Category Archives: Entertainment

Kalinga Studio Gets a New Lease of Life as Odisha Revamps Film Infrastructure

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 5 (UDN): Odisha has taken a major step towards strengthening its film ecosystem with the inauguration of the redeveloped Kalinga Studio in Bhubaneswar on Monday.

 Pic Credit: x.com/CMO_Odisha

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the modernised studio complex along with a dedicated cinema archive and museum, aimed at preserving the state’s rich and evolving cinematic heritage.

The redevelopment is expected to provide filmmakers with modern production and post-production facilities within the state, reducing their dependence on infrastructure outside Odisha.

From shooting floors to post-production

The revamped Kalinga Studio has been designed as an integrated film-production hub, offering facilities covering several stages of filmmaking.

The complex includes indoor shooting floors, a snow house, chroma floor and technology zone, apart from infrastructure for sound recording, dubbing, editing and post-production work.

Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Minister Majhi said the upgraded facility would enable Odia filmmakers to access advanced technical infrastructure without having to travel to other states.

He also indicated that additional modern facilities would be introduced at the studio in the future.

A permanent home for Odisha’s cinematic memory

A key feature of the redevelopment is the new archive and museum, which will serve as a repository for the history of Odia cinema.

The facility is expected to preserve old films, posters, photographs and important historical documents, creating a space where future generations can explore the evolution of the state’s film industry.

Recalling the contribution of literature to Odia cinema during the 1950s and 1960s, Majhi referred to classics such as ‘Maa’, ‘Amadabata’ and ‘Matira Manisha’.

He said Odisha’s cinematic journey has been closely linked with its literary and cultural traditions.

From a 1980 film facility to a modern production hub

Established in 1980, Kalinga Studio was created to support film production in Odisha. However, years of natural disasters and rapid advances in filmmaking technology created the need for a comprehensive upgrade.

The redevelopment is intended to bring the facility in line with the changing requirements of the contemporary film industry.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that Odisha’s young creative talent could make effective use of the new infrastructure.

He highlighted the growing capabilities of young professionals in acting, direction, cinematography, animation, sound design and digital storytelling.

Focus on Odisha’s stories and talent

Majhi urged young filmmakers to use Kalinga Studio to create original productions inspired by Odisha’s folklore, history, traditions and cultural heritage.

The government’s broader objective, officials indicated, is to position filmmaking as more than an entertainment industry and develop it as an economic sector capable of generating employment and supporting allied creative industries.

Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said the redeveloped complex had been planned as an ultra-modern studio capable of supporting filmmakers from production through post-production.

He stressed that the film sector has the potential to become a significant economic ecosystem, generating opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and creative businesses.

OFDC gets a new digital platform

The occasion also saw the launch of the new official portal of the Odisha Film Development Corporation (OFDC), adding a digital component to the state’s efforts to strengthen the film ecosystem.

The inauguration was attended by Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, Digapahandi MLA Siddhant Mahapatra, Korei MLA Akash Das Nayak, Industries Department Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma and Kalinga Studio Managing Director Surendra Kumar Panda, among others.

With upgraded production infrastructure and a dedicated museum and archive, the redevelopment of Kalinga Studio marks an attempt to connect Odisha’s cinematic past with the opportunities of its emerging film and digital-content industry.

Kalinga Studio Set for Grand Reopening After INR 164-Crore Makeover

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 5 (UDN): The iconic Kalinga Studio is all set to reopen its doors, marking a major milestone for Odisha’s film industry. After an extensive modernisation project involving an estimated investment of ₹164 crore, the legendary studio has been transformed into a state-of-the-art production facility.

 Representational Image

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to officially inaugurate the revamped studio, bringing an end to the long wait for filmmakers, technicians and artists who have been looking forward to its revival.

A New Era of Film Production

The renovated Kalinga Studio has been equipped with modern infrastructure designed to meet the evolving needs of the film and entertainment industry.

The upgraded facility includes soundproof shooting floors, modern sets, advanced lighting systems and flexible production spaces suitable for a wide range of filmmaking requirements.

The studio has also been strengthened with comprehensive post-production facilities, including advanced systems for sound recording, editing, mixing and visual effects (VFX). These additions are expected to allow filmmakers to complete a larger part of their production work within Odisha.

Better Facilities for Artists and Crews

Beyond production infrastructure, the revamped complex also focuses on the comfort and convenience of film crews. The facility features residential accommodation, modern green rooms and well-equipped cafeterias for actors, technicians and other members of production teams.

Boost for Ollywood

The reopening is expected to provide a significant push to Ollywood, Odisha’s regional film industry. With high-end production and post-production facilities available within the state, filmmakers may no longer need to travel to other cities for specialised services.

Industry stakeholders believe the upgraded infrastructure could help reduce production costs, improve technical standards and create new employment opportunities for local artists, technicians and support workers.

The revival of Kalinga Studio is therefore more than the reopening of a film facility—it signals a renewed push towards strengthening Odisha as a destination for film production.

With modern infrastructure and renewed investment, the historic studio is poised to begin a new chapter and play a key role in shaping the future of Odia cinema.

Odisha Invites Entries for 37th State Film Awards 2025

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 1 (UDN): The Odisha government has invited entries from film producers and writers for the 37th Odisha State Film Awards-2025, with the deadline for submissions set for October 31, 2026.

 Representational Image 

The Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture has issued the invitation for eligible applicants seeking recognition for their contribution to Odia cinema.

Producers Can Submit Films by October 31

Film producers interested in participating can submit their entries along with the required documents and a soft copy of the film stored on a pen drive.

The submissions can be sent to the concerned department through registered post, speed post or parcel, and must reach the department by October 31.

Entries Invited for Best Writing on Odia Cinema

The department has also invited applications for the Best Writing (Book/Monograph) on Odia Cinema award.

Writers interested in the category are required to apply in the prescribed format and submit 10 copies of their book or monograph to the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture.

These submissions must also reach the department through registered post, speed post or parcel by the October 31 deadline.

The Odisha State Film Awards recognise achievements and contributions to the state’s film industry across various categories, providing a platform to honour creative work in Odia cinema.

Kalki 2898 AD’ Wins Two National Film Awards, Makers Celebrate Major Milestone

Kevadia (Gujarat), Sept. 23: The sci-fi epic ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ added another major achievement to its record after securing two honours at the 72nd National Film Awards.

The Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan-starrer was named Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, while Nitin Zihani received the National Award for Best Production Design for his work on the film.

Directed by Nag Ashwin and produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, the film was recognised for its ambitious visual world and its fusion of Indian mythology, futuristic storytelling and science-fiction elements.

Vyjayanthi Movies Celebrates Double Recognition

The production house took to social media to celebrate the honours, describing the achievement as a milestone for the entire team behind the film.

“A DREAM. A JOURNEY. A celebration of CINEMA,” Vyjayanthi Movies said while expressing gratitude to the jury of the 72nd National Film Awards for recognising the film.

The makers also congratulated Nitin Zihani on his National Award for Best Production Design, calling the recognition a moment of pride for the entire ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ team.

The awards were presented by President Droupadi Murmu at the prestigious ceremony in Kevadia, Gujarat.

Director Nag Ashwin, producers Swapna Dutt and Ashwini Dutt, along with members of the film’s team, attended the event.

A Futuristic Take On Indian Mythology

Released in 2024, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ presents a futuristic world while drawing extensively from Indian mythology. The film combines science fiction, action and mythological themes in a large-scale cinematic narrative.

The film features an ensemble cast led by Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, Shobana and Disha Patani.

The twin National Film Awards add another significant recognition to a film that marked an ambitious attempt to combine Indian mythological themes with a futuristic visual and storytelling framework.

Marathi Cinema Takes India’s Oscar Story Forward with ‘Gondhal’

Mumbai, Sep 18: Marathi cinema has secured another major opportunity on the global stage, with Gondhal, written and directed by Santosh Davakhar, chosen as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards.

The Film Federation of India selected the film from 33 submissions for the Best International Feature category. The announcement places a story rooted in Maharashtra’s cultural landscape at the centre of India’s Oscar campaign for 2027.

Set in rural Maharashtra, Gondhal draws from the traditional Gondhal folk-performance tradition, bringing elements of music, dance, mythology and local customs into its narrative. The film uses this cultural setting to explore relationships, personal choices, desire, betrayal and the tensions that can emerge when individual aspirations meet deeply rooted traditions.

The film features Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir and Anuj Prabhu among others. Its selection follows recognition for Davakhar at the 56th International Film Festival of India, where he received the Silver Peacock award.

The selection also adds another chapter to the growing presence of regional-language cinema in India’s international film journey. Gondhal is the fourth Marathi-language film to be chosen as India’s official Oscar entry, following Shwaas, Harishchandrachi Factory and Court.

For Marathi cinema, the development provides an opportunity to bring a story shaped by Maharashtra’s folk traditions and contemporary social realities to a much wider international audience. It also highlights the diversity of Indian filmmaking, where regional languages and local cultural experiences continue to contribute to the country’s broader cinematic identity.

The Oscar selection is the beginning of the Academy’s subsequent evaluation process and does not by itself mean that the film has secured a final nomination. The 99th Academy Awards are scheduled to be held on March 14, 2027, in Los Angeles.

With Gondhal now entering the international feature film race, Marathi cinema gets another opportunity to showcase its storytelling traditions, regional identity and contemporary creative talent to audiences beyond India.

Begni Ronger Alo Teaser Unveiled

– Exploring the Fragile Realities of Love, Marriage and Motherhood –

Kolkata, Sept 12: Poth Cholti Golpo unveiled the teaser of their ambitious film, ‘Begni Ronger Alo’, directed by Manasi Sinha in the presence of the film’s cast and crew members. The film focuses on the relationship between a mother & daughter, their loneliness, emotional neglect and the silent battle against depression. The lead casts Sohini Sarkar, Biswarup Chakraborty, Ankita Brahma, Subham Roy, Chandan Sen & Arpita Ghosh along with the director, Manasi Sinha & producer, Poulami Roy were present for the occasion.

At its heart, ‘Begni Ronger Alo’ is an emotional story of a mother and daughter, exploring love, memories, relationships and the question of whether a child can truly recognise and understand their mother. The film also highlights the lonely life of Diti (Sohini Sarkar), a once lively woman who loved singing, drawing and conversations but gradually becomes silent and withdrawn due to an unhappy and emotionally distant marriage. Neglected by her husband Ashok (Biswarup Chakraborty) and in-laws, she battles depression and loneliness, with little understanding or support at home. Her only emotional support comes from her close friends Ena (Ankita Brahma) and Dodo (Subham Roy), who recognise the change in her and remain by her side. Their friendship, music and conversations become rare moments of comfort in Diti’s otherwise isolated life. Through Diti’s journey ‘Begni Ronger Alo’ sensitively explores depression, emotional neglect and the loneliness that can exist even within a family, asking a poignant question: how well do we truly know the people closest to us?

“Begni Ronger Alo is a deeply personal project and a story that has stayed close to my heart for many years. Bringing this dream to life has been a truly fulfilling journey, made possible by the unwavering support of the entire team and the vision of Poth Cholti Golpo. Every member of the cast and crew has contributed with immense sincerity, sensitivity and dedication. I am hopeful that the film will not only touch hearts but also leave a lasting impression on audiences”, said Director, Manasi Sinha.

‘Begni Ronger Alo’ is produced by Poulami Roy & Biswarup Chakraborty has Soumitra Bhandary as the Executive Producer. Tutul Pal is the Assistant Director, Souvik Basu is the Director of Photography, Amit Chatterjee is the Art Director and Sujay Dutta Roy is the Editor of this film while Pranjal Das has composed the music and background score.

‘Begni Ronger Alo’ is scheduled for a theatrical release on 25th September, 2026.

Inside Podium’s Exclusive Evening at Hollywood’s Magic Castle

Sept 11: Earlier this month, Podium brought together some of the internet’s most recognizable creators, podcast hosts and entertainment industry leaders for an intimate evening inside Hollywood’s iconic Magic Castle.

The private celebration marked an exciting new chapter for the rapidly growing, creator-first podcast network, formerly known as The Roost Podcast Network.

Podium and Night’s leadership team celebrate the network’s latest chapter at the Magic Castle. From left: Ezra Cooperstein, President of Night; Catherine Browne, Vice President of Revenue and Partnerships at Podium; Reed Duchscher, CEO of Night; and Taylor Kelly, Chief Strategy Officer at Night. Photo courtesy of Kevin Kling.

The guest list included Jeff Wittek, Jake Webber, Johnnie Guilbert, Gianni Paolo, Kristi Cook (aka Spill Sesh), Coco Mocoe and more. Podium creators and executives were joined by fellow digital talent, podcast hosts and leaders from across the entertainment industry.

Johnnie Guilbert and Jake Webber attend Podium’s private event at the Magic Castle. Photo courtesy of CooolShotzBooth and Kevin Kling 

The celebration coincided with the announcement of four new creator-led shows joining the Podium network: Bite Back with Abbey Sharp, Commander at Home, Stan Wars and Love, Lex P.

The additions continue Podium’s expansion following The Roost Podcast Network’s relaunch as Podium and the signing of Just Trish with Trisha Paytas. The network is also home to some of the biggest creator-led shows including This Past Weekend with Theo Von, The Yard, Sam & Colby Reacts and Weekly Teacap with Kristi Cook.

Jeff Wittek attends Podium’s private celebration at the Magic Castle. Photo courtesy of Michael Tullberg.

The evening brought Podium’s creator-first vision to life by gathering digital talent, entertainment executives and industry insiders under one roof. With its historic setting, camera-free atmosphere and impressive guest list, the event offered a fitting celebration of Podium’s next era.

Shovana Narayan Presents Fractured Harmonies: A Call for Renewal, Bringing Environmental Concerns to the Stage Through Dance

New Delhi | Sept 09: Padma Shri Kathak Guru Shovana Narayan, along with her Asavari Repertory, is set to present Fractured Harmonies: A Call for Renewal at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi, on Thursday, September 10th, 2026, at 7 PM. Presented with the support of ReNew, the thematic dance production examines environmental disruption across water, land and space, before turning towards the possibility of restoration and renewal.

Conceived by Guru Shovana Narayan, the production explores how the destruction of nature affects communities, particularly women and vulnerable sections of society, while also recognising their role in shaping change. Through the regenerative forces of Sooraj, Hawa aur Paani, it makes a case for stewardship, coexistence and collective responsibility.

The production brings together the dancers of the Asavari Repertory, musicians, designers, visual artists and technical professionals. The dancers include Dr Pallavi Lohani, Komal Biswal, Suparna Singh, Mahima Satsangi, Ruchi Arya, Praveen Parihar, Anil Kumar, Ashish Kathak, Vishal Chauhan and Mayank Gangani.

The music is set by Pt Madho Prasad and the late Pt Jwala Prasad, while the choreography is by the Asavari Repertory. Sandhya Raman has designed the scenography, sets and costumes, with art by Anuj Prasad, sets by Team Desmania, lighting by Sandeep Dutta, and photography and videography by Innee Singh.

The evening will also feature a foyer exhibition curated by Kishore Labar, showcasing works by visual artists Manju Narain, Bishwaranja Bhunia, Nisha Kumari, Darshan Sharma and Riena A. Jain.

The evening unfolds through four acts.

‘Lament of the Azure’ addresses the pollution of rivers and seas, where plastic, fishing nets and microplastics disrupt a once thriving underwater world. ‘Dishantar’ examines deforestation and its relationship with exploitation, inequality and the marginalisation of women. ‘Echoes in the Void’ takes the conversation beyond Earth, confronting the growing problem of space debris and the need for responsibility in humanity’s expanding footprint. The final act, ‘Restoring Nature’s Harmony’, turns towards healing, bringing the performers together in a vision of collective action, clean energy and a more sustainable future.

“Fractured Harmonies is a subject very close to my heart,” says Guru Shovana Narayan. “Through dance, we have sought to engage with some of the most pressing concerns of our time. While the production acknowledges what is being lost, it also looks towards renewal and our shared capacity to restore balance. Art can encourage us to pause, reflect and perhaps see our responsibilities differently.”

“At ReNew, we believe that creating a sustainable future requires more than technological solutions; it also requires a shift in how we think about our relationship with the environment. Fractured Harmonies brings this conversation into the realm of art, making complex environmental concerns deeply human and accessible. We are pleased to support Guru Shovana Narayan and the Asavari Repertory in using the power of dance to spark reflection, inspire responsibility and remind us that renewal begins with collective action,” says Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Co-founder, ReNew.

Fractured Harmonies: A Call for Renewal is an evening that brings together artistic expression and contemporary concern, asking audiences to consider not only the consequences of environmental disruption but also their role in restoring harmony.

Praacheen Kala Kendra To Organise Uttarbhanga Festival 2026 In Siliguri

Siliguri, West Bengal | Sept 09: Praacheen Kala Kendra, a prominent institution dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Indian classical arts, is set to organise the Uttarbhanga Festival 2026 in Siliguri, West Bengal, celebrating the rich traditions of classical music, dance and fine arts.

The two-day festival will be held on October 5 and 6, 2026, with programmes beginning at 5:00 PM onwards each day. The festival will take place at Dinabandhu Manch, Sachin Sarkar Sarani Road, Siliguri – 734001, West Bengal.

The event also marks the opening of Praacheen Kala Kendra’s regional office at Ashutosh Mukherjee Road, Upstairs Bani Library, College Para, Siliguri, Darjeeling (W.B.), further strengthening the organisation’s presence in the region and its efforts to promote Indian cultural heritage.

The Uttarbhanga Festival is envisioned as a platform to bring audiences closer to India’s diverse artistic traditions through performances and presentations centred around classical music, dance and fine arts. The festival aims to encourage greater appreciation of India’s cultural legacy while providing a space for artistic expression and engagement.

Praacheen Kala Kendra has invited art enthusiasts, cultural organisations, students and members of the public to attend the festival and experience the celebrations.

Event Details:
Event: Uttarbhanga Festival 2026
Dates: October 5 & 6, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM onwards
Venue: Dinabandhu Manch, Sachin Sarkar Sarani Road, Siliguri – 734001, West Bengal
Organiser: Praacheen Kala Kendra
Focus: Classical Music | Dance | Fine Arts
Supported by: Ministry of Culture, Government of India

All are cordially invited to be part of the Uttarbhanga Festival 2026.

Kunal Rawal launches his first-ever Music Video Campaign

Mumbai, Sep 3: Music has never been background noise in the world of Kunal Rawal. For years, it has been part of the way the designer builds a collection, sets a mood and ultimately presents menswear. From earlier tracks including Ishq Mitha that have become synonymous to sangeet and baraat celebrations to original compositions created for the runway, sound has developed alongside the couture as a recognisable part of the world of KR.

Now, that relationship gets its biggest stage yet.

Fresh off the heels of the brand’s showcase at FDCI India Couture Week 2026, Kunal Rawal presents Rawalgarh di Jugni, his first–ever original music video campaign with T-Series. It is a fun and immersive take on the aesthetic world of Rawalgarh: a land of couture, culture, celebration, menswear and a whole lot of music. Created in close collaboration with Akshay & IP, the project takes the brand’s sonic identity beyond the show soundtrack and into a world of its own. At its centre is Jugni: literally, “the light”: a spirit of energy that brings life to the make-believe fort. Jugni is both metaphor and protagonist, representing the individuality that has always remained one of the brand’s strongest codes.

The sound is unmistakably KR: Punjabi folk with a rock-and-roll streak. Guitar riffs cut through dhol beats; heritage verses sit against contemporary production. The result is neither a traditional folk track nor a conventional fashion soundtrack, but something that occupies the space between the two: Indian at its core, contemporary in its treatment and built with the same contrasts that have long informed Rawal’s clothes.

“Music and film have always been a huge part of what inspires me, and that naturally finds its way into the couture we create. Making our first–ever music video feels incredibly exciting, but also like a very natural next step. Rawalgarh gave us the opportunity to bring all those influences together and create something that represents what has shaped me creatively over the years, and what continues to inspire me today.” — Kunal Rawal

That world finds its visual setting at Alila Fort Bishangarh, where Rawalgarh di Jugni was filmed. Set against the fort’s raw stone geometry and golden light, the film plays with the same tensions found throughout Rawal’s work: structure against fluidity, heritage against modernity, permanence against change. Rather than using the location as a decorative backdrop, its architecture becomes part of the frame, interacting with the clothes and the movement around them.

In Rawalgarh, the crow signals the arrival of something exciting. A messenger of what lies ahead, it leads the viewer into the film and towards the world waiting to be discovered.

And then there are the clothes.

First presented at India Couture Week 2026 in July, Rawalgarh is one of the brand’s most expansive expressions of menswear to date, bringing together over 150 looks across Couture Casual, Indian Black Tie and the Ceremonial Modern Groom. Military structure meets sportswear ease; evolved Indian handcraft meets engineered construction; traditional techniques are worked through new textures, silhouettes and colour.

The music video gives those clothes a different life. Away from the runway, they move through the landscape they were imagined for, allowing sound, architecture and couture to operate as parts of the same idea.