Actor Manoj Mishra Denies Telling Fans To Boycott Odia Film ‘Ram’

Bhubaneswar: Following the decision of Odia film producers to boycott actor Manoj Mishra for two years, the actor on Wednesday clarified about the controversy.

Speaking to the media on the allegation that he had instigated the viewers to protest release of film ‘Ram’ in Sambalpur, Manoj said, “I have never told anybody to oppose any film. Rather, I have always stood for supporting and encouraging the Odia films and Odia film industry.”

Stating that the allegation was totally unfounded and baseless, the actor said, “I want to reiterate that objecting the release of any Odia film is not right. I do not support anybody who oppose Odia films. I strongly condemn the opposition to our films.”

‘Ram’, which was released in the state on October 20, was unable to be screened at any cinema halls in Sambalpur as some supporters of Manoj staged a demonstration against the film. Manoj is suspected to have engineered the demonstration due to his personal strife with Jitu Mangaraj, who is also featured in the film.

Following this, Odia film producers held a meeting and decided to put a ban on Manoj in their upcoming movies. Sanjay Nayak, president of Utkal Cine Chambers of Commerce (UCCC), said, “We discussed the issue at the meeting and got enough evidence that Manoj was mainly responsible for the protest against Ram film in Sambalpur. Hence, all producers decided to not sign Manoj Mishra in our future projects for two years.”

Also Read: Odia Film ‘Ram’ Fails To Release In Sambalpur During Dussehra; Producers Suspect Conspiracy