Bhubaneswar: Good news for Odia film industry as the state government is set to roll out a new Film Policy.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced this after holding an extensive discussion on the present condition and future prospects of Odia cinema with eminent personalities and artists from the film fraternity during a special interactive session organized at Sanskruti Bhavan, Bhubaneswar, on Friday.
Terming Odia cinema as a symbol of the state’s identity, the Chief Minister said films are much more than just a medium of entertainment. “Films are a mirror reflecting a nation’s memories, culture, emotions, and soul. Any society capable of creating great cinema can firmly establish its identity on the global stage,” he observed.
He urged the film makers not to imitate anyone. “Odisha possesses a wealth of original themes rooted in its culture and history — from the legacy of Lord Jagannath and the civilization built around Him, to Kalinga’s maritime heritage, tribal traditions, stories of resilience during cyclones and floods, the joys and struggles of rural Odisha, and the riverbank life shaped by the Mahanadi and other rivers. If films are made on such deeply rooted and original narratives, they will naturally resonate with audiences,” he observed.
Laying emphasis on skill development in filmmaking, the Chief Minister stated that Odisha requires a dedicated film training institute and announced that such an institution would soon be established in the state.
Finding faulty with the previous administrations, he said earlier governments had failed to pay adequate attention to the industry, whereas the present government is committed to promoting Odia identity and culture. He made it clear that lack of funds would no longer stand in the way of the growth of Odia cinema and assured that a strong film infrastructure would soon be developed across the state.
On the occasion, Odisha’s Minister for Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Suryabanshi Suraj expressed confidence that the discussions held today would pave the way for a brighter future for the film industry. “The Odia film industry would play a crucial role in the celebrations marking Odisha’s centenary year in 2036,” he added.
Among others, prominent figures from the Odia film industry, including Anubhav Mohanty, Samaresh Routray, Arindam Roy, Anu Choudhury, Himanshu Khatua, Pradyumna Lenka, Pushpa Panda, Prem Anand, Harihar Mahapatra, Tapas Sargharia, Pinky Pradhan, Dipanwita Dasmohapatra, Atish Kumar Rout, Dr Rajani Ranjan, Siddharth Agarwal and several others participated in the interaction and shared their opinions.
The common problem they all referred is no priority is given to Odia films. The multiplexes and cinema hall owners withdraw Odia films, even if they are going well, to run films of other language. Some also pointed out the problems associated with the Kalinga studio. They also suggested that April 18 be officially declared as “Odia Film Dibasa”.
Actor Samaresh Routray expressed his astonishment for no actor from Odia film industry being selected for Padma Award, and urged the government to look into it.
After giving them a patient hearing, the Chief Minister assured them of long-term solutions.
Exuding hope for better days ahead, Anubhav Mohanty said, “As far as my knowledge is concern, for the first time a Chief Minister held a special meeting with the persons from the film industry, listened them and promised steps to boost the film industry. I am confident that this government would do something for us.”
The event was attended by Korei MLA and actor Akash Das Nayak, Digapahandi MLA and actor Sidhanta Mahapatra, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Shashwat Mishra, Director of the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture Dr. Bijaya Ketan Upadhyaya, and Secretary of the Odisha Sahitya Akademi Dr. Chandrasekhar Hota, among others.
