Bhubaneswar: At the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, Odisha’s rich film heritage was celebrated, with Minister of Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education, Sampad Chandra Swain recognizing the industry’s illustrious history and promising future.
In his speech at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar, Swain highlighted the milestones in the development of Odia cinema, starting from the release of the first Odia film, Sita Bibaha, in 1936. He noted that the official recognition of the Odia film industry in 1974 marked a new chapter in its journey, which has since been characterized by national acclaim and a growing global presence.
“Odia cinema is not just an art form, it is a true reflection of our society, our culture, and our way of life. We are committed to the growth and development of this vibrant industry,” said Swain. He expressed his confidence that Odia films would continue to receive increasing recognition in the coming years, not just in India but internationally as well.
A special session on “Investment Opportunities in the Odia Film Industry” was organized during the conclave, where stakeholders gathered to discuss ways to elevate the industry to new heights. The session was attended by prominent figures including Jajpur Korei MLA Akash Das Nayak, Principal Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department Sanjeev Mishra, Director Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, and Managing Director of Odisha Film Development Corporation Samarth Verma.
The session featured a panel discussion that delved into the various avenues for strengthening and enriching the Odia film industry. The discussion saw the participation of eminent personalities from the film world, such as Amitabh Guha Thakurta, Pramod Arora, Shivashish Sarkar, and Rajesh Sharma. They explored ways to attract investments, enhance infrastructure, and create more platforms for Odia films to gain recognition on national and global stages.
Swain’s speech and the subsequent panel discussions underscored the importance of nurturing the Odia film industry, both creatively and economically, as it continues to contribute significantly to the state’s cultural identity and tourism sector.
The conclave serves as a platform to foster investment opportunities in various sectors, including the entertainment industry, and showcase Odisha’s potential as a destination for creative industries. With the government’s strong commitment to the development of Odia cinema, the future looks bright for the state’s film industry.
