THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JULY 4, 2026

Declaring Mehermunda a vivid and authentic portrayal of Odisha's traditional handloom heritage, art and culture, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta on Saturday said the film's compelling storyline and high-quality direction would serve as a powerful medium for showcasing the State's rich cultural legacy to audiences across the world.

The Minister was speaking at a special screening of Mehermunda, an Odia feature film produced by GR Records and dedicated to Odisha's weaving community, held at the Odisha State Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhawan under the aegis of the Department of Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts, Government of Odisha.

The event witnessed the presence of Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Department of Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, Director of Handlooms & Textiles Somesh Kumar Upadhyay, Director of Handicrafts Dr. Nivedita Prusti, Utkalika Managing Director Pratap Chandra Hota, Additional Director (Silk) Surya Narayan Pattnaik, OFDC Managing Director Jyoti Ranjan Panda, senior officers of the department, along with the cast and crew of the film.

Produced by GR Records, Mehermunda is based on the lives, struggles and achievements of Odisha's weaving community. The film sensitively chronicles how generations of weavers preserved their traditional art and cultural identity while overcoming severe economic hardships in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic by embracing online marketing and modern business opportunities.

Appreciating the cinematic effort, Pradeep Bal Samanta said that Mehermunda presents an authentic reflection of Odisha's centuries-old handloom traditions and highlights the resilience and creativity of its artisans. He observed that the film has the potential to become an effective cultural ambassador, taking Odisha's unique artistic heritage to audiences across the globe.

Addressing the gathering, Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain remarked that Mehermunda has the potential to touch the hearts of every Odia and inspire society by reinforcing Odisha's cultural values and identity.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar described the film as far more than a cinematic production, saying it beautifully captures the emotions, creativity and unwavering dedication of Odisha's artisans. She stated that Mehermunda is a meaningful tribute to the struggles, creativity and rich cultural traditions of the State's weaving community. She further said that the film is dedicated to the weaver brothers and sisters of Odisha and stands as a symbol of Odia pride and identity.

Sharing the vision behind the project, producer Rakesh Kumar Padhi said that Mehermunda is a sincere effort to bring before society the history, struggles and invaluable contributions of Odisha's weaving community while promoting the State's rich handloom heritage, art and culture at both national and international levels.

Adding colour to the cultural event, exhibition stalls by Utkalika, Boyanika and Sambalpuri Bastralaya displayed an impressive collection of Odisha's handloom, textile and handicraft products. The visiting dignitaries toured the stalls and appreciated the exceptional craftsmanship, intricate weaving traditions and artistic excellence that have made Odisha's handloom sector globally admired.

The film features Jyoti Ranjan Nayak, Rakesh Kumar Padhi, Sushanta Das Mahapatra and Arlin Ankita in prominent roles, bringing to life an inspiring narrative rooted in the experiences of Odisha's artisan community.

Mehermunda has already earned widespread acclaim, winning three international awards for its powerful social message and cinematic excellence. To further promote awareness about Odisha's handloom heritage, screenings of the film have been organised across several districts, reaching students and the general public alike.

Recognising the film's significant contribution towards preserving and promoting Odisha's handloom legacy, the Government of Odisha declared Mehermunda tax-free on June 9, 2026. Earlier, on National Handloom Day on August 8, 2025, the film's trailer was unveiled by the Chief Minister in the presence of nearly 1,500 weavers, underlining the State's commitment to celebrating and preserving its rich weaving traditions.