Dr Surya Deo explores literary impacts on Odia filmmaking

Bhubaneswar recently hosted an insightful dialogue on regional filmmaking. JD Centre of Art organised its 294th Meet the Artist programme on August 16, 2026. This edition featured noted film critic, journalist, and researcher Dr. Surya Deo. He spoke extensively on how Odia cinema adapts literary works.

Since its inception in 2001, this regular JDCA initiative connects art lovers and researchers with creative thinkers. Regional cinema in Odisha relies heavily on strong storytelling, drawing rich narratives directly from classic literature over the decades. Dr. Deo focused on this exact relationship between Odia films and books. He explained the creative possibilities of turning written emotions and characters into visual stories. Filmmakers face unique challenges while trying to keep the original literary essence intact on screen while adding creative interpretation.

Celebrating Decades of Research

Born in Sonepur, Dr. Surya Deo brings over two decades of experience in film criticism and journalism to his discussions. He holds a doctorate from Utkal University for his research on Odia cinema songs, alongside a postgraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. His deep academic background shaped his engaging presentation on the evolution of Odia filmmaking. His published works include several important books: Odia Cinema Ra Rooparoopantara from 2010 and Jhura Mana Jhara Rati from 2012. He also wrote volumes of Odia Cinema Gita covering both the 1936 to 1969 era and the 1969 to 1978 era.

National Recognition for Writing

His 2020 book Kali Pain Kalira Cinema earned a Special Mention at the 68th National Film Awards. Furthermore, the state honored him with the Odisha State Film Award twice, first in 2020 and later in 2023, for his ongoing writing contributions. During the recent Bhubaneswar event, his detailed presentation sparked strong interest and active discussion among the audience regarding the evolving nature of movies and literature.