Odia Films Shine at National Film Awards 2023: ‘Pratikshya’ Wins Best Feature Film, ‘The Healing Touch’ Earns Special Mention

Bhubaneswar: ‘Pratikshya,’ an Odia film that delves into the father-son relationship, has secured the prestigious National Film Award 2023 for Best Feature Film in the Odia category. The announcement of the winners for the 69th National Film Awards was made on Thursday evening.

Directed by Anupam Patnaik, the son of the renowned Odia producer and director, the late Amiya Patnaik, ‘Pratikshya’ draws inspiration from a short story penned by the Sarala Puraskar-winning author Gaurahari Das, as well as real-life incidents.

The movie features a talented ensemble cast including Dipanwit Dashmohapatra, Choudhury Jayprakash Das, Barsha Patnaik, Sreela Tripathy, Roopambika Nayak, Susil Mishra, Abakash Mishra, and Sidhant Mohapatra in a special appearance.

Overwhelmed by the news, Dipanwit Dashmohapatra, the lead actor of the movie, expressed his joy, stating, “This is my first film in which I played the main protagonist, so I’m truly delighted that it received the national award.”

Reflecting on the filmmaking experience, Dipanwit shared, “The entire process of creating the movie was special, and I relished every moment of it.”

“As an actor, I aspire to participate in outstanding films with compelling storylines. This journey has just commenced, and I hope to come across more such remarkable scripts in the future,” he added.

Upon its release on December 2 last year, ‘Pratikshya’ received an overwhelming response from audiences.

“As artists, witnessing people enjoy our film and appreciate our hard work is a profoundly rewarding experience. The positive changes occurring in the Odia film industry with the emergence of quality content are truly encouraging for artists like us,” Dipanwit remarked.

Actor-director Anupam Kher also announced the Hindi remake of the film during the 53rd edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI)-2022 in Goa.

The film narrates the compelling story of Sanjay, a young man from a middle-class family, in search of a government job. His father, Bipin, insists on him securing a job due to the family’s debts and his own terminal illness. Sanjay discovers the government’s compassionate appointment scheme, which allows a family member to assume the job of a deceased government employee, leading him to await his father’s passing.

In another commendable feat, the Odia film industry shines with “The Healing Touch,” which has earned a special mention in the non-fiction category. This impactful film delves into the realm of the Covid-19 pandemic, shedding light on the rising mental health issues among patients. From depression and anxiety to nervousness, mental pressure, and sleeplessness, these issues are leading to tragic outcomes such as deaths and suicidal thoughts among Covid-19 patients.

“The Healing Touch” emphasizes the significance of maintaining appropriate mental balance as a means to enhance self-esteem and cultivate positive thoughts. The film proposes that this approach can potentially bolster immunity and aid in combating the pandemic, a perspective endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Produced by Neela Mohapatra and directed by Dr. Sweta Kumar Dash, “The Healing Touch” is more than a cinematic endeavour; it is a call to address mental health challenges during these trying times. The film’s concept, story, and screenplay are designed by Dr. Sweta Kumar Dash, while Sujit Mukherjee has contributed as the co-scriptwriter and Associate Director. Gargi Mohanty and Rajendra Padhi have brilliantly portrayed the roles of wife and husband, adding depth and authenticity to the film’s narrative.