Bhubaneswar: Odisha Government is set to implement a series of strategic measures aimed at the rejuvenation and advancement of the Odia film industry. In a significant move toward this goal, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a special seminar at Sanskruti Bhawan on Friday, engaging in a comprehensive dialogue with prominent personalities, actors, and stakeholders of the film fraternity regarding the current state and future trajectory of Odia cinema.
The event saw the participation of several dignitaries, including Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Korei MLA and actor Akash Das Nayak, Digapahandi MLA and actor Siddhant Mohapatra, and high-ranking officials such as Additional Chief Secretary to CM, Shri Saswat Mishra and Secretary Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya.
Popular actors including Anubhav Mohanty, Anu Choudhury, Pushpa Panda, Harihara Mohapatra, and Pinky Pradhan, along with producer Siddharth Agrawal and various film technicians, also attended the seminar. The Chief Minister held detailed discussions regarding the specific challenges faced by artists and technicians, pledging to find permanent solutions to their grievances.
During the session, the Chief Minister described Odia cinema as a vital marker of the national identity and announced that a new Film Policy would be formulated shortly. Emphasizing the true essence of cinema, he noted that films are not merely a medium of entertainment but a reflection of a nation’s memory, culture, emotions, and soul. He expressed that any society capable of producing great cinema strengthens its standing on the global stage.
Addressing the popularity and creative direction of the industry, the Chief Minister advised that Odia cinema should move away from being derivative and instead find its own unique voice. He suggested that filmmakers should draw inspiration from the rich cultural tapestry of the state, including Lord Jagannath, Kalinga’s maritime history, tribal heritage, stories of human resilience during natural disasters like cyclones and floods, and the daily lives of people living along the banks of the Mahanadi and other rivers. He believes that focusing on such authentic and original themes will naturally resonate more deeply with the audience.
To enhance professional skills within the sector, the Chief Minister highlighted the urgent need for a dedicated film training institute in Odisha and committed to establishing such a facility. Critiquing past governance for neglecting the industry, he assured the gathering that under the current administration, financial constraints would not be an obstacle to development. He promised the rapid creation of a robust infrastructure to support filmmaking in the state.
Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj added that the film industry would play a pivotal role as Odisha approaches its centenary celebrations in 2036. He expressed confidence that the day’s discussions would provide the necessary momentum to propel the industry forward.