Lahari producer Jhilik Bhattacharjee meets CM Mohan Charan Majhi

Bhubaneswar: Producer Jhilik Bhattacharjee of the National Film Award-winning Odia film Lahari met Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at his residence on Saturday and presented the award to him.

Jhilik described the meeting as an honour and a privilege, expressing happiness over the Chief Minister’s keen interest in cinema and his personal desire to watch Lahari.

In a message expressing her gratitude, she said the Chief Minister’s interest in watching the film meant a great deal to her and the entire Lahari team, as the story was particularly close to their hearts. She also thanked Majhi for his warmth, encouragement and for making the meeting a special moment for her.

Directed by Amartya Bhattacharyya and produced by Jhilik Motion Pictures, Lahari won the prestigious National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Odia at the 72nd National Film Awards. The award ceremony was held on September 22 in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, where President Droupadi Murmu presented the honours.

The film tells the story of Dinu, a fisherman, and Bhuta, a boatman, whose lives and livelihoods are threatened by the pressures of tourism and urbanisation. Through their experiences, the film explores the conflict between traditional ways of life and the forces of commercialisation, highlighting the struggles of local communities as their surroundings undergo rapid changes.

The film’s national recognition has brought renewed attention to Odia cinema and its potential to reach audiences beyond the State. Its win has also fuelled discussions about the need for stronger storytelling, wider distribution, better infrastructure and sustained support to help the Odia film industry grow alongside other prominent regional film industries.

For Jhilik and the Lahari team, the Chief Minister’s interest in watching the film marks another moment of encouragement following the prestigious national recognition.