Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Monday formed a ministerial committee headed by Finance Minister Sashi Bhusan Behera for the development of Odia film industry, known as Ollywood.
A decision in this regard was taken during a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister at the State Secretariat Monday evening. Various problems of the film industry and development of the Kalinga Studio were also discussed at the meeting.
The committee will comprise Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Prafulla Samal and Industries Minister Ananta Das as members. Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Sanjeev Chopra will be convenor of the committe.
The Chief Minister has directed the committee to submit a report within one month suggesting the steps to be taken to resurrect the industry, which is going through a difficult phase.
On the basis of the recommendations and report of the panel, a policy would be prepared for the development of the Odia cine industry, said a senior official.
Samal, Industries Minister Ananta Das, Development Commissioner R Balakrishnan, Odisha Film Development Corporation (OFDC) Chairman and actor Kuna Tripathy and other officials were present at the meeting.
Various problems have been plaguing the Ollywood, starting from lack of funds to dwindling number of cinema halls.
A total of 38 films were released in 2013, while the number dipped to 25 in 2014. Though 34 films were released in 2017, a majority of them bombed at the box office.