Odia cinema is poised to gain international recognition as the film Bindusagar has been selected for its world premiere at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The film will be showcased as part of the prestigious Gala Presentation at IFFI 2025, which runs from November 20-28. This marks a significant milestone for Odia cinema, highlighting its growing wave of renewal.
Bindusagar, produced by Shiladitya Bora's Platoon One Films, marks the production company's first venture into Odia cinema. The film is directed by Abhishek Swain and written by Abhishek Das, with Shiladitya Bora, Vinay Reddy, and Shubho Shekhar Bhattacharjee of Boundless Blackbuck Films producing, in association with Nikhil Chaudhary of MDC Filmworks.
The film features a talented cast, including Prakruti Mishra, Dipanwit Dashmohapatra, Sonalli Sharmisstha, and Satya Ranjan, alongside veteran actors Sukant Rath, Robin Das, and Pranab Rath. This blend of established and emerging talent aims to bridge the gap between Odisha's cinematic past and its rapidly evolving present.
Actress Prakruti Mishra, who plays the character Shreeja, describes the film as more than just a movie, calling it "an emotion". She sees it as a bridge connecting people to their roots and a journey of love, loss, and rediscovery. Mishra emphasizes the significance of being part of the first Odia film to reach a global audience, calling it both "humbling and historic".
Bindusagar is a gentle, musical romance deeply rooted in Odia culture and history, featuring an eight-song album. The story follows a young woman's journey to reconnect with her heritage, intertwining with a grieving father's search for faith. Their paths converge in Bhubaneswar, exploring themes of love, loss, and belonging.
Director Abhishek Swain aimed to create a film that is both hyperlocal and universally relatable. He stated that the intention was to present a story rooted in Odia culture through a cinematic lens that would resonate with audiences worldwide. Swain expressed gratitude for the opportunity to premiere the film at IFFI, considering it an ideal platform to showcase the story on a global stage.
Shiladitya Bora's involvement as a producer is particularly noteworthy, as he is known for championing voices from the margins and bringing them to the forefront. He views Bindusagar as part of a cultural revival, emphasizing Odisha's rich cinematic legacy and its deserving place on the global stage.
The 56th IFFI will showcase over 240 films from 81 countries, including 13 world premieres, five international premieres, and 44 Asian premieres. The festival will also feature a focus on inclusivity and new perspectives, with segments dedicated to films directed by women and debut filmmakers. Japan will be the 'Country of Focus'. The festival is also launching an AI Film Festival and Cinema AI Hackathon.
Bindusagar is scheduled for theatrical release in early 2026.
