Cinema and Identity: Odisha Manaska Examines Odia Culture on Screen

Bhubaneswar: The 10th edition of Odisha Manaska, a monthly discussion circle by All Things Odisha, was held at Extra Odinari in Saheed Nagar. This month’s theme, “Who Are We on Screen? Shaping and Reflecting the Evolving Odia Identity Through Film,” focused on the representation of Odia identity and culture in cinema.

The forum featured a rich conversation led by Surya Deo, eminent film journalist, historian, and National Award-winning cinema writer, alongside Swastik Choudhury, an independent filmmaker and actor known for his globally recognized work.

Around 20 participants from diverse backgrounds engaged in an insightful discussion on how Odia films have mirrored the state’s evolving cultural and traditional ethos. The representation of Odisha’s vast diversity in cinema was a central point.

Surya Deo stressed that while cultural identity evolves, it remains rooted in tradition. He critiqued the rise of remake culture in Odia cinema, saying it has weakened authentic storytelling and limited experimentation, failing to capture societal change.

Swastik Choudhury emphasized the need to create Odia films for a global audience, while authentically preserving local elements. “Cinema is multilayered; it must be understood in context. Resources are never a constraint—it’s about intent and approach,” he said.

Participants also raised concerns about the lack of accessibility to quality cinema and a limited ecosystem for filmmaking in Odisha. They echoed the need for more such forums to elevate cinema discourse and raise public awareness.

Odisha Manaska—literally “Odisha on my Mind”—aims to build a democratic and inclusive platform where people across ideologies, regions, and social backgrounds can share insights on issues relevant to the state. In its previous editions, the forum has discussed topics like Odia identity, festivals, traditional practices, food, migration, maritime history, and regional disparity.