Challenge grosses ₹58.36 lakh in first three days

Bhubaneswar: The much-awaited Odia big-budget film Challenge, starring Real Star Ardhendu Sahu and Elina Samantaray, has collected ₹58.36 lakh within just three days of its release.

The film hit theatres across Odisha on September 26, opening in 50 cinema halls with 150 shows on its first day. For the first time, a grand premiere was hosted in Berhampur on Saturday, in addition to earlier premieres in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.

Excitement swept through the Silk City as locals welcomed their own stars, Ardhendu Sahu and actress Lipi Mahapatra, with a spectacular 150-bike rally leading up to Rukmini Cinema Hall. The cast and crew received a rousing reception from fans before the screening.

Superstar Ardhendu Sahu, Elina Samantaray, director Sai Kiran Mangaraj, cinematographer Pratap Chandra Raut, promotions head Pranaya Jethi, actors Bhupinder Singh, Lipi Mahapatra, and Bibhas were present at the event. They mingled with fans, clicked selfies, made reels, and later enjoyed the full screening with the audience.

The highlight for many fans was spotting Bollywood veteran Puneet Issar, renowned for his iconic portrayal of “Duryodhan,” in a pivotal role.

Packed with high-octane action, emotional drama, foot-tapping music, and Odia cultural dance sequences, Challenge has been designed as a complete festive entertainer for this Dussehra season.