‘Lahari’ Wins National Award for Best Odia Film; Jhilik Calls It a Proud Moment for Odisha

Bhubaneswar:  A proud moment for Odia cinema unfolded at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat on Tuesday, as Lahari received the National Award for Best Odia Film at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony.
Directed by Amartya Bhattacharyya and produced by Jhilik Bhattacharjee, Lahari was among the films honoured at the ceremony, with President Droupadi Murmu presenting the awards.

For Jhilik, the occasion was particularly special as it marked her first National Award. The producer-actor shared an emotional message after receiving the honour, describing it as a recognition not only of the film but also of her long association with Odisha.

“Odisha, you didn’t just give me an identity… You made me who I am today,” Jhilik said.
Recalling the moment she received the award from President Murmu, Jhilik said the occasion carried a special emotional significance as both she and the President share a connection with Odisha.
“A proud daughter of Odisha, as the President of India, placed this National Award into the hands of a proud daughter-in-law of Odisha,” she said.

“At that moment, I was holding an award, but in my heart, I was holding an entire journey,” she added.

A dream shared by Jhilik and Amartya
Jhilik dedicated the honour to the entire Lahari team and thanked the artistes and technicians who worked on the film.
She also expressed special gratitude to director Amartya Bhattacharyya, who had previously won a National Award.

“Lahari was a dream we carried together: you as its director and I as its producer. Today, holding the same National Award, we know that our shared dream has found its place in history,” she said.

Bhattacharyya’s latest recognition adds another National Award to his filmmaking journey, while the honour also gives further national visibility to contemporary Odia cinema.

What is ‘Lahari’ about?
Lahari explores the clash between traditional livelihoods and growing commercialisation and tourism in a rural setting.
The film follows Dinu, a fisherman, and Bhuta, a boatman, two friends who struggle to protect their indigenous way of life as outside influences begin changing their surroundings and livelihoods.

Through their story, the film examines questions of tradition, identity, livelihood and the impact of superficial tourism on local communities.

‘This award may have my name on it’
For Jhilik, the National Award also represents a deeply personal journey.
Recalling her early days in Odisha, she said the state gave her the opportunity to pursue her dreams and helped shape her identity.
“This award may have my name on it, but the woman receiving it was shaped by Odisha,” she said.

She thanked her parents, family, husband, daughters and in-laws for standing by her, and dedicated the achievement to everyone who believed in Lahari.

The National Award thus becomes another significant chapter in the journey of Lahari—a film rooted in Odisha that has now earned one of Indian cinema’s most prestigious honours.