In a historic achievement for Odia cinema, Pushkara has been honoured with the Best Odia Film award at the prestigious 71st National Film Awards 2023. The announcement, made during the ceremony on Tuesday, has filled the State with pride and brought national attention to Odisha’s growing film industry.
A Landmark for Odia Cinema
Directed by Subhransu Das and produced by Tarang Cine Productions, Pushkara is based on the Odia novel Nadabindu by Shankar Tripathy. The film explores themes of tradition, identity, and societal transformation in rural Odisha, weaving a compelling narrative that resonates deeply with audiences.
The recognition of Pushkara is being hailed as a milestone for regional cinema. While Odia films often struggle to find space in the national spotlight, this win underscores the rich storytelling traditions of Odisha and the growing impact of its filmmakers.
National Recognition for Odisha’s Film Industry
The award is expected to inspire a new wave of filmmaking in the State, encouraging storytellers to explore Odia literature, folklore, and culture on the silver screen. Industry observers believe Pushkara’s win will not only raise the profile of Odia cinema but also strengthen its commercial and critical viability.
Sabyasachi Mishra’s Reaction
Expressing his joy, actor Sabyasachi Mishra, who plays the male protagonist in Pushkara, said:
“I feel immensely happy for being associated with an Odia film that has bagged national recognition. This is an unforgettable moment in my life. I could not believe it when I heard the news.”
He further credited the producers for their commitment to Odia cinema during challenging times.
“It was a brilliant effort by Tarang Cine Productions. They produced such a nice film, which was made at a time when Odia films were not doing well at the box office. It is a matter of great pride that the film got both recognition and commercial success,” Mishra added.
Other Highlights of the 71st National Film Awards
While Pushkara shone the spotlight on Odisha, the ceremony also brought historic firsts at the national level. Shah Rukh Khan, after over 30 years in cinema, received his first National Award, sharing the Best Actor honour with Vikrant Massey.
Khan was recognised for his powerful performance in the blockbuster Jawan, while Massey received the award for his acclaimed role in 12th Fail. Both performances were hailed for their intensity and emotional depth.
The awards also celebrated actress Rani Mukerji, who bagged the Best Actress award for her role in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.
A Proud Moment for Odisha
For Odisha, the recognition of Pushkara as Best Odia Film is more than just an award — it is validation of the State’s rich cultural heritage and its growing contribution to Indian cinema. Industry insiders hope that this recognition will encourage more investments, stronger scripts, and new talent in Odia cinema.
