‘Mehermunda’ Screening Celebrates Odisha’s Weaving Heritage, Honours Artisans’ Resilience

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s rich handloom tradition took centre stage on Friday as the State Government organised a special screening of the award-winning Odia feature film Mehermunda at the Odisha State Convention Centre, highlighting the resilience, artistry and cultural legacy of the State’s weaving community.

The screening, organised by the Department of Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts, brought together ministers, senior government officials, members of the film fraternity and handloom stakeholders to celebrate a cinematic tribute to Odisha’s traditional weavers.

Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta described Mehermunda as an authentic portrayal of Odisha’s handloom heritage, saying the film effectively captures the traditions, craftsmanship and cultural identity of the State’s weaving community. He expressed confidence that the film would help showcase Odisha’s rich textile legacy to audiences across the country and abroad.

Produced by GR Records, Mehermunda narrates the journey of Odisha’s weavers, portraying their struggles, perseverance and determination to preserve traditional weaving practices while adapting to modern marketing platforms in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The film focuses on how artisans embraced digital platforms to sustain their livelihoods without compromising their centuries-old craft.

Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said the film has the potential to resonate with audiences by reinforcing Odisha’s cultural identity and inspiring greater appreciation for the State’s traditional crafts.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Department of Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar described the film as a tribute to the dedication, creativity and resilience of Odisha’s artisans. She said Mehermunda goes beyond entertainment by documenting the lives and emotions of the weaving community while celebrating Odisha’s cultural heritage.

Film producer Rakesh Kumar Padhi said the project was conceived to bring wider recognition to the contributions of Odisha’s weavers and promote the State’s handloom traditions at both national and international platforms.

On the sidelines of the screening, exhibition stalls set up by Utkalika, Boyanika and Sambalpuri Bastralaya displayed a wide range of handloom, textile and handicraft products, drawing appreciation from the dignitaries for the craftsmanship of Odisha’s artisans.

The film stars Jyoti Ranjan Nayak, Rakesh Kumar Padhi, Sushanta Das Mahapatra and Arlin Ankita in key roles.

Mehermunda has received three international awards for its social message and cinematic excellence. The film has also been screened across several districts of Odisha to raise awareness about the State’s handloom heritage among students and the general public.

Recognising its contribution to promoting Odisha’s weaving tradition, the State Government declared the film tax-free on June 9, 2026. Earlier, its trailer was unveiled by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on National Handloom Day on August 8, 2025, in the presence of nearly 1,500 weavers.