Odia Film Industry Sets for Revival with New Policy Push
Annual Film Awards, OTT Support, and Infrastructure Upgrades at Heart of Industry Overhaul
In a significant move to revitalise the Odia film industry, the Department of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture organised a strategic meeting at Sanskruti Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, outlining a clear roadmap for growth and global outreach. Chaired by actor and Digapahandi MLA Siddhant Mahapatra, the meeting brought together leading actors, directors, producers, musicians, and government officials to discuss policies and proposals aimed at transforming the cinematic landscape of Odisha.
At the core of the discussion was the proposal to institutionalise the Odisha State Film Awards as an annual event with a transparent selection process. Suggestions included expanding the jury to include young professionals, increasing prize money, and introducing more award categories. To improve accessibility, stakeholders proposed developing a dedicated website with information on nominations, winners, and artist profiles.
The meeting also stressed the urgent need for a new Odia Film Policy, designed to address funding, distribution, and infrastructure challenges. Financial incentives were recommended to support filmmakers, especially those focusing on culturally rich Odia narratives. Reviving institutions like the Odisha Film Development Corporation (OFDC) and modernising production hubs like Kalinga Studio were identified as priority areas.
Infrastructure improvement was another major agenda point. To increase audience access, the group proposed constructing more cinema halls and ensuring affordable ticket pricing. The creation of a film archive to preserve Odisha’s cinematic heritage also gained support.
Recognising the influence of digital platforms, stakeholders advocated for promoting Odia content on OTT platforms. Suggestions included offering production incentives and collaborating with streaming services to showcase Odia films to global audiences.
Empowering the next generation of filmmakers was a recurring theme. The group recommended involving youth in the award selection process and encouraging films that tackle contemporary social themes while staying rooted in Odia culture. Original storytelling was highlighted as key to connecting with younger audiences and reinforcing Odisha’s cultural identity.
The meeting saw participation from celebrated Odia film personalities like Arindam Roy, Sritam Das, Sabyasachi Mishra, Harihar Mahapatra, Archita Sahu, Anu Choudhury, and others. Senior government officials including Culture Director Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya and Special Secretary Deba Prasad Dash were also present, ensuring collaboration between the industry and the administration.
Concluding the session, Siddhant Mahapatra said, “We have a vision. With structured planning and support, Odia cinema can reclaim its place on the national and global stage.”
This meeting signals a strong government-industry partnership and a renewed commitment to make Odia cinema a vibrant, competitive, and culturally resonant force in Indian cinema.
