#IFFIWood, 25 November 2025

“Bindusagar is not just a name; it is an emotion cherished by millions of Odia people. That emotion is the very reason this film exists. Bindusagar, the sacred lake where funerals on one side and the naming of newborns on the other coexist, reflects the pure circle of life. It holds a unique energy, a timeless vibe, that every Odia heart instinctively connects with”, Director Abhishek Swain began the discussion when along with other cast and crew he met the media at the Press Conference at the 56^th IFFI.

He continued with reflection of his producer’s vision: to create a truly genuine Odia film for Odia audiences. He claimed that Producer Shiladitya Bora connected instantly with the concept and the title ‘Bindusagar’. He expressed his satisfaction in bringing this story to the screen in an engaging, commercial, and heartfelt way—celebrating art, culture and rich heritage of Odissa.”

Taking the cue from him, Producer Bora added, “We are beginning our journey with IFFI, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks to IFFI for giving Bindusagar such an honourable start.”

He went on, “Now, coming to why Bindusagar happened—Abhishek initially approached me to make a Hindi film. I simply asked him, ‘You are from Odisha, people know you there. Why not make an Odia film?’ I had always wanted to create a film that every Odia could connect with; whether it’s the working-class individual in Odisha or the Odia professional working at NASA.”

He also recollected that the title struck him immediately. It represented the circle of life to him. He detailed more, “Bindusagar is a carefully designed film, made with the intention of touching the hearts of our audience. This time, I wanted the film to reach every nook and corner of Odisha, and music became an essential part of that vision. We have eight songs in the film, none of them forced or over imposed. Each song blends naturally into the storytelling. In that sense, Bindusagar is also a very musical film.”

“As an artist, it always feels wonderful to receive a meaningful character. And to be very honest, as a female actor, we rarely get roles that truly allow us to showcase our craft”, Actress Prakruti Mishra exclaimed. She believed that Bindusagar is that opportunity for her, “It felt liberating to be real and raw on screen, without the need for glamour or extravagance.”

Actor Dipannit Dasmohapatra shared with the gathering, “I consider myself a director’s actor because, at the end of the day, it is the director’s vision that we are bringing to life, and we are all just parts of that larger picture. Abhishek bhai is incredibly sorted and clear-headed as a director, and that made the process even more fulfilling. This film beautifully captures every aspect of Odisha; our culture, our traditions, our food, our emotions. Being a part of a film that represents our roots so authentically has truly been special.”

Director Swain remarked, “I personally believe that two things can truly help us break out as an industry: our music and our locations. These are our strongest identities.” He also highlighted that late Humane Sagar, one of Odisha’s finest artists and immensely popular singer has passed away just ten days before and his last song is in the film. So the director tributed the film to his memory.

He summarized the entire concept in his one-liner, “Bindusagar is the Chalta Phirta Odisha Tourism Experience.”

Synopsis of the film:

Amidst the ancient temples and labyrinthine lanes of Bhubaneswar, 22-year-old Sreeja arrives from London, carrying a cryptic letter from her late mother. Sagar, a charismatic Ramleela performer, becomes Sreeja’s reluctant guide, leading her towards the coastal town of Puri. There, she encounters Raghunath, her estranged grandfather, whose grief has manifested in a retreat from the world and his craft. Meanwhile, Kalia, wrestling with the loss of his child, wanders through the sacred landscape in existential turmoil. Set against the backdrop of Odisha’s living heritage, the film is a meditation on displacement and rediscovery. Through its intertwined stories, Bindusagar explores the fleeting nature of belonging and the healing power of storytelling.

Link to watch the full Press Conference:

For more information, click on:

IFFI Website: https://www.iffigoa.org/

PIB’s IFFI Microsite: https://www.pib.gov.in/iffi/56/

PIB IFFIWood Broadcast Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaEiBaML2AU6gnzWOm3F

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X Handles: @IFFIGoa, @PIB_India, @PIB_Panaji

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PIB IFFI CAST AND CREW | Ritu Shukla/Sayyid Rabeehashmi/Debayan Bhadury/Darshana Rane | IFFI 56 - 081