Bhubaneswar, June 27: In a grand celebration of Odia cinema and its rich artistic legacy, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi honoured distinguished personalities from the state's film industry during the combined 35th and 36th Odisha State Film Awards ceremony held at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar. The event recognised the remarkable contributions of actors, directors, producers, musicians, technicians and other creative professionals who have played a vital role in the growth of Odia cinema.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that films are a powerful medium for preserving and promoting Odisha's language, culture and traditions. He noted that the achievements of Odia filmmakers and artists have helped the state's cultural identity reach audiences across the country and beyond. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the film industry and creating an environment that encourages quality filmmaking.

The prestigious Mohan Sundar Deb Goswami Samman, the highest honour in the Odisha State Film Awards, was conferred on veteran actor Shyamalendu Bhattacharya for 2023 and acclaimed actress Namrata Das for 2024. Both recipients were recognised for their lifetime contributions to Odia cinema and were presented with a cash award of ₹5 lakh, a citation and a commemorative memento.

Apart from the lifetime achievement awards, artists and technicians across 62 categories were honoured for their outstanding work in films released during 2023 and 2024. Awards were presented in various categories, including acting, direction, screenplay, music, cinematography, editing and technical excellence, reflecting the diverse talent within the Odia film industry.

Speaking on the future of cinema in the state, Chief Minister Majhi announced that the Odisha government is preparing a comprehensive film policy aimed at strengthening the film ecosystem. The proposed policy is expected to encourage film production, improve infrastructure, provide financial and technical support to filmmakers, and promote skill development for artists and technicians. He said the government has consulted members of the film fraternity, and their valuable suggestions will be incorporated into the final policy.

The Chief Minister also revealed plans to modernise the historic Kalinga Studio by transforming it into a state-of-the-art digital filmmaking and post-production centre. Equipped with advanced technology and modern facilities, the upgraded studio is expected to provide better opportunities for filmmakers while reducing dependence on production facilities outside the state. The government also plans to introduce international-standard training programmes to help young professionals acquire advanced filmmaking skills.

Highlighting Odisha's cinematic heritage, Majhi recalled that Odisha became a separate province in 1936, the same year the first Odia feature film, Sita Bibaha, was produced by legendary filmmaker Mohan Sundar Deb Goswami. He described this historical coincidence as a symbol of the close relationship between Odisha's cultural evolution and the development of its film industry.

The ceremony was attended by Odia Language, Literature and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, senior government officials, filmmakers, actors and members of the film fraternity. The event also featured an exhibition showcasing the journey and milestones of Odia cinema over the decades.

The State Film Awards ceremony concluded on a hopeful note, with the government's announcements on policy reforms and infrastructure development raising expectations for a brighter future for Odia cinema. The event served as both a celebration of artistic excellence and a reaffirmation of Odisha's commitment to preserving and promoting its vibrant film heritage.

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