Odia Cinema turns 90: Demand to observe April 28 as ‘Odia Cinema Divas’ rises
First Odia film Mohan Sundar Deb Goswami directed ‘Sita Bibaha’ was released on April 28
Bhubaneswar: In a few days, the Odia cinema industry will mark a milestone – 90 years since the release of the first Odia film, the Mohan Sundar Deb Goswami directed “Sita Bibaha,” on April 28, 1936.
To commemorate this golden history, the Odia film community is rallying behind the demand to celebrate April 28 as Odia Cinema Day. The day would be observed with cinema discussions, exhibitions, film festivals, and state film awards, all centered on Odia cinema.
Odisha boasts the oldest cinema industry in India, with a rich and fascinating history. However, despite its legacy, the industry faces numerous challenges, including criticism for low-quality films, content duplication, and financial struggles. While recent efforts to promote young talent have shown promise, producers continue to grapple with profitability issues.
Film critic Dilip Hali emphasizes the need for government support, citing the lack of subsidies for producers as a major hurdle. He notes that the government’s investment in a studio, though a step in the right direction, is insufficient. Hali urges the new government to take note of the industry’s plight and provide financial support to propel Odia cinema forward.
As the industry strives to regain its footing, the celebration of Odia Cinema Day could be a catalyst for growth. With government backing and solutions to the industry’s problems, Odia cinema can move forward and reclaim its place in the spotlight.
Cinema is doing well in other states probably because there are subsidies for the producers. Similarly, when the big budget Telugu film Pushpa-2 is being made in the natural environment of Odisha, our government has invested only Rs 200 crores for the construction of a studio.
So now, while the vision of the department, corporation and government is being considered, the new government should pay attention to this and take Odia cinema forward.
