Bhubaneswar: In a proud moment for the Odia film industry, ‘Pushkara’, directed by acclaimed cinematographer Subhranshu Das, has been named the Best Odia Film at the 71st National Film Awards, announced by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting on Friday.
The awards were declared in the presence of feature film jury chairperson Ashutosh Gowarikar and non-feature film jury head P. Sheshadri.
Pushkara: A Cultural Love Story Rooted in Puri
Starring Sabyasachi Mishra and Supriya, Pushkara is based on Shankar Tripathy’s novel ‘Nadabindu’. The film explores a tender love story that unfolds around the post-death ritual Pushkara, deeply rooted in Odisha’s cultural landscape.
“Audiences connected to the film because of its strong Odia elements,” said director Subhranshu Das. “We’ve showcased cultural highlights like Sahi Jata, Kartika Purnima, and Boita Bandana, all intrinsic to Puri’s traditions.”
Das will receive the Rajat Kamal award along with a cash prize of ₹2 lakh.
Odia Wins in Non-Feature Film Section
In a significant win in the non-feature category:
- Subhash Sahoo’s documentary ‘Mo Bou, Mo Gaan’ won the Best Biographical/Historical Reconstruction/Compilation Film. The film tells the story of ‘Seba Bou’, an elderly woman who prepares adolescent girls for the responsibilities of womanhood and marriage. Sahoo will also receive Rajat Kamal and ₹2 lakh cash prize.
- Himansu Sekhar Khatua, an established name in Odia cinema, received a Special Mention for his documentary ‘The Sea and Seven Villages’, which captures the impact of climate change on Satabhaya, a vulnerable cluster of villages in Kendrapara. The film reflects the resilience of the villagers in the face of environmental destruction.
Odisha Talent Shines Nationally
Odia cinematographer Prasantanu Mohapatra also bagged a Rajat Kamal for Best Cinematography for his outstanding work in ‘The Kerala Story’, one of the most talked-about Hindi films of 2023.
CM Mohan Majhi Congratulates Winners
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate the Odia film fraternity.
“Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the producer, director, artists, and everyone associated with these films. I wish for the Odia film industry to move forward with many more original and excellent films,” he wrote.
From traditional tales to modern climate realities, Odia filmmakers have once again proven their mettle on the national stage. With stories deeply rooted in culture and community, these wins mark a resurgence of Odia cinema at the national level, inspiring a new wave of original and impactful storytelling.
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