In a landmark celebration of Odia cinema’s 90-year journey, the Odisha Government presented the 35th and 36th State Film Awards in a grand ceremony held at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Hall. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi honoured distinguished artists and technicians for their outstanding contributions to Odia cinema during 2023 and 2024.
The event celebrated the rich legacy of Odia films while recognizing excellence across 62 award categories. Popular actor Babushaan Mohanty was adjudged Best Actor, while veteran actress Namrata Das received the prestigious Mohan Sundar Dev Goswami Award for Lifetime Achievement for 2024. Veteran actor Shyamalendu Bhattacharya was conferred the same honour for the year 2023. Both awardees received a cash prize of ₹5 lakh each.
Celebrating 90 Years of Odia Cinema
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described the occasion as a proud milestone in Odisha’s cultural history. He recalled that Odisha became a separate state in 1936—the same year legendary filmmaker Mohan Sundar Dev Goswami produced the first Odia feature film, Sita Bibaha, marking the birth of Odia cinema.
The Chief Minister paid tribute to timeless classics such as Maya Miriga, Bhukha, Sesha Shrabana, and Hakim Babu, which carried Odisha’s culture to national and international audiences. He also applauded the recent success of films like Daman, Pratikshya, Sala Budha, Pushkara, Bou Buttu Bhuta, and Bara Badhu, saying they have ushered in a “new sunrise” for Odia cinema by bringing authentic Odia stories to the national stage.
Vision for a Stronger Film Industry
Highlighting the changing landscape of filmmaking in the OTT and digital era, the Chief Minister said Odisha’s young filmmakers have developed expertise in cinematography, sound design, and visual effects. He announced that the government is working to transform Kalinga Studio into a premier digital production and post-production hub, enabling local talent to find employment within the state instead of seeking opportunities elsewhere.
He also encouraged filmmakers from across India to explore Odisha’s scenic beauty through cinema tourism, stating that the state’s diverse landscapes offer immense potential as filming destinations.
Calling upon producers and audiences alike to support the Odia film industry, the Chief Minister urged filmmakers to create stories rooted in Odisha’s culture and traditions while embracing modern filmmaking techniques. He appealed to audiences to watch Odia films in theatres, noting that every film supports the livelihood of hundreds of technicians, writers, and workers behind the scenes.
Government’s Commitment to Protect Odia Cinema
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the regional film industry, Majhi asserted that Odia cinema carries a distinct cultural identity. He assured stakeholders that the government is open to constructive suggestions from the industry.
The Chief Minister also issued a strong warning against unfairly replacing Odia films in cinema halls with films from other languages, stating that strict action would be taken if such practices continue.
Ministers Stress Industry Growth
Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said the Odia film industry has the potential to contribute significantly to the state’s creative or “Orange Economy.” He added that the Biju Patnaik Film and Television Institute would be strengthened to produce skilled professionals for the industry.
Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services, and Odia Language, Literature & Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the development of Odisha is closely linked to the growth of its film industry. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalizing Odia cinema and welcomed suggestions from artists and industry stakeholders.
Film Personalities Attend Grand Ceremony
The ceremony was attended by several prominent personalities from the Odia film fraternity and political circles, including actor-turned-MLA Siddhanta Mahapatra, MLA and actor Akash Das Nayak, Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, and filmmaker Pranab Das. Veteran actors, filmmakers, technicians, media representatives, and film enthusiasts also participated in the celebrations.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Bijaya Ketan Upadhyay, Secretary of the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture.
As Odisha celebrated nine decades of cinematic excellence, the State Film Awards served as both a tribute to the industry’s illustrious past and a reaffirmation of the government’s vision to build a vibrant and globally competitive future for Odia cinema.