Bhubaneswar

Mohan Charan Majhi has announced that the Government of Odisha will soon introduce a dedicated policy for the Odia film industry and establish a specialised film training institute aimed at reviving and strengthening regional cinema.

The chief minister made the announcement while participating in a special seminar on Odia cinema, where he interacted with filmmakers, actors, and other prominent members of the film fraternity to discuss the current challenges and future direction of the industry.

Majhi said the proposed policy would focus on giving Odia cinema a stronger and more distinct identity.

“We will soon implement a new film policy with the objective of building an independent and recognisable identity for Odia cinema,” he said.

Describing cinema as far more than a form of entertainment, the chief minister said films represent the memory, cultural values, ideas, and collective spirit of a society.

He stressed that Odia films should develop their own storytelling voice instead of borrowing themes or formats from other industries.

Majhi also encouraged filmmakers to draw inspiration from Odisha’s rich cultural and historical legacy.

He suggested that future films could explore stories linked to Lord Jagannath and the cultural traditions associated with him, the maritime heritage of ancient Kalinga, tribal life, as well as stories of resilience shown by people during natural disasters such as cyclones and floods.

He also highlighted the emotional and social narratives rooted in rural Odisha as powerful themes for cinema.

The seminar also explored strategies to position Odisha as a film tourism destination by promoting scenic and culturally significant locations such as Chilika Lake, Konark Sun Temple, and Koraput as preferred shooting locations.

Participants also discussed the possibility of launching an international film festival in Odisha to showcase regional talent on a global platform.

Majhi said there is a pressing need to create a professional training ecosystem for aspiring filmmakers, technicians, and artists in the state.

He announced that a dedicated film training institute would be established in Odisha to equip young talent with skills in various aspects of film production and creative storytelling.

Targeting the previous Biju Janata Dal government, the chief minister alleged that little was done over the past two decades to strengthen the Odia film industry.

He said the present government, which he described as committed to preserving Odisha’s pride, culture, and traditions, would ensure that financial constraints do not hinder the growth of regional cinema.

“Funds will never become an obstacle for the development of Odia films. A strong cinematic infrastructure will be created in the state in the near future,” he said.

Suryavanshi Suraj, Odisha’s Minister for Odia Language, Literature and Culture, said the film industry would play an important role as the state prepares to celebrate 100 years of Odisha’s statehood in 2036.

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Among others who participated in the discussion were actor-turned-MLA Akash Das Nayak, actor and legislator Siddhant Mohapatra, senior bureaucrat Sashwat Mishra, culture department director Vijay Ketan Upadhyay, and Odisha Sahitya Academy secretary Chandrashekhar Hota.