Reclaiming lost legacy

Bou Buttu Bhuta, Ananta, Karma, Bara Badhu, Kanda Mastre, Aafa, Murabi and Bindusagar—what do these films have in common?

- ANISHA KHATUN, OP

All of them are recent Odia releases that have earned widespread appreciation, ticking every box—from acting and direction to storytelling, dialogue, music and cinematography.Beyond critical acclaim, these films have also performed impressively at the box office. While Bou Buttu Bhuta (2025) has rewritten commercial benchmarks—blending strong content with mass appeal to emerge as the highest-grossing Odia film to date—Bara Badhu has managed to hold its own against national blockbusters like Dhurandhar 2. The rest of these films, too, have struck a chord with audiences, signalling a promising phase for Odia cinema where quality storytelling and commercial success are increasingly going hand in hand.

The renewed interest in Odia cinema is no coincidence; it stems from a confluence of changes in storytelling, production quality, and evolving audience sensibilities. Contemporary films have consciously moved away from formula-driven narratives, instead embracing realistic, rooted stories that resonate more deeply with viewers.