Odia films face screen crunch as Ramayana takes over theatres
Producer Pranay Jethi seeks stronger cinema policy, more theatres and priority for regional films
Bhubaneswar, November 6: The release of the much-anticipated Hindi film Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, has once again brought the struggle of Odia cinema for adequate theatrical space into focus. Several Odia films, including Jadi, Danger Devdas and Monster, Game Over which were released during the Dussehra season, have reportedly lost their screening slots following the arrival of the big-budget Hindi film on November 5.
Odia film producer Pranay Jethi expressed concern over the situation, questioning the government’s approach towards promoting the regional film industry while planning to organise an international film festival in the state.
“The government is planning to organise an international film festival in Odisha, but it is yet to ensure adequate space for Odia cinema in its own theatres. Several Odia films which were running in theatres, have been removed despite performing well, to accommodate big-budget Hindi films. This is discouraging for the regional film industry and those investing in Odia cinema,” Jethi said.
He said the government should take concrete steps to strengthen the state’s cinema infrastructure and create a more supportive environment for regional productions.
“I will urge the government to increase the number of cinema halls in the state, give priority to Odia films and introduce a strong cinema policy. Several other states provide preference and adequate screening opportunities to their regional-language films. Odisha should follow a similar approach and ensure that Odia cinema gets its rightful space in its home state,” he added.
The development has once again raised questions about the availability of screens and limited theatrical opportunities for Odia cinema, particularly when major Hindi and dubbed South Indian films arrive in theatres.
The issue is not new. In October 2025, actor and MP Anubhav Mohanty had appealed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to intervene, alleging that even houseful Odia films were being removed from theatres to make room for Hindi and dubbed South Indian movies during the Dussehra season.
The latest concerns have renewed the debate over the need to protect theatrical space for the state’s regional film industry, which already faces challenges in distribution, marketing and audience reach.
While major productions such as Ramayana bring significant commercial interest and audience expectations, the limited number of screens in Odisha makes competition particularly difficult for smaller regional productions.
The situation has also highlighted the need for a comprehensive cinema policy that addresses screen availability, distribution and sustained support for Odia films, ensuring that regional cinema gets a fair opportunity to reach audiences.