Special Screening of Odia Movie ‘Simli’ Held Ahead of March 14 Release

Bhubaneswar: A special screening of the new Odia movie *Simli* was held at PVR Multiplex in Bhubaneswar, ahead of its official release on March 14. The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, MLAs Sanjali Murmu, Jalen Naik, and Himanshu Shekhar, as well as the movie’s star cast and makers.

Prior to the screening, the trailer and music of *Simli* were unveiled at a special event at the Press Club in Bhubaneswar. The launch was graced by Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra and Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, along with other notable figures such as Bangriposi MLA Sanjali Murmu, Saraskana MLA Bhadav Hansdah, and Baripada MLA Prakash Soren.

*Simli: The Untold Story of Similipal* explores the ongoing issue of animal poaching and illegal tree cutting in Similipal forest. The film sheds light on how these illegal activities continue despite laws and regulations and aims to raise awareness about the efforts to stop them.

Produced by Smita Rout, who also wrote the story, the film is directed by Sukumar Mani. It stars Suryamayee Mohapatra, Manoj Rout, Lipika Senapati, Anupa Saha, and Chaudhary Bikash Das. The film’s music is composed by Bachu Mukharjee, Bishnu Mohan Kabi, and SB Smruti, while cinematography is handled by Dhrubabanada Panda and art direction by Ganesh.

Promotions for the film are being managed by Media Planner and Creative Head Pranay Jethi. With a growing interest in realistic and impactful stories, *Simli* aims to further enhance the appeal of Odia cinema, following the success of recent hits. Jethy also informed that forest minister Ganesh Ram SinghKhuntia assured of making the movie tax free in the state.