The Odisha Film Development Corporation (OFDC) marked a significant milestone in the history of Odia cinema as its three-day Golden Jubilee celebrations concluded at Kalinga Studio, Bhubaneswar, on October 25, 2026. The celebration brought together veteran personalities, filmmakers, artistes and cinema enthusiasts to honour the legacy of the Odia film industry and recognise the contributions of those who helped shape its journey.
One of the major highlights of the concluding ceremony was the felicitation of veteran actress Mahasweta Ray for completing 50 years in the Odia film industry. Her five-decade-long journey represents a significant chapter in Ollywood, where generations of audiences have appreciated her performances on screen.
The event combined recognition of veteran artistes with film screenings, musical performances and cultural programmes, offering audiences an opportunity to revisit the rich heritage of Odia cinema.
Mahasweta Ray Honoured for Her Five-Decade Journey
For Mahasweta Ray, the Golden Jubilee celebration became a special occasion to reflect on a career spanning five decades. The veteran actress was felicitated during the closing ceremony in recognition of her contribution to Odia films.
According to reports, Ray shared experiences from her acting journey and expressed her determination to continue working in cinema until her last breath.
Her long association with the Odia film industry has made her a familiar and respected name among audiences. Over the years, the contribution of established performers such as Ray has helped preserve the connection between Odia cinema and the cultural identity of the state.
The felicitation was not simply a recognition of the number of years she has spent in the industry. It also highlighted the importance of acknowledging artists whose work has contributed to the growth and continuity of regional cinema.
For younger performers aspiring to build careers in Ollywood, the occasion offered a reminder of the dedication and long-term commitment that an artistic career can demand.
OFDC Golden Jubilee Celebrates the Legacy of Odia Cinema
The three-day Golden Jubilee programme began on October 23 at Kalinga Studio and concluded on October 25. The celebration was organised to revisit the history of Odia cinema, recognise the achievements of veteran personalities and introduce younger generations to important films and artists from different periods.
The inaugural ceremony honoured several well-known personalities associated with the industry. Those felicitated included Padma Shri awardee and filmmaker Sisir Mishra, director Dr Sabyasachi Mohapatra, lyricist Debdas Chhotray, playback singer Tripti Das, actress Banaja Mohanty and cinematographer Surendra Kumar Sahu.
OFDC Managing Director Surendra Kumar Panda was also present during the opening programme.
The event demonstrated that the history of a film industry extends beyond the actors seen on screen. Directors, writers, lyricists, singers, cinematographers, technicians and other professionals have all played important roles in bringing Odia stories to audiences.
By recognising contributions across different creative fields, the Golden Jubilee celebration brought attention to the collective effort behind the development of regional cinema.
Classic and Contemporary Odia Films Return to the Big Screen
Film screenings formed an important part of the three-day celebration, allowing audiences to experience stories from different periods of Odia cinema. The opening day featured Shunya Swarupa (1997) and Sala Budhar Badla (2022), bringing together films from different generations.
On the second day, the programme included screenings of Pratikshya (2022) and Bideha (2025). Artists and technical teams associated with the films were felicitated by Gopal Krishna Mohapatra, former regional officer of the Central Board of Film Certification in Cuttack, and Surya Deo, a President’s Award-winning film critic.
The concluding day featured Lahari (2024) and the popular 1980 film Maa O Mamata, which featured Mahasweta Ray.
The inclusion of films from different periods gave the programme a broader perspective on the evolution of Odia cinema. It also provided an opportunity for audiences to revisit older works while appreciating more recent productions.
Such screenings can help younger viewers discover films they may not have experienced when they were originally released. At the same time, they allow long-time cinema lovers to reconnect with stories and performances that remain part of Odisha’s cultural memory.
Music and Dance Add to the Golden Jubilee Celebrations
The celebrations also featured musical and dance performances, adding a cultural dimension to the programme. The concluding evening included performances by Suryamayee Mahapatra, Nikita Mishra, Poonam Mishra, Bhoomika Dash, Subhasis Sharma, Akash Hota, Sanoj Kumar and Shubham Nayak, among others.
The second day featured an Odia retro music programme with performances by Debashish Mahapatra, Geeta Dash, Sohini Mishra, Subhasish Mahakud, Shashank Shekhar and Adyasha Das.
Classic Odia songs offered audiences an opportunity to revisit the musical traditions associated with the state’s cinema. Music has long been an important element of Odia films, helping stories reach audiences through memorable melodies and performances.
The combination of film screenings, music and dance made the Golden Jubilee more than a formal anniversary programme. It became an occasion to celebrate different aspects of the creative culture surrounding Odia cinema.
Kalinga Studio and the Future of Odia Cinema
The choice of Kalinga Studio as the venue gave the celebration additional significance. The studio is closely associated with Odisha’s film-making history and has long been recognised as an important name in the state’s entertainment landscape.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations also came shortly after the inauguration of the redeveloped Kalinga Studio on October 5, 2026. The renewed facility has drawn attention to the possibilities for strengthening film production infrastructure in Odisha.
For an industry seeking to reach wider audiences, modern production facilities, skilled technicians, creative talent and effective promotion are all important. Infrastructure can support film-making, but sustained growth also depends on compelling stories, professional opportunities and audiences willing to support Odia productions.
The Golden Jubilee celebration provided an opportunity to look back at the industry’s achievements while considering the importance of preserving its heritage for future generations.
A Milestone for Ollywood and Its Artists
OFDC’s 50th-anniversary celebration brought together several elements of the Odia film industry’s identity: veteran artists, established filmmakers, music, memorable films and emerging generations of creative talent.
Mahasweta Ray’s felicitation was one of the defining moments of the concluding ceremony, recognising a career that has spanned five decades. The event also acknowledged the wider community of performers and professionals whose contributions have helped shape Odia cinema.
As Ollywood moves forward, preserving its cinematic heritage while creating opportunities for new stories and new talent will remain important. Celebrations such as the OFDC Golden Jubilee provide an opportunity to recognise the people who built that legacy and encourage younger generations to become part of its future.
For Odisha’s film industry, the occasion was both a celebration of the past and a reminder of the creative possibilities that lie ahead.
Disclaimer: This article has been prepared for informational and entertainment purposes based on publicly available reports. Details are presented with attribution to published sources. Odisha Katha does not claim ownership of third-party photographs or copyrighted material that may be used separately with appropriate permission or attribution.
