Govt to come up with policy to revive Odia film industry | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: Odisha govt will soon come up with a new film policy to revive Odia film industry, which has been going through difficult times, announced industry minister Sampad Chandra Swain. The policy aims to provide financial support to filmmakers and improve cinema infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
“Odisha’s film industry has a glorious past and a promising future,” said minister of industries Sampad Chandra Swain at a sectoral session on film and media during the Utkarsh Odisha-Make in Odisha Conclave 2025. “Odia cinema is a true reflection of our society and culture. We are committed to its growth and development. I am confident that in the coming years, Odia films will gain more recognition at both national and international levels,” said Swain, announcing that the govt is going to announce a vibrant policy soon.
“We are at the last leg of the policy and would announce it after a final round of discussion with all stakeholders soon,” he added. The Odia film industry, once known for its rich storytelling and cultural representation, has been struggling in recent years due to the dominance of mainstream films, lack of quality content, and modern screening facilities. Industry insiders hope that financial incentives and better infrastructure will help filmmakers and attract more audiences to Odia films.
Pramod Arora, CEO of PVR Inox Limited, said, “Despite the prevalence of OTT channels, people in India still love enjoying watching movies in theatres, and there is huge potential for investment in this sector, especially in Odisha with a rich history as a cinema-loving community. With govt support, we would be ready to invest in creating cinema infrastructure in the state.”
The special session organised at the conclave to discuss investment opportunities in the Odia film industry was attended by actor-turned-politician and BJP MLA Akash Das Nayak, principal secretary of the Odia language, literature and culture department Sanjeev Mishra, director Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, and managing director of Odisha Film Development Corporation Samarth Verma, apart from members of the film industry.
During the session, a panel discussion was also held on strengthening and enriching the Odia film industry.
“Odisha’s film industry has a glorious past and a promising future,” said minister of industries Sampad Chandra Swain at a sectoral session on film and media during the Utkarsh Odisha-Make in Odisha Conclave 2025. “Odia cinema is a true reflection of our society and culture. We are committed to its growth and development. I am confident that in the coming years, Odia films will gain more recognition at both national and international levels,” said Swain, announcing that the govt is going to announce a vibrant policy soon.
“We are at the last leg of the policy and would announce it after a final round of discussion with all stakeholders soon,” he added. The Odia film industry, once known for its rich storytelling and cultural representation, has been struggling in recent years due to the dominance of mainstream films, lack of quality content, and modern screening facilities. Industry insiders hope that financial incentives and better infrastructure will help filmmakers and attract more audiences to Odia films.
Pramod Arora, CEO of PVR Inox Limited, said, “Despite the prevalence of OTT channels, people in India still love enjoying watching movies in theatres, and there is huge potential for investment in this sector, especially in Odisha with a rich history as a cinema-loving community. With govt support, we would be ready to invest in creating cinema infrastructure in the state.”
The special session organised at the conclave to discuss investment opportunities in the Odia film industry was attended by actor-turned-politician and BJP MLA Akash Das Nayak, principal secretary of the Odia language, literature and culture department Sanjeev Mishra, director Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, and managing director of Odisha Film Development Corporation Samarth Verma, apart from members of the film industry.
During the session, a panel discussion was also held on strengthening and enriching the Odia film industry.
