Bhubaneswar, Oct 5: The much-awaited Kalinga Studio is set to reopen its doors to the public today, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi scheduled to inaugurate the newly renovated Kalinga Studio complex.
The redevelopment project, which was undertaken with the vision of transforming the facility into a world-class film studio, began around five years ago and has now been completed. After several controversies and delays, the iconic studio is finally ready to welcome film lovers and visitors in its new avatar.
Spread across 22 acres in the Khandagiri-Bharatpur area, the revamped studio has been equipped with modern facilities aimed at making film production easier and more professional. It features advanced production equipment, including drones, trolley cameras and high-end cinema cameras.
The studio complex has also been designed with a range of elaborate sets, including a snow world, haunted house, airport, village, royal palace and cottages. An amusement park and other facilities have also been developed to create a diverse environment for film shoots as well as visitors.
Designed as an ultra-modern studio and Film Tech Zone, the facility will offer filmmakers access to virtual production and AI-generated technology. The upgraded infrastructure is expected to enable Odia filmmakers to produce films with international standards without having to travel outside the state.
The revamped studio is also expected to attract filmmakers and production houses from outside Odisha, offering them opportunities to utilise the state’s modern film-production infrastructure.
Of the estimated Rs 200 crore earmarked for the redevelopment, around Rs 171.84 crore has been spent so far. Maintenance of the facility has been entrusted to Yatri Corporate Services Private Limited, while around 100 people have been appointed for its operations.
Several works are still pending and are expected to be completed over the next two years with the remaining funds.
The Odisha Film Development Corporation (OFDC) has also introduced a ticketing system for entry into the studio. Visitors will have to pay prescribed charges to access attractions such as the haunted house, amusement park and snow world.
Production houses will also be charged fees for using the studio facilities for film shoots. The revenue generated through visitor entry and filming is expected to support the maintenance and smooth operation of the facility.
With its modern infrastructure, film sets and technology-driven production facilities, the revamped Kalinga Studio is poised to give Odisha’s film industry a major boost while putting the state on the map as an emerging destination for film production.
