Bhubaneswar: CM Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced that a new film policy, aimed at reviving Odia film industry, addressing industry concerns and promoting cinema tourism, is in the making.At the 35th and 36th State Film Awards ceremony, Majhi urged filmmakers to tap Odisha’s natural beauty to develop cinema tourism and position the state as a preferred shooting destination. Cinema tourism can emerge as a major growth engine, he said.The CM called Odia cinema an integral part of the state’s cultural identity, appealing to filmmakers to create content rooted in local stories and sensibilities while embracing modern storytelling. “If films reflect Odia society and culture, audiences will return to theatres,” he said.Majhi urged viewers to support regional films, noting that each production sustains hundreds of artists, technicians and workers. He also issued a clear warning to theatre owners against sidelining Odia films. “If regional films are removed to promote others, strict action will be taken,” he said.Highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen the film ecosystem, the CM said Kalinga Studio is being upgraded into a digital and post-production hub, aimed at retaining local talent and reducing dependence on other states.At the event, veteran actors Shyamalendu Bhattacharya and Namrata Das (2024) received the Mohan Sundar Dev Goswami Samman, carrying a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh each, for 2023 and 2024 respectively, as awards across 62 categories were presented for both the years.
