Odisha’s Pride: Only Odia Film in Indian Panorama, Maliput Melodies Shines at IFFI

 

Bhubaneswar: The scent of Odia cinema drifted far and wide on Saturday, 22 November 2025, as Maliput Melodies — the only Odia feature film officially selected for the Indian Panorama — graced the screens at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. This historic selection brought the serene rhythms of rural Odisha to a national and international audience, marking a milestone for the state’s film industry.

The film is set for four screenings during the festival:

22 Nov: INOX Screen-II, Panaji – 12:45 PM | Ravindra Bhavan, Margao – 4:00 PM | Magic Movies Screen-I, Ponda – 6:00 PM

23 Nov: INOX Screen-II, Porvorim – 1:15 PM

A Tapestry of Rural Life

Maliput Melodies is an anthology of four interconnected stories, each capturing the beauty, struggles, and resilience of rural Odisha. From flute sellers whose dreams are disrupted by a festival cancellation, to brothers torn between home and migration, to village musicians waiting for their moment on stage, the film celebrates the simple joys and quiet struggles of ordinary people.

These vignettes go beyond mere storytelling — they offer a poetic and visual journey into the landscapes, culture, and traditions of Odisha, especially the southern tribal regions of Koraput. The film’s narrative is both intimate and universal, exploring themes of family, aspiration, and the fragile beauty of daily life.

The Vision Behind the Film

Directed by Vishal Patnaik, a fine arts graduate and former art teacher from Jeypore, the film reflects a painter’s sensibility. Patnaik’s lens lingers on natural light, landscapes, and everyday moments, capturing the essence of the people and places he knows intimately.

“I wanted to show how even silence has sound in villages like ours,” Patnaik said, a philosophy that permeates the film’s contemplative tone.

Cultural Significance

Being the only Odia feature selected in the Indian Panorama section at IFFI 2025 is a moment of pride for Odisha’s film fraternity. The selection underscores the rising recognition of regional cinema and the growing interest in authentic, local stories on a national platform.

IFFI 2025 is hosting over 240 films from 81 countries, including 25 Indian Panorama feature films and 18 newly restored classics. Amid this global cinematic showcase, Maliput Melodies brings a quiet, soulful narrative that resonates deeply with viewers.

 

The film is produced under Kaustav DreamWorks Studios, a banner dedicated to nurturing regional cinema and content-driven storytelling. At the helm is Kaushik Das, producer of Maliput Melodies and founder of the AAO NXT streaming platform, Odisha’s first home-grown OTT service.

Through AAO NXT, Das has transformed the reach of Odia cinema, enabling regional films to connect with wider audiences while maintaining authenticity. Under his guidance, Kaustav DreamWorks Studios is bridging the gap between traditional storytelling and modern distribution, giving films like Maliput Melodies both visibility and recognition.

A Milestone for Odia Cinema

The screening of Maliput Melodies at IFFI Goa is more than a festival appearance — it is a cultural statement. It highlights the richness of Odisha’s stories and the potential of its cinema to transcend regional boundaries. For the filmmakers, cast, and crew, it is a validation of years of effort; for audiences, it is proof that Odia cinema is evolving, experimenting, and proudly making its mark on the national stage.

Maliput Melodies is not just a film — it is a melody of life in Odisha, tender, resilient, and unforgettable.