Producer Sanlisha demands justice for Odia film industry, launches dharna in Bhubaneswar

Sanlisha Patel, producer of Odia film ‘Pratha', has launched an indefinite dharna at lower PMG Square in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, demanding justice for Odia films. 

She has placed five demands before the state government and the Odisha Film Development Corporation (OFDC), including setting up of a film hall in each block headquarters, norms for multiplexes and cinema halls to run Odia films for at least 15 days as in other states.

She has also demanded making Odia films tax-free, interference of administration in sectors like film distribution and producers’ association, a system for producers to get back invested money, no adverse comments on films till 15 days of release and coordination between all associated with the industry, financial and other supports for film production along with government support for investors in the Odia film industry. 

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“Earlier I had placed my demands and warned that I would stage a dharna in front of the Legislative Assembly on November 23 if my demands are not fulfilled. As I didn’t get any assurance, I have taken to the streets,” she added. 

Sanjay Kumar Patra, producer of Odia film Kasturi and actor Buddhaditya Mohanty also came out in support of Sanlisha. 

“We need the government’s help for the development of our industry. For example, because of the government’s sponsorship, Hockey has reached an international level today. Mission Shakti is also another such example. Odia film industry is also a part of the Odia culture. The need of the hour is to set up film halls with 100 to 200 seat capacity with the minimum ticket price of Rs 50 in each block,” said actor Mohanty.