Akshay Kumar Parija's 'Papa Buka' Set for Red Carpet Gala Premiere
In a moment of immense pride for Odisha, veteran Odia producer Akshay Kumar Parija is once again bringing international acclaim to the state. His latest, groundbreaking international film, "Papa Buka," has been selected for a prestigious Red Carpet Gala Premiere at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The premiere is scheduled for November 22, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the veteran producer and for Indian cinema's global collaborations.
"Papa Buka" is not just another film; it is a historic cinematic achievement. It stands as the first-ever co-production between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and India, already making waves by being selected as Papua New Guinea's first-ever official entry to the Academy Awards (Oscars). This selection alone places the film in a league of its own, highlighting its artistic and cultural significance even before its official premiere.
Directed by the celebrated three-time National Award-winning filmmaker Dr. Biju, "Papa Buka" delves into a poignant and largely forgotten chapter of world history. The film’s narrative follows two Indian historians who journey to the remote landscapes of Papua New Guinea. Their mission is to uncover the untold stories and forgotten sacrifices of Indian soldiers who fought and died there during World War II.
Guided by a wise, aging local war veteran, the titular "Papa Buka" (played by Sine Boboro), their quest evolves from a simple historical inquiry into a profound journey of memory, loss, and cultural reconciliation. The film beautifully bridges the past and the present, honouring the sacrifices of both the indigenous communities and the unrecognised soldiers.
This historic project is spearheaded by Akshay Kumar Parija, a name synonymous with quality, content-driven cinema. An ex-banker, businessman, and Harvard Business School alumnus, Parija has consistently championed films of artistic and social relevance. With 34 films to his credit across multiple languages—including Odia, Bengali, Hindi, and Malayalam—his work has earned countless accolades. His incredible tally includes multiple National Film Awards (for 'The Living Ghost' and 'Kadvihawa'), 16 international awards, and 43 State Film Awards.
His involvement in "Papa Buka" continues his legacy of pushing boundaries. This Papua New Guinea-India co-production is a testament to his vision of fostering cross-cultural narratives and placing Odia and Indian cinema at the forefront of global conversations.
"Papa Buka" is a true international collaboration in every sense. The film is jointly produced by Akshay Kumar Parija Productions, Noelene Taula Wunum (NAFA Productions, PNG), celebrated director Pa Ranjith (Neelam Productions), and Prakash Bare (Silicon Media). The cast is equally diverse, featuring Indian actors Ritabhari Chakraborty and Prakash Bare alongside PNG’s John Sike and Sine Boboro. Adding to the film’s immense prestige is its original musical score, composed by none other than three-time Grammy Award-winner Ricky Kej.
The selection of "Papa Buka" for a Gala Premiere at the 56th IFFI Goa is a fitting celebration of this monumental film. As Akshay Kumar Parija, who also chairs the regional OTT platform KancchaLannka, prepares to walk the red carpet, it marks another giant leap for Odia pride on the world stage. All eyes are now on this powerful film as it begins its official festival journey, carrying with it a hidden history and the hopes of two nations.
