Industry rejoices
Bhubaneswar, July 24: Film personalities have rejoiced the formation of a panel to draft a policy for development of film industry in Odisha. The committee, formed Monday, is expected to submit its report to the government within a month suggesting measures to improve the industry.
The committee will also examine different problems being faced by the Odia film industry and recommend measures for renovation of the Kalinga Studio, located on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar and in a dilapidated state.
Welcoming the decision of the state government, actor and MP Anubhav Mohanty said the draft policy for development of the industry should have been drawn long ago. “The current state of Kalinga Studio is deplorable. I appreciate the effort of the government. Finally, something concrete is shaping up. The overall development will be a boon for all the artistes and technicians who are related to showbiz in Odisha,” Mohanty pointed out.
Newcomer Elina Samantaray was quick to respond to the state government bid to revive the efforts to upgrade the industry. “Though I am a newcomer, I have come to know the plight of everyone who is working out here. Every year many movies are released, but only a few succeed. If we had a policy to develop the industry, then the work environment would have been superior. I hope, the flow of money would be better and the future of our movies brighter…” she hoped.
“Let’s hope the new policy announcement becomes fruitful. It must not be limited to just pen and paper affair. From a spot boy to a technician everyone should be benefitted. I hope the committee works for the cause of the industry,” said actor Archita Sahu.
Film director Ashok Pati felt investment in movies had become risky at times although Odia movie industry has been growing steadily. “Many of our movies have won national and international awards. This is real good news and everyone is quite hopeful that something concrete will come up soon,” Pati said.
Film producer Akshay Parija has suggested that Odia movie industry has been waiting for such an enactment. “Let’s hope it makes some real difference to the Odia movie industry. At least Kalinga studio in the city should be renovated as a first step and it should be rebuilt on the lines of Ramoji Rao studios in Hyderabad.
The committee, headed by Finance Minister S B Behera, will have Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Prafulla Samal and Industries Minister Ananta Das as members.