‘Lahari’ Team Returns to Odisha with National Award

Bhubaneswar: The team of Odia film Lahari returned to Odisha with the National Film Award after receiving the prestigious honour at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony held at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat.

Producer Jhilik Bhattacharjee and director Amartya Bhattacharyya received the award for Best Odia Film from President Droupadi Murmu at the ceremony organised by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The return of the National Award-winning duo was marked by a warm welcome from fans at the airport, who gathered to celebrate the achievement of the Odia film.

Produced by Jhilik Motion Pictures, Lahari tells a story rooted in Odisha’s soil, culture and traditions while also touching upon tourism and the importance of staying connected with one’s roots. At its core, the film explores the relationship between a father and his son against the backdrop of changing social realities.

The film had earlier earned appreciation at the Kolkata International Film Festival and the Melbourne Film Festival.

Following its festival screenings, Lahari also received a positive response during its theatrical run.

The film features Choudhury Jayaprakash Das, Choudhury Bikash Das, Smruti Mohapatra, Dipanwit, Sushant, Har, Prasenjit and Swastik in various roles. Debashish Patra and Babushan Mohanty appear as guest artistes.

The National Film Awards ceremony recognised outstanding contributions to Indian cinema across various categories, with filmmakers and artistes from different parts of the country being honoured.

For the Lahari team, the National Award marks a significant recognition for an Odia story that places its culture, people and realities at the heart of its narrative.