Bhubaneswar, Ap 23: Odia cinema has been earning recognition at the national level, yet it continues to face neglect within its own state. Several Odia films that have won prestigious national awards fail to receive recognition at the Odisha State Film Awards, leaving producers, directors, and actors surprised and disappointed.
For instance, actress Prakriti Mishra won the Best Actress award at the 65th National Film Awards in 2018 for her performance in the film Hello Arsi. The same film received accolades for Best Feature Film and Best Screenplay. However, when the 29th Odisha State Film Awards were announced in 2019, Mishra was overlooked in her category, though the film received awards in four other sections.
Similarly, films like Pranab Das’ Hakim Babu (1985) and Sabyasachi Mohapatra’s Adim Bichar, Shala Budhara Badala, and Pahadar Luh (2014) received national recognition, yet their contributions were ignored or undervalued at the state awards. Many artists have voiced their astonishment at this recurring discrepancy.
Prominent filmmaker Sabyasachi Mohapatra, who has served on both national and state juries, highlighted that Odia cinema has long faced neglect at the state level, even after earning acclaim nationally. Industry experts point out that state jury selection processes often appear inconsistent and opaque, raising questions about criteria, fairness, and potential conflicts of interest.
Critics and senior journalists argue that as Odia cinema evolves beyond traditional storytelling, the state awards must also modernize, adopting clear rules and transparent evaluation procedures. Without reform, the awards risk being seen as biased, favoring personal connections over merit.
The call for systematic reform is growing. Experts recommend a structured guideline for juries, ensuring impartiality and transparency from the selection process to the award ceremony. Only through such measures can Odia cinema receive recognition that truly matches its national success.
As Odia films continue to break new ground, the hope remains that the state awards will evolve, reflecting both talent and excellence, and bridging the gap between national acclaim and state recognition.
