image credits: sambad
The State’s ongoing Kalinga Studio Odisha redevelopment project is a testament to Odisha’s commitment to revitalizing its film industry. With ₹200 crore allocated in the fiscal year 2023-24, this initiative aims to transform the historic studio into a modern cinematic hub.
A Look Into The Rich History of Kalinga Studio
Kalinga Studio established in 1980 holds a pivotal place in Odisha’s cinematic history. Situated on a sprawling 26-acre plot in Bhubaneswar, it was once the only film studio in eastern India equipped with cutting-edge technology for its time.
During the 1980s and 1990s it served as a bustling hub for filmmakers showcasing the golden era of Odia cinema. Managed by the Odisha Film Development Corporation (OFDC), the studio played a significant role in elevating the production quality of regional films.
However, the devastating 1999 super cyclone left it in ruins, and it remained closed from 2007 to 2020. Despite this setback, minor repairs in 2014-15 revived its functionality, enabling it to generate ₹4-5 lakh per month since September 2020.
What are Some Movies Shot at Kalinga Studio?
Over the decades, Kalinga Studio has been the backdrop for numerous films and TV productions. In its early days during the 1990s, it attracted directors and producers from across India, offering facilities like recording labs, editing suites, indoor shooting spaces, and picturesque gardens.
Iconic Odia films such as Phula Chandana (1982), directed by Mohammad Mohsin, were filmed here, marking a turning point for the industry with its cultural resonance and commercial success. Other notable productions include works by Gadadhar Puty, who captured the essence of Odisha’s storytelling traditions.
Even after its decline, the studio remained operational for smaller projects, including serials and regional films. The redevelopment of Kalinga Studio promises to expand its capacity for creating more ambitious projects by inviting filmmakers.
How is the Studio Getting Redeveloped?
The project, executed by the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO), divides the studio into four specialized zones.
Zone 1 will feature indoor shooting floors, a film-tech zone with dubbing and editing facilities, and commercial spaces. Zone 2 will offer outdoor shooting locales, theme-based gardens, a snow world, and adventure zones, catering to diverse cinematic needs. Zone 3 will include boarding and lodging for film crews, alongside spaces for social events, while Zone 4 focuses on post-production facilities like animation workstations.
This redevelopment aims to create an ecosystem for direct employment for 2,000 people and indirect opportunities for over 10,000. This aligns with Odisha’s broader economic goals, as seen in its ₹55 crore budget allocation in 2024 for the studio’s facelift.
How to Plan a Trip to Kalinga Studio?
Reaching Kalinga Studio is convenient. The nearest airport, Biju Patnaik International Airport, is approximately 6-8 kilometers away, a 15-20 minute drive . From Bhubaneswar Railway Station, located about 5 kilometers from the studio, visitors can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw, reaching the site in under 15 minutes. For those traveling by road, National Highway 16 connects Bhubaneswar to major cities, and local buses or private vehicles can drop you near the studio. Nestled in Bhubaneswar, Odisha’s capital city, Kalinga Studio enjoys a prime location spanning 26 acres.
