Odia film industry has been going through a lull phase, thanks to Covid-19 pandemic. The industry had to suffer huge losses as the shooting of all the Odia movies was cancelled due to the sudden rise in coronavirus across the world.
However, after rocking star Yash’s KGF: Chapter 2 minted over Rs 10 crore in Odisha, there were high hopes from Odia movies. Things were getting to become normal as the shooting of the movies resumed after the pandemic.
However, back-to-back deaths of veteran Odia actors added to the woes of the film industry. On the other hand, the personal controversial lives of superstars like Babushaan and Anubhav Mohanty have further jeopardized the future of the Odia industry.
Such incidents will be a major setback for the Odia film industry, suggest film critics.
The bad phase for Odia film industry started with the death of veteran actor Minaketan followed by the deaths of veteran actors Bijay Mohanty, Ajit Das, Mihir Das and Rai Mohan Parida. Recently, even popular Ollywood comedian and actor Salil also breathed his last in a major setback for the industry.
Then started the controversial marriage life of superstar Anubhav Mohanty. One of the most-sought actor of Ollywood, Anubhav has taken the Odia film industry to new heights since the release of his debut movie ‘I Love You’. He has acted in a dozen of movies and created a niche for himself in both Odia and Bengali movies.
However, his entry into politics and subsequent marital feud with his wife-actress Varsha Priyadarshini distanced him from the Odia industry. The actor seems to be slowly moving away from the industry.
Even as fans want to see him on the big screen, his controversial personal life affected the film industry.
Meanwhile, speculations are rife about the acting career of Odisha’s ‘Chocolate’ boy. Earlier, Babushaan released a video stating that he would not work with any heroine, if need be. This has come as a shocker for his fans and cine lovers.
In just 12 years of his acting career, he played a huge role in taking the Odia film industry to new heights. However, his decision amidst the recent controversy has become a matter of concern for Odia cine lovers.
Commenting on the issue, actor Manoj Mishra said, “Babushaan is a house full of talent. He is a national-level talent. I’m afraid, he is severely affected because of this entire saga. I’m worried, he might go into depression.”
“A talent will be wasted if he goes away from the industry,” he added.
Similarly, veteran actor Pradyumna Lenka said, “Babushaan is not just the son of veteran actors Uttam Mohanty and Aparajita. He is the son of Odia film industry. He is the future of Odia industry and his fans. He has the responsibility to take the Odia film industry into new heights. He should put aside his personal life and work for the upliftment o the industry.”