The Chief Minister's Office of Odisha announced on Friday, 27 June 2026 that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the combined ceremony for the 35th and 36th Odisha State Film Awards, where he declared that the state government will formulate a new 'Film Policy' to drive the all-round development of Odia cinema, ensure artist welfare, and promote high-quality film production.

Context

Addressing the gathering, CM Majhi described Odia cinema as 'ଆମ ଜାତିର ଅସ୍ମିତାର ପରିଚୟ' — 'the identity of our people.' The 35th and 36th editions of the state film awards were held together at the ceremony, recognising contributions across Odia cinema over two consecutive award cycles. The Chief Minister's Office confirmed his attendance and shared key announcements made at the event.

The Odisha State Film Awards have been conferred annually since the 1980s, serving as the government's primary mechanism to honour and encourage the Odia film industry. Holding two editions simultaneously suggests a backlog in the awards cycle, now being cleared under the current administration.

Policy Backdrop

The proposed Film Policy is aimed at three pillars: comprehensive development of Odia cinema, protection and welfare of artists, and raising the standard of film production in the state. While the specific provisions and budget allocations are yet to be made public, the announcement signals a formal legislative and administrative framework for an industry that has so far operated without a dedicated state policy.

Across India, several state governments have introduced regional film policies in recent years to nurture local-language industries and build media infrastructure. These policies typically include incentives for shooting within the state, subsidies for producers, and investment in technical facilities — a model Odisha appears set to follow.

Kalinga Studio and Cinema Tourism

CM Majhi announced that Kalinga Studio in Bhubaneswar, a government-owned film facility, will be developed into a major digital and post-production hub to offer world-class opportunities to young talent from Odisha. The move is intended to reduce the dependence of Odia filmmakers and technicians on facilities in Mumbai or Hyderabad, retaining skilled professionals within the state.

The Chief Minister also called upon filmmakers to leverage Odisha's natural beauty to develop 'Cinema Tourism' — a model that links film shooting locations with travel and tourism promotion. Several Indian states have successfully used film-induced tourism to draw visitors to heritage sites and natural landscapes, and Odisha, with its coastline, temples, and tribal regions, holds significant potential in this space.

Stakeholders and Impact

The announcements directly affect Odia filmmakers, actors, technicians, and young creative talent seeking professional infrastructure within the state. The upgrade of Kalinga Studio into a post-production hub could generate employment and reduce production costs for local productions. Artists stand to benefit from the welfare provisions expected under the new Film Policy.

The tourism sector is another key stakeholder. If Cinema Tourism takes root, districts with distinctive landscapes — such as Koraput, Puri, Konark, and the Similipal region — could see increased footfall driven by film shoots and location-based visitor interest. This would align film policy with the state's broader economic development goals.

What's Next

The immediate next step is the drafting and formal notification of the new Film Policy, along with the announcement of budget allocations and a timeline for the Kalinga Studio upgrade. Stakeholders in the Odia film industry are expected to be consulted during the drafting process. The pace at which the government moves from announcement to implementation will determine the policy's credibility and impact on the ground.

If executed effectively, Odisha's new Film Policy and the Kalinga Studio upgrade could position the state as an emerging media production destination in eastern India, complementing its growing profile in sports, infrastructure, and cultural tourism.