The Odia film industry has been hit by a major setback as the much-awaited movie “Ladhei”, produced by Debasish Pattnaik and starring Lohitaksha, has been stopped from release just a day before its scheduled opening. Despite completing all promotions, hall bookings, and publicity campaigns, the film’s release has been suspended by the regional censor board, leaving the makers and fans stunned.

Censor Board Blocks Certification, Sends Film to Mumbai

The Odisha branch of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has refused to grant even an “A” certificate to Ladhei, citing excessive violent content. The film has now been sent to the Mumbai headquarters for re-evaluation.
This unexpected move has raised eyebrows across the industry, as no clear reason was provided by the regional board for withholding certification.

Filmmakers Question Double Standards

During a press conference, director Ashok Pati, producers Sanjay Nayak and Debasish Pattnaik, along with Shyamaprasad Mishra, state spokesperson of the National Media Foundation, strongly condemned the decision. They questioned why Odia cinema was being treated differently when Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films — containing far more graphic violence — are freely screened in Odisha after receiving CBFC clearance from other states.

The team argued that this act of discrimination against Odia filmmakers is unfair and could financially harm regional cinema. They demanded a uniform national policy for film censorship across India to ensure equal treatment for all regional film industries.

Comparisons with Violent Mainstream Films

Citing examples such as the Hindi blockbuster “Animal” and several South Indian action films, the filmmakers pointed out that these movies featured graphic and blood-soaked scenes but were still allowed theatrical release in Odisha.
They questioned why an Odia film with comparatively milder violence should face such a harsh restriction.

Producers Express Disappointment

Producer Debasish Pattnaik expressed deep disappointment, saying, “We had planned to release ‘Ladhei’ during Diwali with great enthusiasm. The sudden intervention of the censor board has shattered our expectations and caused major financial losses.”
The film’s publicity head Haraprasad Mohapatra, co-producer Jyotiranjan Mohanty, and team member Abhijit Singh were also present at the conference, expressing solidarity and calling for immediate review of the decision.

Industry Demands Policy Reform

The Odia film fraternity now seeks intervention from the Central Government, urging the CBFC to bring a single, transparent, and fair censorship policy applicable to all Indian films — regardless of language or region.
As the controversy unfolds, “Ladhei” remains in limbo, awaiting a decision from the Mumbai review committee that will determine its fate at the box office.

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