An FIR has been filed against Odia actor Manoj Mishra

Bhubaneswar (Orissa Today), Nov. 12: An FIR has been filed against Odia actor Manoj Mishra at the Cuttack Cyber Police Station by the Odisha Film and Television Directors’ Association. The association alleges that Manoj has been repeatedly making objectionable comments on social media about Odia filmmakers, suggesting that there are no capable directors in Odisha or that they lack adequate filmmaking skills. Senior directors have claimed that Manoj, driven by personal and political motives, is attempting to defame the Odia film industry.

Several prominent Odia directors, including Sabyasachi Mohapatra, Basant Sahu, Tapas Sargharia, and Bobby Islam, have submitted a formal complaint to the Cyber Police Station today. The police are currently investigating the matter.

Responding to the comments made by Manoj, Sabyasachi Mohapatra noted that the Odia film industry has a rich 88-year history and has produced notable directors such as Nitai Palit, Hemant Das, Hara Patnaik, Prashant Nanda, and Manmohan Mohapatra. These directors have left a legacy of iconic films that have earned recognition at both national and international levels. Sabyasachi remarked that, while they have been part of the industry for over 50 years, Manoj continues to make disparaging remarks, which he describes as distasteful and offensive, hurting the sentiments of many in the community.

Mohapatra added that the Odia film industry has seen significant growth post-COVID, producing many culturally significant and commercially successful films. However, Manoj’s comments risk creating a negative perception among people, who might come to believe that there is no camaraderie in the industry and that quality films are not being produced. Such statements, according to Mohapatra, could deter audiences from visiting cinemas and harm the industry’s reputation. He concluded that they felt compelled to address these issues publicly and urged Manoj to refrain from such comments.

Director Basant Sahu also voiced his concerns, stating that Manoj’s remarks are bound to impact the industry’s image. He stressed that common audiences could easily be influenced by these comments, leading to doubts about the industry, and advised that Manoj should avoid making such statements in the future.