Pushkara Wins Best Odia Film at 71st National Film Awards
Bhubaneswar: In a landmark moment for Odia cinema, the film Pushkara has been honored with the Best Odia Feature Film award at the 71st National Film Awards, held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu, marking a proud occasion for the Odia film industry and its growing recognition on the national stage.
Produced by Tarang Cine Productions, Pushkara is directed by Subhranshu Das and based on the acclaimed Odia novel NadabindU by Sankar Tripathy.
The film stars popular Odia actors Sabyasachi Mishra and Supriya Nayak, who bring to life a story that blends romance, tradition, and cultural identity.
Set against the spiritual and cultural backdrop of Puri, Pushkara paints a rich tapestry of Odisha’s heritage. It beautifully portrays age-old rituals and festivals such as Sahi Jata, Kartika Purnima, and Boita Bandana, capturing the essence of the Odia way of life. The film’s narrative explores how personal relationships intersect with societal expectations and spiritual beliefs — a theme that resonates with audiences both within and beyond Odisha.
Director Subhranshu Das, along with Litisha Mangat Panda, Business Head of OTV Network, accepted the award and cash prize on behalf of Tarang Cine Productions. Speaking after the ceremony, Das expressed gratitude to the jury and highlighted the importance of telling rooted, culturally rich stories that connect with audiences nationwide.
This national recognition of Pushkara is seen as a significant milestone for Odia cinema, which has been steadily gaining attention for its artistic storytelling and production quality. Over the past few years, there has been a resurgence of interest in regional films across India, with Odia filmmakers contributing fresh narratives and perspectives.
Tarang Cine Productions, a major player in the Odia entertainment industry, continues to champion local talent and culturally grounded stories. Pushkara’s win further strengthens their position as a key force in elevating Odia cinema to national and global platforms.