Bhubaneswar, Oct 23: The newly revamped Kalinga Studio has been witnessing a massive rush of visitors, leading to long queues at the entrance and traffic congestion on nearby roads. The entertainment zone, in particular, remains crowded from 10 am to 5.30 pm, with the rush peaking during the afternoon.

The studio remains open from 9 am to 5 pm on all days except Monday. Authorities said the rush was expected due to the recent reopening and the ongoing festive season.

An online ticketing system is expected to be introduced within the next 15 days. The Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC) has reportedly assigned the task to Quick Heal. Authorities are also planning to introduce time slots for major attractions, including the Snow Park, Movie Magic (3D cinema), Adventure Land, museum and archives, to manage crowds and prevent disruptions to film shoots.

A food court and souvenir shop are also planned. Students from schools, colleges and universities will be eligible for a 50 per cent discount on visits upon request from their institutions.

Film shoots resume

Film production has resumed at Kalinga Studio, with an album already shot and a feature film currently under production. Several filmmakers have booked the facility, with interest also coming from South Indian producers. The state government has kept shooting charges relatively low for Odia filmmakers.

Prominent Telugu filmmaker and producer Kona Venkat has expressed interest in shooting films at Kalinga Studio and in Koraput. He has reportedly applied to the Odisha Film Development Corporation (OFDC) for shooting permissions and subsidies for two upcoming films. Venkat has produced more than 50 films, including two shot in Odisha.

Second phase of development ahead

Studio authorities said work on the second phase would begin soon, with plans for permanent sets such as a petrol pump and village complex, along with additional modern facilities.

The resumption of film production has been welcomed by filmmakers, technicians and artists, who see the studio's revival as a major boost for Odia cinema. Authorities are hopeful that the upgraded facility will attract more filmmakers and take Odisha's film industry to new heights.