Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi revitalises Odia film infrastructure
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi honored 62 exceptional artists during the 2023 and 2024 State Feature Film Awards at the Lok Seva Bhawan on Friday. During the ceremony, he announced immediate plans to upgrade Kalinga Studio into a world-class digital and post-production hub. This strategic investment aims to retain local talent and position the coastal state as a prime filming destination for national production houses.
Odia cinema traces its roots back to 1936 with Mohan Sundar Deb Goswami's 'Sita Bibaha', coinciding perfectly with the historic formation of Odisha as an independent province. Speaking to the attendees, Majhi highlighted how regional films represent the deep cultural identity of the region. He praised modern hits like 'DAMaN' and 'Pratikshya' for successfully carrying this legacy forward. These contemporary projects blend regional traditions with modern storytelling, earning applause from audiences across the country.
Boosting Regional Infrastructure
Government officials are actively drafting a fresh film policy to support thousands of artists and technicians across the state. Majhi promised international-level training programs for young creators, ensuring they find lucrative opportunities without leaving home. He also emphasized that expanding OTT platforms creates exciting new avenues for regional web series to reach international audiences. State authorities plan to financially support the digital promotion of these independent creations.
Celebrating Cinematic Excellence
Top honors at the prestigious event went to 'Pushkara' and 'My Sweet Housewife', which jointly secured the Best Film title for 2023. Meanwhile, 'Ashram' took home the highest accolade for 2024. Urging citizens to visit local theaters, the Chief Minister reminded everyone that strong audience turnout remains crucial. He stated that quality movies rooted in local society will naturally attract viewers, ensuring long-term survival for the entire creative sector.
