Bhubaneswar, 24th Sept 2025: Just as some major Hindi film superstars like Alia Bhatt, Devgan, and Salman Khan are releasing new films and turning audiences’ attention, Odia cinema, often overshadowed and overlooked, is seeing positive signs of revival. It is encouraging that the “good times” are returning to Odia cinema.
At the 12th annual festival of Nirbhaya, a discussion session titled “Has the Good Era Returned to Odia Cinema?” was held, where three prominent film personalities shared their views. The session was moderated and coordinated by Nirbhaya’s associate editor, Sajit Mahapatra.
There is no significant difference in cinema regarding whether the film is emotional or commercial, or whether it caters to the general audience or the elite. Now, audiences simply want to watch good or bad films. As Odia cinema is set to cross the 100-year milestone soon, there is hope for a prosperous future.
If good films are made around themes of water, wind, livelihood, and cultural heritage, audiences will definitely watch them. Odia cinema has the potential to revive its glorious past. During the discussion titled “The Good Era of Odia Cinema” at the Nirbhaya festival, speakers concluded on this hopeful note.
The session began with Nirbhaya editor Naveen Das saying that the popularity of Odia cinema is returning and audiences are once again interested in watching Odia films. This was further emphasized by associate editor Sajit Mahapatra, who said that recently, Odia audiences have returned to theaters, delighting filmmakers and directors. But is this truly the return of Odia cinema’s golden era?
Answering various questions, noted film director Nimanshu Khatua said that film production requires deep observation, research, and accurate storytelling. While Odia poets have gained national recognition, Odia films still suffer from a lack of sincerity, which is a major obstacle to making good films.
Prominent actress Pinky Pradhan expressed her view that copying other language films has negatively affected Odia cinema. Films made on spirituality, superstition, and social issues have achieved commercial success, and this trend should continue. However, telling a good story and portraying it well on screen is a challenge. Without proper execution, the film will fail to connect with audiences. She also emphasized the need for more cinema halls in Odisha.
Actor Deb Prasad Dash said that although some recent films have been successful, this can’t be called a continuous trend of revival. Sometimes a single film touches the audience’s heart, but most films lack realism and often have exaggerated stories. If Odia cinema focuses more on stories about common people and middle-class struggles, it will gain more popularity.
Two veteran filmmakers from Odia cinema’s better days, Jagadish Mishra and Debi Prasad Lanka, welcomed the discussion and emphasized the importance of producing quality Odia films. They stressed the need for good stories and proper presentation. They also urged for more cinema halls.
Both filmmakers encouraged asking questions to the audience and gave useful suggestions. Viewers expressed opinions about organizing screenings of old Odia films and regular Odia film festivals at Odia film academies and schools.
The panel of discussants was arranged by Nirbhaya.