Bhubaneswar: Odia film Lahari has won the Best Odia Film award at the 72nd National Film Awards 2024, the winners of which were announced on Friday.
Directed by Amartya Bhattacharyya, the film tells a touching story of friendship, fatherhood and self-discovery. Set in the beautiful eco-tourism locations of Odisha, Lahari highlights emotional relationships and changing social realities.
The film is produced by Jhilik Bhattacharjee under the banner of Jhilik Motion Pictures. The cast includes Choudhury Jayaprakash Das, Choudhury Bikash Das, Dipanwit Dashmohapatra, child artiste Smruti Ranjan Mahala, Susant Misra, Swastik Choudhury and Zeinab Doer.
Speaking after the announcement, director Amartya Bhattacharyya said the award was very special as it was his first National Award for an Odia film. He said that although he is not from an Odia background, he developed a deep love for Odisha, its language and culture, and wanted to contribute to meaningful Odia cinema.
The award is being seen as a proud moment for the Odia film industry and a major recognition for quality regional cinema.
