Bhubaneswar: The future of Odia cinema was the main topic of discussion at an important meeting held in Bhubaneswar today. Organised by the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department, the event took place at Sanskruti Bhavan’s conference hall. The focus was on expanding the reach of Odia films in the digital era, with special attention given to OTT (Over-the-Top) platforms and digital content. 
Odia Cinema Embraces Digital Revolution: OTT Growth & Future Strategies


Odia film actor and MLA Sidhanta Mohapatra  alongwith Several leading figures from the Odia film industry attended like as producers, directors, actors, writers, and musicians. Together, they discussed different strategies to help Odia cinema grow, particularly by making better use of digital platforms.  

Key Discussions from the Meeting  

  • Expanding Odia Cinema on OTT Platforms – The participants talked about how Odia films can reach a global audience through popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar.  
  • Creating a Dedicated Platform for Odia Content – There was a proposal to develop a special digital platform to showcase Odia films, web series, and short films, making it easier for people to access them.  
  • Support for Digital Content Production – The meeting highlighted the need for financial and technical support to help filmmakers create high-quality content specifically for digital platforms.  
  • Increasing Cinema Halls While Focusing on Digital Growth – While the industry wants to open more traditional cinema halls, there was also an emphasis on ensuring that films are easily available on digital platforms for wider reach.  
  • Better Promotion of Odia Digital Content – The attendees discussed the need for stronger marketing strategies to make Odia films and web series more visible on OTT platforms.  

Government Support and Industry Growth  

The meeting also addressed the importance of government assistance in producing films based on authentic Odia stories. Suggestions were made to provide subsidies for film production and to help filmmakers transition to digital distribution. This would create a more sustainable ecosystem for the Odia film industry. 


Prominent Attendees  

Several well-known personalities from the Odia film industry were present, including actors Arindam Roy, Sabyasachi Mishra, Archita Sahu, Pinky Pradhan, Anu Choudhury, and Harihar Mohapatra. Musician Debasish Mahapatra, former Doordarshan director Deepti Mishra, and other officials from the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department also participated.  

A Unified Vision for the Future  

The meeting ended with a shared goal: to ensure that Odia cinema continues to grow both in traditional theaters and on digital platforms. By embracing OTT services and investing in digital content, the Odia film industry aims to connect with a wider audience and create more innovative storytelling.  
This gathering marks an important step toward making Odia cinema more accessible and competitive in the fast-changing world of entertainment. With the right strategies and support, the industry is set to reach new heights in the coming years.