Odisha govt to bring new film policy before March 2024; producer Sanlisha calls off strike

The Odisha government will come up with a new film policy before March 2024. A decision in this regard was taken at an important meeting under the chairmanship of Secretary of the Industry Department Hemant Sharma on Tuesday. 

Immediately after such a decision, Sanlisha Patel, the producer of Odia film ‘Pratha’ and some actors and actresses who were staging ‘dharna’ at lower PMG over several demands called off their sit-in. 

As per reports, the meeting of the Industry Department was attended by Sanlisha, Odisha Film Development Corporation (OFDC) chairman Kuna Tripathy, producer Sabyasachi Mohapatra, actress Mahaswata Ray, actor Buddhaditya Mohanty and producer Tapas Sargharia. 

At the meeting, a decision was taken to simplify the Odisha State Film Policy 2019 and launch a new policy before March, 2024. The policy will focus on film production in Odia language and the establishment of single multiplexes in rural areas. 

It was also decided that subsidy will be provided to the producers making films with good storyline; subsidy will also be provided to those keen to construct new cinema halls; steps will be taken to advertise Odia films in villages through Mission Shakti and steps will be taken to renovate around 40 film halls which are lying closed. 

Also Read: Ollywood producer Sanlisha breaks fast, but continues dharna in Bhubaneswar

“We are trying to simplify the Odisha State Film Policy 2019. We will have some provisions in the policy to encourage the filmmaking in Odia language. Some other provisions will also be incorporated to increase the number of film halls,” said Sharma.

After the meeting, Sanlisha announced her decision to call off her sit-in.  “During the discussion, they agreed to fulfill our demands. Hence, we called off our strike,” she added.