.
Highlighting Odisha’s scenic landscapes, the Chief Minister invited filmmakers from across the country to explore the state as a destination for cinema tourism. He urged producers to create films rooted in Odia culture and society while encouraging audiences to watch Odia films in theatres, noting that hundreds of technicians, writers and workers depend on the industry for their livelihoods.
Issuing a stern warning, Mohan Majhi said the government would take strict action if Odia films are removed from cinema halls to promote films in other languages. “We have no shortage of funds and are open to suggestions from the film fraternity. The government is fully committed to safeguarding the interests of Odia cinema,” he said.
Recalling the rich legacy of Odia cinema, the Chief Minister said the release of Sita Bibaha, produced by Mohan Sundar Deb Goswami in 1936 (the same year Odisha became a separate province), marked a historic milestone. He also cited acclaimed films such as Maya Miriga, Bhukha, Shesha Shrabana, Hakim Babu, and recent successes like Daman, Pratikshya, Sala Budha, Pushkara, Bou Buttu Bhuta and Bara Badhu for giving Odia cinema renewed national recognition.
During the ceremony, veteran actor Shyamalendu Bhattacharya received the Mohan Sundar Deb Goswami Samman for 2023, while veteran actress Namrata Das was conferred the honour for 2024. Each award carried a cash prize of ₹5 lakh. The Chief Minister also presented awards across 62 categories recognising excellence in Odia cinema for 2023 and 2024.
Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said the Odia film industry would contribute significantly to the state’s orange economy and assured that the Biju Patnaik Film and Television Institute would be strengthened to produce skilled professionals.
Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services, and Odia Language, Literature & Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the government is committed to reviving the Odia film industry and welcomed suggestions from artists for its overall development.
The event was attended by MLAs Siddhanta Mahapatra, Akash Das Nayak and Babu Singh, film director Pranab Das, senior artists, technicians, film enthusiasts and media representatives. Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department, Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, delivered the welcome address.
