Kalinga Studio ‘Irregularities’ Raised, Film Bodies Demand OFDC Chairman Appointment

Bhubaneswar: The All Odisha Film Directors’ Association and the Odisha Producers’ Guild on Sunday held a joint press conference at Upendra Hotel in Bhubaneswar, raising concerns over alleged irregularities at Kalinga Studio and demanding the early appointment of a chairman for the Odisha Film Development Corporation (OFDC).

The press conference was attended by noted filmmaker and Padma Shri awardee Shisir Mishra, director Sanjay Nayak, producer Arun Mohanty, along with several members of the two organisations.

During the briefing, the two bodies jointly shared details of a complaint reportedly submitted to the Odisha Vigilance Department and the Chief Minister regarding alleged corruption and irregularities in Kalinga Studio. They also discussed the future course of action on the issue.

The organisations informed the media about their views on the proposed new Odia Film Policy and deliberated on how the pending works at Kalinga Studio could be completed, restored, or redeveloped.

The film bodies also urged the government to appoint a suitable and capable individual as the OFDC chairman at the earliest. They stressed the need for leadership that can effectively contribute to the growth and development of Odisha’s film industry.

Additionally, the organisations appealed to the Chief Minister to allocate time for a detailed discussion with representatives of both bodies on issues concerning the Odia film sector, including policy reforms, infrastructure development and the future of Kalinga Studio.