Bureau, 23 September 2026: Odia cinema has achieved a major national honour with ‘Lahari’ winning the Best Odia Film award at the 72nd National Film Awards. The film, directed by Amartya Bhattacharyya and produced by actor-producer Jhilik Bhattacharjee, was presented the Rajat Kamal at the awards ceremony held in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the award at the ceremony on Tuesday, with Bhattacharyya and Bhattacharjee receiving the honour on behalf of the film. The ceremony was held against the backdrop of the Statue of Unity and, for the first time, the National Film Awards ceremony was hosted outside Delhi.
Based on a story rooted in rural Odisha, Lahari explores the lives and struggles of communities caught between tradition and rapid change. The film centres on a rural fisherman and examines family relationships, social change and the challenges faced by indigenous communities amid urbanisation.
The film's distinctive approach also extends to its production. Reports note that Lahari brought together artistes from 15 countries, making it an unusual international collaboration while retaining Odisha's language, cultural identity and storytelling traditions.
For director Amartya Bhattacharyya, the award marks his second National Film Award and his first National Award for an Odia film. Speaking after the announcement, he said the recognition belonged not only to him but to the entire Lahari team and to filmmakers who want to explore independent and unconventional cinema. He also highlighted the film's performances, music and soundscape.
Producer Jhilik Bhattacharjee, meanwhile, described the honour as a deeply emotional milestone. She thanked the film's artistes and technicians and credited Bhattacharyya as a collaborator with whom she had carried the dream of Lahari.
The National Film Awards recognition adds to the film's journey beyond Odisha, with Lahari having also travelled to international film festivals. Its national honour now places another Odisha-rooted story on India's biggest cinematic platform.
