Odisha CM Unveils New Film Policy to Revive Odia Cinema

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a comprehensive Odia Film Policy aimed at reviving and strengthening the state’s cinema industry.

Speaking at Sanskruti Bhawan before a gathering of actors, directors, producers, and technicians, Majhi described cinema as the “memory, culture, emotions, and soul of a nation.”

He urged filmmakers to stop imitating other industries and instead showcase Odisha’s unique heritage — from Jagannath culture and Kalinga’s maritime history to tribal traditions, resilience during natural disasters, and rural life.

The CM assured that funding will not be a hurdle under the “Odia Asmita” government.

Plans include establishing a state‑of‑the‑art Film Training Institute and building robust infrastructure to nurture new talent.

Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj emphasised that Odia cinema will play a central role in Odisha’s centenary celebrations in 2036.

The event was attended by leading industry figures, including Akash Das Nayak, Sidhant Mahapatra, Anubhav Mohanty, Anu Choudhury, Pushpa Panda, Harihar Mahapatra, Pinky Pradhan, and producer Siddharth Agrawal.

The new policy marks a decisive shift from decades of neglect, signalling a new era where Odia cinema is set to reclaim its pride of place.