90 Years of Odia Cinema: A Legacy of Art, Identity, and Resilience

Bhubaneswar: April 28 marks a milestone in the cultural history of Odisha, as the Odia film industry celebrates 90 glorious years since the release of its first motion picture, Sita Bibaha.

It was on this day in 1936 that the silver screen in Odisha lit up for the first time with Sita Bibaha, a film that would go on to become the foundation stone of Odia cinema. Directed by the legendary Mohan Sundar Deb Goswami, the film not only marked the birth of an industry but also sparked a movement in storytelling, culture, and identity for the Odia-speaking populace.

Directed by the visionary Mohan Sundar Deb Goswami, the film premiered on April 28, 1936, and became the cornerstone of one of India’s oldest regional cinema traditions.
To honour this historic occasion, the Odia film community is coming together to celebrate Odia Cinema Day, with hopes that April 28 will soon be officially recognized as such.

A special commemorative event is being held at the Press Club of Odisha, where actors, directors, producers, and other members of the film fraternity will reflect on the industry’s journey—its triumphs, its struggles, and its future.

While this anniversary is a moment of pride, it also casts a spotlight on the challenges that Odia cinema currently faces. Once a thriving industry, it now grapples with financial hurdles, lack of quality content, rampant duplication, and a sharp decline in the number of theatres across the state. These issues have made it increasingly difficult for producers to break even, let alone thrive.

Despite these obstacles, a new generation of Odia filmmakers is emerging with fresh ideas and renewed passion. Yet, without structural support, their potential risks being stifled. Industry voices are now urging the state government to step in with meaningful support.

Unlike other Indian states where film producers benefit from subsidies and incentives, Odisha lacks comprehensive policies to support its local film industry.

Although a Rs 200-crore investment has been earmarked for the construction of a modern film studio, insiders believe that a more holistic approach is needed.

Veteran producer Ramesh Barik stressed the urgent need to increase the number of theatres and combat the damaging effects of online criticism, which often undermines the efforts of local filmmakers.

Renowned filmmaker Akshaya Kumar Parija echoed these concerns and emphasized the importance of a dedicated corpus fund to nurture emerging talent. According to Parija, such a fund could help independent filmmakers access resources they otherwise couldn’t afford, allowing them to tell stories that are unique to Odisha’s rich cultural landscape. However, he also warned that proper monitoring mechanisms must be in place to ensure transparency and prevent misuse of these funds.

As Odisha commemorates 90 years of cinematic heritage, the celebrations are not just about nostalgia—they are also a call to action. The Odia film industry stands at a pivotal juncture, with the potential to evolve into a vibrant, self-sustaining creative economy. All it needs is the right push—from the government, the public, and the storytellers themselves.