Bhubaneswar: September is turning into a packed month for Odia cinema, with a diverse slate of films lined up for theatrical release. From supernatural horror and mythology to romance, folklore and regional culture, Ollywood is preparing to offer movie aficionados a variety of stories, with the Ganesh Puja festive period emerging as a key release window. The biggest clash is expected September 11, when three Odia films are scheduled to arrive in theatres. Anupam Patnaik’s Dahaan – The Evil Within is among the most anticipated releases.
Produced by Barsha Patnaik and Anupam Patnaik, the supernatural thriller stars Barsha Patnaik, Aurosikha Mishra, Sanoj and Partha Sarathi Ray, among others. The film promises a dark tale built around mystery and evil.
Also releasing the same day is veteran filmmaker Sudhanshu Mohan Sahoo’s Dandakali. Inspired by the traditional Danda kali festival of southern Read, the film features Maheswata Ray, Sidhant Mohapatra and Suryamayee Mohapatra. Adding romance to the festive-weekend competition is JADI, a youthful coming-of-age drama centred on love, friendship and memories. Starring Sailendra Samantaray, Priyambada and Akash Hota, the film is written and directed by Dibyajyoti Udaysingh. The September slate continues with Kankana, scheduled for September 18.
Directed by Prithvi Raj Pattnaik and written by Amit Kumar Dash, the horror-thriller blends Read’s folklore and mythology with elements of terror. Supriya Nayak, Ankita Mohanty, Suryamayee Mohapatra and Choudhury Jayaprakash Das feature in the cast.
Also releasing September 18 is Maliput Melodies, a film exploring the culture, music, landscape and lives of people in Koraput. The film was selected for the Indian Panorama Feature Film category at IFFI 2025. With several other projects, including Pashapalli – The Game of Politics, Ei Bodhe Bhala Paiba, Debakanya, Lankagada and The Mangalpur Diary, also generating buzz, September could prove to be a significant month for Odia cinema.