Producer Jhilik Bhattacharjee and members of the award-winning film team meet Odisha Governor at Lok Bhavan
GTNS ,SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 , BHUBANESWAR: The national recognition received by Odia cinema became the focus of a courtesy meeting at Lok Bhavan on Thursday, as producer Jhilik Bhattacharjee and members of the team behind Lahari met Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati.
The interaction followed the film’s recognition as the Best Odia Film at the 72nd National Film Awards. The official award records list Jhilik Motion Pictures as the producer and Amartya Bhattacharyya as the director of Lahari.
During the meeting, the Governor congratulated the filmmakers for securing national-level recognition and acknowledged the significance of the achievement for Odisha’s film community.
Rather than limiting the discussion to the award itself, the interaction also touched upon the broader role of cinema in society. Governor Kambhampati encouraged filmmakers to continue creating productions with meaningful themes and wider social relevance.
He also stressed the potential of films to connect with younger audiences and inspire positive thinking. The Governor appreciated the contribution of the Lahari team in taking an Odia production to a national platform.
National recognition for an Odia story
The meeting comes shortly after the Lahari team received the National Film Award at the ceremony held in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony.
The recognition has added another national milestone to the contemporary Odia film industry, with Lahari being officially recognised in the Best Odia Film category.
Governor Kambhampati extended his good wishes to the team for its future projects and encouraged the filmmakers to continue contributing to the growth and wider visibility of Odia cinema.
GTNS | BHUBANESWAR