September Set for an Ollywood Movie Bonanza

Bhubaneswar: September is shaping up to be one of the busiest and most exciting months for Odia cinema, with a diverse line-up of films set to hit theatres. From mythology and animation to supernatural horror, romance, folklore and music-driven stories, filmmakers are preparing to offer audiences a wide range of cinematic experiences.

The month will also see several releases arriving around the Ganesh Puja festive period, traditionally considered an important window for theatrical films. With multiple productions competing for screens and audience attention, September could turn into a significant month for Ollywood.

One of the earliest major releases is the much-awaited animated feature Mahaprabhu Jagannath, which is scheduled to arrive in theatres on September 4.

The film is set to release in Odia, Hindi and Telugu, taking the story and spiritual legacy of Lord Jagannath to audiences beyond Odisha. Promoted as India’s first pan-India theatrical animated feature centred on Lord Jagannath, the film combines animation with a mythology-inspired narrative aimed at audiences of different age groups, particularly children.

Dahaan brings horror to the festive season

Among the most anticipated Odia releases of the month is Dahaan – The Evil Within, directed by Anupam Patnaik. The film has already generated curiosity through its promotional campaign and promises a dark and intense cinematic experience revolving around mystery and evil.

Produced by Barsha Patnaik and Anupam Patnaik, Dahaan – The Evil Within is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on September 11, coinciding with the Ganesh Puja festive period.

The film stats Barsha Patnaik, Aurosikha Mishra, Sanoj, Partha Sarathi Ray and others

The film is expected to be one of the key attractions of the September release slate and could bring a strong dose of supernatural suspense to Odia audiences.

Dandakali explores Odisha’s traditional folklore

Another major film expected around the festive period is Dandakali, from veteran filmmaker Sudhanshu Mohan Sahoo.
The film draws inspiration from the traditional Dandakali festival celebrated in parts of southern Odisha, bringing a lesser-known cultural tradition to the big screen. Its title and subject have already generated interest among audiences.

The film features a notable cast, including Maheswata Ray, Sidhant Mohapatra and Suryamayee Mohapatra. Suryamayee, who recently earned recognition for her performance in Delivery Boy, is among the actors adding to expectations surrounding the project.

JADI brings youthful romance

The September line-up also has space for romance with JADI, a youthful film aimed at capturing the emotions and innocence of young love.

The makers recently unveiled the film’s teaser, confirming its theatrical release for September 11. Carrying the tagline “From a GEN-Z Team to all of you,” the film appears to explore school-age love, friendship, relationships and memories.

Starring Sailendra Samantaray, Priyambada and Akash Hota, JADI promises a coming-of-age romantic drama told from a youthful perspective.

Presented by SHREEANSH Productions, the film is produced by Kajal Ray and written and directed by Dibyajyoti Udaysingh. The film carries the tagline “JADI – The Untold Side of IF.”

With Dahaan, Dandakali and JADI all targeting the September 11 window, the date could prove to be particularly competitive for Odia cinema.

KANKANA promises folklore, myth and terror

The horror and thriller space will get another major entry with KANKANA, scheduled for theatrical release on September 18, 2026.
The film recently attracted attention with first-look posters featuring Supriya Nayak, Ankita Mohanty, Suryamayee Mohapatra and Choudhury Jayaprakash Das in striking and previously unseen avatars.

Directed by Prithvi Raj Pattnaik and written by Amit Kumar Dash, KANKANA combines Odisha’s folklore with elements of myth and terror. The film’s promotional campaign has positioned it as a story rooted in legends and fears passed down through generations.
Produced by Deepak Mahapatra and Bhabani Shankar Subudhi under the banner of DB Motion Picturez, the film marks the production house’s maiden venture into the Odia film industry.

Maliput Melodies takes audiences to Koraput

Offering a markedly different cinematic experience is Maliput Melodies, Which is set to release in theatres on September 18.

Produced under the banner of Kaustav Dreamworks Studios, the film has received a U/A certificate and explores the scenic beauty, culture and people of Koraput.
The film has already earned recognition on the festival circuit. It was the only Odia feature film selected in the Indian Panorama Feature Film category at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 in Goa.

Maliput Melodies portrays the lives and struggles of people living amid the forests and hills of Koraput while highlighting the region’s art, culture, literature and music. The film promises to bring the distinctive landscape and cultural identity of southern Odisha to the theatrical screen.
Pasapalli, Mangalpur Diary and more on the radar
Apart from films with announced theatrical dates, several other Odia projects are also generating interest among moviegoers.
Pashapalli (The Game of Politics) is one such upcoming project. Presented by Bikalananda Kar Productions, the film’s poster was unveiled at the Bhubaneswar Press Club recently, marking the production house’s entry into the Odia film industry.

Other projects being closely watched include Debakanya, Lankagada and The Mangalpur Diary. While their release dates are yet to be finalised, the films are expected to remain part of the conversation around the upcoming Odia theatrical slate.

The Mangalpur Diary, another project associated with filmmaker Sudhanshu Mohan Sahoo, has particularly attracted curiosity because of its distinctive title and the filmmaker’s interest in exploring varied subjects and genres.

A crucial month for Ollywood

With several films arriving within a short span, September could become an important test for both filmmakers and exhibitors. The festive period is expected to bring increased footfall to theatres, but the simultaneous release of multiple films will also intensify the competition for screens and box-office attention.

The diversity of the line-up is perhaps the biggest highlight. While Mahaprabhu Jagannath brings mythology and animation, Dahaan and KANKANA explore horror and supernatural themes. Dandakali draws from Odisha’s cultural traditions, JADI focuses on youthful romance, while Maliput Melodies takes a more cultural and music-oriented approach.

For Ollywood, therefore, September is more than just a busy release month. It offers a snapshot of an industry increasingly willing to experiment with genres, subjects and storytelling styles.

As promotional campaigns gather momentum and producers finalise their theatrical plans, September promises to keep Odia cinema audiences busy at the box office.