‘Mehermunda’ wins praise at special screening; Odisha ministers hail tribute to state’s weaving heritage
Bhubaneswar: Mehermunda, an Odia feature film chronicling the lives, struggles and resilience of Odisha’s weaving community, received widespread appreciation at a special screening held at the Odisha State Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhawan, on Saturday.
Organised by the Department of Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts, the screening was attended by Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta, Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, senior government officials, and the film’s cast and crew.
Praising the film, Pradeep Bal Samanta said Mehermunda presents an authentic and compelling portrayal of Odisha’s rich handloom traditions, art and culture. He said its engaging narrative and cinematic quality would help showcase the state’s cultural heritage to audiences across India and the world.
Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said the film has the potential to touch the hearts of every Odia while reinforcing the state’s cultural identity and inspiring society through its powerful message.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar described Mehermunda as more than just a film, calling it a heartfelt tribute to the creativity, perseverance and sacrifices of Odisha’s weaving community. She said the film honours the state’s weavers and reflects the pride and identity of Odisha.
Produced by GR Records, Mehermunda tells the story of Odisha’s weavers and their determination to preserve their traditional craft while overcoming the economic hardships triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The film highlights how artisans embraced digital platforms and online marketing to sustain their livelihoods and protect their centuries-old heritage.
Producer Rakesh Kumar Padhi said the film is an earnest effort to bring the history, struggles and achievements of Odisha’s weaving community to a wider audience while promoting the state’s handloom, art and culture at national and international levels.
On the sidelines of the event, exhibition stalls by Utkalika, Boyanika and Sambalpuri Bastralaya displayed a wide range of Odisha’s handloom, textile and handicraft products, with the visiting dignitaries appreciating the craftsmanship of local artisans.
The film stars Jyoti Ranjan Nayak, Rakesh Kumar Padhi, Sushanta Das Mahapatra and Arlin Ankita in lead roles.
Mehermunda has already earned three international awards for its social message and cinematic excellence. The film has also been screened in districts across Odisha to raise awareness about the state’s handloom heritage among students and the general public.
In recognition of its contribution to preserving and promoting Odisha’s handloom legacy, the state government declared Mehermunda tax-free on June 9, 2026. Earlier, its trailer was unveiled by the Chief Minister on National Handloom Day on August 8, 2025, in the presence of nearly 1,500 weavers.