Bhubaneswar, Sept 23: In a proud moment for Odia cinema, Lahari has been honoured with the Best Odia Film award at the 72nd National Film Awards. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at the ceremony held in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. Director Amartya Bhattacharyya and producer Jhilik Bhattacharjee received the prestigious honour on behalf of the film.
Released in 2025, Lahari has emerged as a celebrated Odia film that brings together the landscape, traditions and emotional fabric of Odisha. Produced by well-known Ollywood actress Jhilik Bhattacharjee and directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Amartya Bhattacharyya, the film offers an evocative portrayal of rural Odisha and the relationships that shape life in its villages.
Featuring Choudhury Jayaprakash Das, Choudhury Bikash Das, Dipanwit Dash Mahapatra and Swastik Choudhury in prominent roles, Lahari revolves around the intimate bond between a father and his son, the warmth of friendship and the aspirations of a rural community.
At the heart of the film is a story deeply rooted in the countryside. Through its characters and their journeys, Lahari explores how eco-tourism can become a catalyst for rural development, creating new possibilities for communities while remaining connected to their land and cultural heritage.
What makes the film particularly evocative is its ability to weave together the personal and the social. The father-son relationship provides the emotional core, while the village setting becomes much more than a backdrop—it becomes an integral character in the story. The film captures the rhythms of rural life, the bonds of friendship and the hopes of people seeking new opportunities without losing touch with their roots.
The recognition for Lahari extends beyond Odisha. The film has also travelled to international platforms, including the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), where it received appreciation from audiences and film enthusiasts.
With its blend of human emotion, rural landscapes and a contemporary story of community development, Lahari represents a distinctive voice in Odia cinema. Its National Film Award adds another significant chapter to the film’s journey, placing a story rooted in Odisha firmly on the national cinematic stage.
