The Odia feature film Maliput Melodies has brought immense pride to Odisha, having been officially selected for the Indian Panorama 2025 section of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa. This prestigious recognition has taken the stories and culture of southern Odisha to a national platform.
Directed by Vishal Patnaik, written by Sudhakar Patnaik, and produced by Kaushik Das (CEO, Kaustav Dreamworks Pvt. Ltd.), Maliput Melodies is a cinematic collection of four interconnected short stories that vividly portray the lives, emotions, and traditions of the tribal and rural communities of southern Odisha. The film has been widely appreciated for its simple yet powerful storytelling, authentic performances, and soulful music composed by Tosh Nanda, which adds emotional depth to the narrative.
Featuring an ensemble cast including Md. Shariff, Jayant Santra, Narendra Patnaik, and Ashutosh Palo, the film’s evocative cinematography by Vishal Patnaik captures the scenic beauty and essence of the land.
During the making of the film, the team faced numerous challenges—from remote shooting locations to limited resources. However, their passion and perseverance have resulted in international recognition for Odia cinema. Maliput Melodies stands out as the only Odia feature film among the 25 films selected in the Indian Panorama category this year. The film was screened on November 22 at IFFI Goa.
The screening at IFFI received an overwhelming response, earning standing ovations in all four shows, along with active engagement and heartfelt interactions with the audience throughout discussions and Q&A sessions. The film’s emotional depth and cultural authenticity strongly resonated with viewers across India. Following its showcase at Goa, the film has continued to witness an exceptional and encouraging response in Odisha, gaining appreciation from cine lovers, cultural groups, and regional media.
The team fondly remembered the late actors Prashant Kumar Mishra and Kartik Raut, who were part of the film but are no longer with us to witness its success. The makers hope that Maliput Melodies will continue its journey to international competitions and bring further glory to Odisha and Indian cinema.
Expressing his joy, Producer Mr. Kaushik Das said:
“This recognition at the Indian Panorama is a dream come true for all of us. Maliput Melodies celebrates the soul of Odisha — it’s the only Odia film for the people, music, and traditions. We dedicate this honour to our state and to everyone who believes in meaningful Odia cinema.”
Ranjit Mohanty, Co-Initiator of AAO NXT OTT, reflected on the success of Maliput Melodies:
“This year has been a landmark for us. Our film, Maliput Melodies, was selected for the Indian Panorama, competing against 3,000 entries. It was a mix of surprise, shock, and immense happiness for the entire team. We have spent the last five to six years working on content paradigms in Odisha, aiming to create films that open new markets for regional stories. The response after the show was incredibly encouraging. Maliput Melodies is a short anthology set in a single village in the extreme terrains of Koraput valleys, yet it conveys a meaningful message, and the audience across the world at Indian Panorama screenings connected deeply with it.”
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