“IFFI Goa 2025 Kicks Off Tomorrow: Odisha’s Cinema Set to Steal the Spotlight
Bhubaneswar: As the sun sets over the pristine beaches of Goa, the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 prepares to unfold in a grand, colorful spectacle.The Film festival will be held from November 20 to 28.
The air is buzzing with excitement as filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts gather for the festival’s opening ceremony. With an outdoor parade, vibrant Goan cultural performances, and a dazzling array of films from across the globe, IFFI 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of cinema.
However, this year, there’s one state that stands out amidst the global stars: Odisha.
For the first time in the festival’s long history, Odisha takes center stage at IFFI 2025. The state’s burgeoning film industry is being thrust into the spotlight, with a slate of films that showcase the rich cultural tapestry, deep-rooted traditions, and contemporary storytelling emerging from this beautiful coastal region of India. The buzz surrounding Odisha’s presence at IFFI is palpable, and the world is about to discover the magic of Odia cinema.
A Cinematic Journey into Odisha’s Heart
The opening night of IFFI has the usual glamour — flashing cameras, excited crowds, and a sense of collective anticipation. But as the parade begins and the cultural groups from across Goa perform, a special sense of pride radiates from a group of filmmakers and actors standing near the red carpet: the Odia delegation.
Odisha, known for its pristine temples, beautiful beaches, and timeless art forms, is making its presence felt in the world of cinema. This year, it’s not just about being part of the festival; it’s about showcasing a unique cinematic voice. IFFI Goa 2025 marks the arrival of Odisha’s films on the global stage, telling stories that are rooted in the state’s history, culture, and people but carry a universal appeal that resonates worldwide.
The Premiere of Bindusagar – A Film with a Soul
Among the stars of Odisha’s lineup is Bindusagar, a film that has already caught the attention of festival-goers and critics alike. Directed by Abhishek Swain, this poignant tale explores the journey of a young woman, Aishwarya, who returns to her ancestral roots in Bhubaneswar, only to encounter an elderly man, Raghunath, struggling with loss and grief.
The world premiere of Bindusagar on November 25 at IFFI is a highly anticipated event. Prakruti Mishra, the talented lead actress, graces the red carpet in a flowing traditional sari, while her co-stars, Dipanwith Das Mohapatra and Sonalli Sharmisstha, look equally elegant. The film’s delicate portrayal of human emotions — loss, reconciliation, and the search for identity — has struck a chord with many who have seen it.
The festival’s audience is captivated by the serene beauty of Bhubaneswar, with sweeping shots of the city’s temples, lush greenery, and urban contrasts, each frame inviting viewers into the soul of Odisha.
Maliput Melodies – A Celebration of Odisha’s Rural Heart
Maliput Melodies, directed by Vishal Patnaik and produced by Kaushik Das, is a celebration of the rural heart of Odisha, with its folk music, agrarian life, and enduring traditions. The only Odia film, selected for the Indian Panorama Feature section, it transports the audience to the small village of Maliput, where music and storytelling form the fabric of daily life.
The film’s slow, lyrical pace and its deep connection to Odisha’s folk traditions captivate the IFFI audience. Through the characters’ intimate relationships with music, Maliput Melodies highlights the significance of art in binding communities together. As the film unravels, viewers are introduced to vibrant villages, timeless customs, and a musical score that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Documenting the Divine: Mahima Alekha
Himanshu Sekhar Khatua’s Mahima Alekha is another standout, bringing to light the Mahima cult — an enigmatic religious tradition practiced in Odisha. This documentary, selected for the Indian Panorama Non-Feature section, uncovers the mysticism of this spiritual practice and its connection to the region’s indigenous cultures.
The documentary’s intimate storytelling and vivid cinematography make it one of the more thought-provoking works to be showcased at IFFI 2025. It’s a tribute not only to Odisha’s spiritual heritage but to the power of religious traditions that continue to shape communities.
Papa Buka – A Global Story with an Odia Heart
In a fascinating collaboration between India and Papua New Guinea, Papa Buka, directed by Dr. Biju, explores the untold stories of Indian soldiers during World War II. The film delves into the significant yet often forgotten contributions of these soldiers in Papua New Guinea, highlighting their courage and sacrifice in the war.
The IFFI Gala screening of Papa Buka on November 22 draws a diverse audience, with film lovers intrigued by its international themes, human rights issues, and historical significance. The film, co-produced by Odisha filmmaker Akshay Kumar Parija, stands as a testament to the global reach of Odia talent, with a narrative that crosses cultural boundaries.
New Voices and Innovation: Spying Stars – The Future of Film
Finally, there’s Spying Stars, an Indo-French-Sri Lankan co-production, set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a global pandemic. Directed by Vimukthi Jayasundara and co-produced by Nila Madhab Panda, a renowned Odia filmmaker, Spying Stars takes a bold leap into futuristic cinema.
The film’s exploration of AI-driven storytelling, alongside its poignant human narrative, is one of the festival’s most innovative offerings. The futuristic themes resonate strongly with the IFFI crowd, making Spying Stars one of the most talked-Aabout films at the event.
Whispers of the Mountain: A Tale of Love and Loss
One of the most anticipated films from Odisha at IFFI 2025 is Whispers of the Mountain, directed by Jigar Nanda. The film, set in the rugged Aravalis of Rajasthan, tells a universal story of love, grief, and the silent strength of human bonds. It follows Tilak, a widowed tea stall owner, and his mute son, Ragu, as they form an unspoken connection with the mountains that mirror their own emotional journeys.
While the film is set in Rajasthan, it has deep-rooted ties to Odisha, thanks to its Odia co-producer, Jitendra Mishra, who has been instrumental in bringing the story to life. The film’s poignant narrative is a testament to the power of human resilience, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. It’s a beautiful fusion of the emotional depth typical of Odia cinema and the rugged landscapes of Rajasthan, making it a standout feature in this year’s festival.
A State and Its Cinema Stepping into the Spotlight
For Odisha, the 56th IFFI is more than just an opportunity to showcase its films. It is a moment to be proud of a growing industry that is no longer confined to regional boundaries but is poised to make a significant impact on the global film scene.
As the festival progresses, it becomes clear that Odisha’s cinematic voice is unique, offering a blend of tradition, contemporary narratives, and an ever-evolving passion for storytelling. The rich culture, history, and artistry of Odisha — once a hidden gem — is now shining brightly on the global stage, and the world is finally taking notice.
The future of Odia cinema looks incredibly promising. Whether through the quiet introspection of Bindusagar, the musical magic of Maliput Melodies, or the profound spirituality captured in Mahima Alekha, Odisha has proven that it has much to offer the world. IFFI 2025 will be remembered as the year when Odisha’s films took their rightful place on the global cinematic map.
Epilogue: A New Dawn for Odia Cinema
As the festival comes to a close, the filmmakers from Odisha leave Goa with a renewed sense of pride and optimism. The success of their films at IFFI has cemented Odisha’s place in the world of cinema, and for many, this is just the beginning. With a growing roster of talented filmmakers and artists, the future of Odia cinema is brighter than ever.
The world has now seen what Odisha has to offer — and it’s only a matter of time before its films begin to take their rightful place among the world’s finest.
And so, as the lights of IFFI fade away for another year, the story of Odisha’s cinematic rise continues to unfold.