Bhubaneswar: In a groundbreaking moment for Odia cinema, the Odia Cultural Association of Belgium (OCAB) hosted a historic screening of the Odia social comedy-drama ‘ChaariKaandha’ in Brussels on March 23, 2025.
This milestone event, organized in collaboration with acclaimed film producer Atish Kumar Rout and internationally renowned filmmaker Biswanath Rath, marked the first-ever screening of an Odia film in Belgium, said the production house.
The special screening was part of the Utkal Divas 2025 celebrations, an annual event dedicated to honoring and promoting Odisha’s vibrant cultural heritage, arts, and traditions.
Directed and written by Biswanath Rath and produced by Atish Kumar Rout under Ritupriya Productions, ‘ChaariKaandha’ is a mid-length film—often termed a long short film. Co-produced by Supriya Rout and Akhil Rajurkar, the film boasts an ensemble cast featuring Shakti Baral, Susil Mishra, Satabdi Suryasnata, Gourab Mohanty, Shivani Khara, and Pravanjan Mishra, supported by a talented lineup of artists including Riddhi, Sanskriti, Suruchika, Namita, Nityananda, Raj, Soumya Ranjan, Rajendra, and Soumya Sarangi.
The film’s creative team includes Harish Sethy as Chief Assistant Director, Lingaraj Kumbhar as Director of Photography, and Dileswar Pradhan as Director of Audiography. Edited by Veer Kumaar Nanda, the film features a background score composed by Parag Kumar Behera and music by Amit Yuvraaj.
Completed in January 2025, ‘ChaariKaandha’ is currently making waves on the international film festival circuit.
Representing the film’s team, writer-director Biswanath Rath personally presented ‘ChaariKaandha’ to the Odia community in Belgium. The screening saw an enthusiastic turnout of around 50 Odias, who were captivated by the film’s engaging narrative, humor, and emotional depth.
“The movie was incredible. Even in just 37 minutes, it held our attention completely. The comic timing and emotional depth were so well-balanced that it made us both laugh and tear up, ” reacted a viewer.
“The film touched every emotion—it hit hard, and we laughed hard too,” he added.
The event left attendees feeling inspired and optimistic about the growing global reach of Odia cinema. Founded by producer Atish Kumar Rout, Ritupriya Productions has gained recognition for its critically acclaimed and award-winning films such as ‘Bhaunri’, ‘Daalcheeni’, and ‘Pratibada’. The company’s most recent Odia feature film, ‘Vote’ (2024), has received multiple accolades at international film festivals across India.
As a producer, Rout remains committed to creating socially relevant and culturally significant cinema. Reflecting on the success of ‘ChaariKaandha’, he shared, “There can’t be a bigger award than the laughter and tears of our beloved Odia audience. I sincerely thank the entire cast and crew of ‘ChaariKaandha’ and the OCAB team for making this historic screening possible. Our goal is to bring ‘ChaariKaandha’ to a global audience through diverse platforms and prestigious film festivals.”
Award-winning filmmaker Biswanath Rath, celebrated for his remarkable achievement of winning over 560 awards for his projects, expressed his heartfelt gratitude, “I am truly overwhelmed by the love and appreciation this film received during the screening. It is an honor to represent Team ‘ChaariKaandha’ at this historic event. Our team poured immense effort into this film, ensuring no compromises in any aspect of filmmaking. I extend my deepest gratitude to Producer Atish sir, Co-Producers Supriya madam and Akhil sir, and our entire team for believing in my vision.”
“My sincere thanks also go to the Odia community in Belgium for their enthusiasm and commitment in showcasing our film. I am confident that this screening will open doors for the distribution of Odia feature films in Belgium and Luxembourg,” he added.
Beyond the film screening, the Utkal Divas event was a vibrant affair filled with cultural performances, a joyous Holi celebration, and an array of traditional Odia songs and dances.
The OCAB remains dedicated to promoting Odisha’s cultural richness among fellow Indians, Belgians, and the broader expatriate community in Belgium and Luxembourg.
With the screening of ‘ChaariKaandha’ in Belgium, the future looks bright for Odia films on the global stage.
