“Maliput Melodies” Hits a High Note as the Only Odia Film in IFFI 2025 Panorama

“Maliput Melodies” Selected for Indian Panorama at IFFI 2025.

In a proud moment for Odisha’s film fraternity, the feature film Maliput Melodies has been officially selected for screening in the Indian Panorama section of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). This remarkable achievement marks a new milestone for the team behind the film and for regional cinema as a whole.

Maliput Melodies is a series of five interconnected short films, each capturing the culture, emotions, and untold stories of the tribal and rural heartlands of southern Odisha. The film stands out for its realistic storytelling, soulful music, and authentic portrayal of local life.

Directed by Vishal Patnaik, written by Sudhakar Patnaik, and produced by Kaushik Das, the film’s music composition and lyrics are by Tosh Nanda, whose work adds depth and emotional resonance to the narrative. Despite numerous production challenges, including limited resources and difficult terrain, the team’s dedication and creativity have earned the film international recognition.

The film’s selection is especially meaningful as Maliput Melodies is the only Odia entry among the 25 feature films shortlisted in the Indian Panorama category this year. It will be screened at different venues in Goa on November 22, 2025, as part of the festival’s official program.Adding to the excitement, the film will have its world premiere at the 56th IFFI in Panjim, Goa, on November 22, 2025. It will then be screened at multiple venues during the festival.

The team also paid heartfelt tribute to Prasanta Kumar Misra and Kartik Raut, two talented lead actors whose untimely demise left a void in the film fraternity. Their unforgettable performances have been described as the emotional core of the film.

Expressing his joy over the selection, writer Sudhakar Patnaik said,

“Maliput Melodies was born out of a deep love for the stories and people of southern Odisha. Every frame of this film carries the essence of our land, our struggles, and our music. This recognition by IFFI is not just for us, but for every local artist who dreams big despite limited opportunities.”

Director Vishal Patnaik also shared his sentiments, stating,

“This achievement belongs to every member of our team who worked tirelessly to bring this project to life. We wanted to prove that sincere storytelling rooted in our soil can resonate on national and international platforms. The inclusion of ‘Maliput Melodies’ in the Indian Panorama is both humbling and motivating.”

Music composer and lyricist Tosh Nanda also shared his excitement, stating,

“Creating the music for ‘Maliput Melodies’ was a journey through the heart of Odisha. I drew inspiration from folk sounds, traditional instruments, and the rhythm of nature. The songs carry the fragrance of our land, and I’m overjoyed that the world will now hear the voice of our soil through this film.”

Speaking on the achievement, debutant actors and crew members expressed immense pride in being part of the project. The film’s recognition is being seen as an encouraging sign for independent filmmakers and local artists striving to make their mark on the national stage.

As a debutant actor, I feel deeply honored to have contributed to Maliput Melodies. This recognition at IFFI 2025 is not just a personal milestone but a collective victory for everyone involved. We hope the film will progress to the International Competition round and bring home a prestigious award, further shining a spotlight on Odisha’s growing presence in Indian cinema.