Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday congratulated the team of Lahari, a day after Jhilik Bhattacharjee (producer) and Amartya Bhattacharyya (director) received the Best Odia Film award (Rajat Kamal) at the 72nd National Film Awards.
Taking to his X handle, the CM tweeted, “A proud moment for Odisha as ‘Lahari’ receives the National Film Award for Best Odia Film at the 72nd National Film Awards. This prestigious recognition celebrates the creative excellence of Odia cinema and the richness of Odisha’s storytelling tradition. Heartiest congratulations to the entire team of ‘Lahari’ on this distinguished honour. May this achievement inspire greater recognition and new possibilities for Odia cinema across the country and beyond.”
A proud moment for Odisha as ‘Lahari’ receives the National Film Award for Best Odia Film at the 72nd National Film Awards.
This prestigious recognition celebrates the creative excellence of Odia cinema and the richness of Odisha’s storytelling tradition.
Heartiest… pic.twitter.com/NKkdmgJJLr
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) September 23, 2026
Lahari centres on the life of a rural fisherman and explores the struggles of indigenous communities amid rapid urbanisation.
The film, which has also been screened at several international film festivals, brings together artistes and technicians from from 15 countries while remaining rooted in Odisha’s language, culture and storytelling traditions.
The honour adds to Bhattacharyya’s accolades, with the filmmaker having previously won a National Award.
The 72nd National Film Awards recognised films released in 2024 across various categories. Article 370 won Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam was named Best Actress for the same film. Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty shared the Best Actor award for Chandu Champion and Bramayugam, respectively.
The awards ceremony was held at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat on Tuesday, with President Droupadi Murmu presenting the honours. It was the first time the ceremony was held outside Delhi.