National Award-Winning Odia Film Pushkara Shines at Indian Film Festival in Russia

Bhubaneswar: Taking Odia cinema to the global stage, the National Award-winning film Pushkara was screened at the 2nd Indian Cinema Festival 2025 in Russia, organised by the Embassy of India in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation.

The film, which bagged the Best Odia Film award at the 71st National Film Awards, was showcased at the Moskino Kosmos cinema in Moscow on October 5, 2025, as part of the festival that runs from October 4 to 15 across five Russian cities — St. Petersburg, Kazan, Moscow, Yakutsk, and Vladivostok.

Representing Odisha and Indian regional cinema on the international stage, actor Supriya Nayak, the star of Pushkara, attended the event and interacted with film enthusiasts and delegates from India and Russia. Her presence highlighted the growing recognition of Odia cinema and its deep cultural narratives beyond Indian borders.

The festival features a delegation of 16 eminent Indian film personalities, including actors, producers, and directors, who are participating in discussions, film screenings, and cultural exchanges to promote Indian cinema’s diversity and storytelling traditions.

Pushkara, inspired by Odia culture and rooted in the traditions of rural Odisha, continues to earn acclaim for its powerful storytelling, direction, and authentic portrayal of the state’s heritage. The film’s inclusion in the Russia festival marks another proud moment for Odisha’s film industry, underscoring its growing international appeal.