Pushpa 2 to SSMB-29: How Odisha’s Koraput became backdrop for blockbusters

Nestled in the lap of nature, Koraput in southern Odisha has become the new darling of filmmakers. With its lush green hills, cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and vibrant tribal culture, the district has transformed into a cinematic paradise. In recent years, several major South Indian films have been shot here, including SS Rajamouli’s high-budget project SSMB-29, Anushka Shetty’s Ghaati, and now the Telugu film Comrade Kalyan. Koraput is fast earning the title of “The Film Shooting Capital of Odisha.”

Lights, Camera, Action in the Heart of Nature

The ongoing shooting of Comrade Kalyan has brought the spotlight once again to Koraput. Major scenes of the film are being shot at Sabar Shreekshetra, featuring popular Telugu actor Srivishnu and Malayalam star Mahima Nambiar in a romantic sequence. The film also explores the Maoist era of the 1990s, blending drama with realism.

“Currently, a song is being shot with actors and actress arriving here for shooting. The shooting will be held in one to two days in Koraput and then shooting will be for 12 days in various places in Koraput," said Gautam Kumar, Crew member of the Comrade Kalyan.

Also Read: SSMB29: Rajamouli wraps a Kenya schedule with Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra; two-part budget revealed?

Koraput A Cinematic Gem for Filmmakers

Picturesque locations such as Deomali Hills, Similiguda, Pendajam, Kaliyamali, Jeypore Valley, and Patraput Bridge have become the top choices for directors. The same land that once witnessed insurgent unrest is now echoing with “Lights, camera, action!”

"Nature is so beautiful here, very good locations here in Koraput. As so many movies are coming nowadays and Odisha has become a tourism spot. Definitely in future, we will come here for shooting," said, Raghu Vasan, Music Director.

From Turmoil to Tourism

Following Ghaati, SSMB, and Pushpa 2 (partly filmed along the Malkangiri-Koraput border), Koraput is now on every filmmaker’s radar. Producers like Venkat Krishna say the district’s natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect shooting hub.

A New Identity for Odisha

As more filmmakers turn their cameras toward Koraput, this scenic district is not only boosting Odisha’s image in cinema but also igniting new hopes for tourism and local employment, proving that sometimes, nature itself is the best backdrop for storytelling.