Bhubaneswar, July 19: Odia cinema received a major boost as the feature film Lahari was honoured with the Best Odia Film award at the 72nd National Film Awards, announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in New Delhi.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Amartya Bhattacharyya and produced by actor-producer Jhilik Bhattacharjee, Lahari has been widely praised for its powerful storytelling, artistic presentation, and strong social message. The award is regarded as one of the country's highest recognitions in cinema and marks another proud achievement for the Odia film industry.

Set in a coastal fishing village, Lahari portrays the lives of ordinary people caught between tradition and the pressures of modern development. The film explores themes of family, resilience, identity, and hope through an emotionally engaging narrative. Its realistic performances, compelling screenplay, and visually striking cinematography earned appreciation from critics and audiences alike.

Speaking after the announcement, director Amartya Bhattacharyya described the honour as a significant moment for Odia cinema and credited the entire cast and crew for their dedication. Producer Jhilik Bhattacharjee expressed gratitude to audiences for embracing the film and said the recognition would encourage more meaningful storytelling in regional cinema.

The 72nd National Film Awards recognise films certified during the 2024 calendar year across feature, non-feature, and writing-on-cinema categories. The selection is made by an independent jury that evaluates artistic merit, technical excellence, and overall cinematic contribution.

The success of Lahari continues the growing national recognition of Odia films, reflecting the industry's increasing focus on content-driven cinema with universal appeal. Film enthusiasts and members of the Odia film fraternity have welcomed the achievement, calling it a proud milestone that showcases Odisha's rich cultural heritage and cinematic talent on the national stage.

The award is expected to inspire emerging filmmakers and strengthen the position of Odia cinema in India's diverse film landscape, reaffirming that compelling regional stories can resonate with audiences across the country.

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