Finance
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Thursday that the state government will soon implement a new ‘Film Policy’ to promote the overall development of Odia cinema and protect artists.
Majhi stated at the 35th and 36th State Film Awards ceremony at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Center, “Odia cinema is the identity of our nation.” The state government will shortly introduce a new Film Policy to promote development and safeguard artists.
“He added that a recent discussion was held with film personalities on the current status and growth of Odia cinema. The government is committed to providing technical assistance for artist protection and high-quality film production. “Good news will be received in this direction very soon,” he said.
Recalling Odia cinema’s history, the CM noted that Odisha became an independent state in 1936, the same year Mohan Sundar Deb Goswami made the first Odia film ‘Sita Bibaha’. Timeless films like Maya Miriga, Bhuka, Shesha Shravan, and Hakima Babu took Odia culture to the world stage, he said. Recent films like Daman, Pratiksha, Shala Budha, Pushkara, Bou Butu Bhoota, and Bara Badhu have given Odia cinema a new identity nationally by focusing on local stories. Majhi called this a “new sunrise for Odia cinema.”
Majhi emphasized technology and OTT platforms, saying the current generation has adopted world-class standards in cinematography, sound design, and VFX. Kalinga Studios is growing as a significant digital and post-production base, providing international-level training so Odia talent does not have to relocate to other states. He challenged artists to create cinema tourism that highlights Odisha’s natural beauty.
The CM urged sponsors to back films rooted in Odia society and culture with modern treatment, saying audiences would return to theatres. He also asked viewers to watch Odia films in halls, noting that “the livelihood of hundreds of unknown technicians, writers and poor workers is involved behind a film.”
“There is Odianess in Odia cinema. We all work as Team Odisha. We do not have any problem of money. Our government is ready to accept your opinion,” Majhi said.
The Chief Minister warned that strong action would be taken at the government level if Odia films are removed from cinema halls to release other films. “The government is fully aware of this,” he said firmly.
The Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department awarded the ‘Mohan Sundar Deb Goswami Award’ to senior actor Shyamlendu Bhattacharya in 2023 and senior actress Namrata Das in 2024, both with a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. Best performers in 62 categories received awards for 2023 and 2024.Industries Minister Sampada Chandra Swain stated that the Odia film industry will assist build the Orange Economy, while the Biju Patnaik Film and Television Institute will supply trained human resources.
Suryavansi Suraj, Minister of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture, stated that a developed Odisha will only be constructed if the Odia movie world thrives, and that the government embraces the opinions of all artists.
Among those in attendance were Digpahandi MLA and film star Siddhant Mohapatra, Korei MLA and actor Akash Das Nayak, Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, and film director Pranab Das, as well as senior artists, technicians, art enthusiasts, and media representatives.
