‘Pushkara’ Declared Best Odia Film at 71st National Film Awards

Bhubaneswar– Pushkara, a powerful cinematic adaptation of the Odia novel Nadabindu, has been named Best Odia Film at the 71st National Film Awards, announced by the jury on Friday. The recognition marks a proud moment for Odia cinema and especially for the film’s debutant director Subhranshu Das, a cinematographer-turned-filmmaker.

Directed by Das and produced under the banner of Tarang Cine Productions, Pushkara is based on the acclaimed novel by eminent writer Sankar Tripathy. The film, which released in 2023 across cinema halls in Odisha, stars Sabyasachi Mishra in the lead alongside Supriya Nayak, Ashrumochan Mohanty, and Choudhury Bikash Das. It also features a memorable performance by the late Pintu Nanda, whose contribution to the film is being fondly remembered.

Pushkara tells the haunting story of Neelakantha, a con artist who impersonates a holy man named Pushkara to exploit people’s religious faith for personal gain. However, his journey takes a tragic turn when he falls in love with a widow, leading to unforeseen consequences. The film is lauded for its poignant storytelling, layered performances, and its faithful recreation of the emotional depth of the source novel.

The music, composed by Bibhuti Bhusan Gadanayak, adds a soulful dimension to the narrative, enhancing the emotional weight of the film.

With this National Award recognition, Pushkara not only celebrates storytelling rooted in Odia literature and culture but also opens new avenues for emerging filmmakers in the regional film industry.