LADHEI’ Fights for Release — Film Sent to Mumbai for Review

Bhubaneswar: The much-anticipated Odia film “Ladhei”, made with a new generation of actors including Debutant Lohitakshya Pattnaik, has run into trouble with the Odisha branch of the Censor Board, which has raised objections and held back its release. The release date had already been announced, publicity was in full swing, and all theatres were booked when the board’s decision shocked the film’s producers, director, and cine lovers alike.

It remains unclear why the state-level board refused to issue a certificate and instead sent the film to the Mumbai office for review. According to the producer and director at a press meet, the Odisha Censor Board cited “excessive violent scenes” as the reason, declining even to grant it an A certificate, and forwarded it to the Mumbai review committee.

Notably, many Hindi and other regional films such as “Animal” have been screened in Odisha despite featuring intense violence, bloodshed, and gory fight scenes.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) functions under the Government of India. While Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films with far more violent content easily receive certification and are screened across India, including in Odisha — often earning substantial box-office revenue — the refusal to certify “Ladhei” even with an A rating has surprised many producers, directors, actors, and senior film critics in the Odia industry.

The film “Ladhei” was fully prepared for a Diwali release, but the CBFC’s decision has disappointed its producer, Debasish Pattnaik. Audiences, too, who were eagerly waiting to watch “Ladhei” this festive season, now feel let down.

Director Ashok Pati has questioned how Hindi, Kannada, and Telugu films with extreme violence get national-level clearance to be shown in Odisha, while an Odia film is denied the same. Veteran producer Sanjay Nayak expressed concern that such actions demoralize Odia filmmakers and suggested that there might be a deliberate attempt to discourage new actors.

Senior journalist, film critic, and National Media Foundation (NMF) state spokesperson Shyama Prasad Mishra stated that the CBFC should adopt a uniform national policy for film certification. He warned that such discrimination could harm Odia filmmakers.

It is worth noting that other recent Odia films sent for certification — such as “Shambhu,” “Vaastav,” and “Darpan” — all received A certificates. Alleging bias and inconsistency in the board’s approach, the “Ladhei” team expressed regret that the film could not release on its scheduled date.

During the press conference, attendees included producer Debasish Pattnaik, director Ashok Pati, film critic and NMF spokesperson Shyama Prasad Mishra, producers Sanjay (Tutu) Nayak and Jyoti Ranjan Mohanty, publicity head Haraprasad Mahapatra, and associate Abhijit Singh, among others.