Screening of Odia Film  ‘ChaariKaandha’ Held in Belgium

Bhubaneswar/Brussels  April 4: Odia Cultural Association of Belgium (OCAB), in collaboration with award-winning film producer Atish Kumar Rout and internationally acclaimed filmmaker Biswanath Rath, hosted a special screening of the Odia social comedy-drama ‘ChaariKaandha’ in Brussels, the capital of Belgium.

This landmark event holds historical significance for Odia cinema, as it marks the first-ever screening of an Odia film in Belgium. The screening was part of the Utkala Dibasa 2025 celebrations, an annual event organized by OCAB to honor and promote Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, art, and traditions.

‘ChaariKaandha’ is a mid-length film, also known as a long short film, written and directed by Biswanath Rath and produced by Atish Kumar Rout under his banner, Ritupriya Productions. Co-produced by Supriya Rout and Akhil Rajurkar, the film features a talented ensemble cast, including Shakti Baral, Susil Mishra, Satabdi Suryasnata, Gourab Mohanty, Shivani Khara, and Pravanjan Mishra, along with supporting artists Riddhi, Sanskriti, Suruchika, Namita, Nityananda, Raj, Soumya Ranjan, Rajendra, and Soumya Sarangi.

The film’s creative team includes Harish Sethy as Chief Assistant Director, Lingaraj Kumbhar as Director of Photography, and Dileswar Pradhan as Director of Audiography. Veer Kumaar Nanda handled the editing, while the background score was composed by Parag Kumar Behera, with Amit Yuvraaj creating the film’s music. Completed in January 2025, ‘ChaariKaandha’ is currently making its rounds on the film festival circuit.

Representing the film’s team, writer-director Biswanath Rath attended the screening and personally presented ‘ChaariKaandha’ to Belgium’s Odia community. Around 50 Odias gathered to watch the film, and by the time it ended, the audience was left in awe. The film’s engaging narrative, humor, and emotional depth resonated deeply, prompting heartfelt reactions from viewers:

“The movie was incredible. Even with 37 minutes, it absolutely captured audience attention. Comic timing and emotional quotient was so perfect that it made us laugh and teary eyed.”

“The film touched all possible emotions in us. It hit hard and we laughed hard too.”

The film left the audience feeling inspired and optimistic about the present and future of Odia cinema.

Founded by producer Atish Kumar Rout, Ritupriya Productions is a renowned film production company recognized for its award-winning and critically acclaimed films such as ‘Bhaunri’, ‘Daalcheeni’, ‘Pratibada’ etc. The company’s most recent Odia feature film ‘Vote’, released in 2024, has garnered multiple accolades at international film festivals across India.

As a producer, Atish Kumar Rout is committed to creating socially relevant and meaningful cinema that not only entertains but also promotes and showcases Odia culture and traditions on a global stage. He states, “There can’t be a bigger award than the laughs and tears of our beloved Odia audience. I sincerely thank the entire cast and crew of ‘ChaariKaandha’ as well as all members of OCAB for this historic screening. We aim to bring ‘ChaariKaandha’ to a global audience by showcasing it across diverse platforms and prestigious film festivals.

Award-winning writer-director Biswanath Rath, celebrated not only for winning over 560 awards for his film projects but also for representing Odisha and India on international platforms, shared his heartfelt gratitude: “I am truly overwhelmed by the love and appreciation this film received during the screening. It is an honour and a privilege to represent Team ‘ChaariKaandha’ at this historic event. Our entire team poured immense effort into bringing this vision to life, ensuring no compromises in any aspect of filmmaking. I cannot thank Producer Atish sir, Co-Producers Supriya sir and Akhil sir, and our entire team  enough for believing in my vision and sharing my dream. My sincere gratitude also goes to the Belgium Odia community for their enthusiasm and dedication in showcasing our film. I am confident that this screening will pave the way for showcasing and distributing Odia feature films in Belgium and Luxembourg.

In addition to Odia movie screening, the Utkala Dibasa event consisted of plethora of cultural program, a Holi celebration, song, dance performances filled completely with the flavors and fragrance of Odisha. OCAB aspires to celebrate as well as spread the richness of Odia culture across fellow Indians, Belgians and other expats residing in Belgium and Luxembourg.