Odia Film "Daman" Shines at 70th National Film Awards, Wins Best Odia Film

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Bhubaneswar: August 16, 2024 — The Odia film "Daman," featuring popular actor Babushan Mohanty, has achieved a significant milestone by winning the Best Odia Film award at the prestigious 70th National Film Awards. This recognition highlights the film's exceptional contribution to Odia cinema and underscores its impact on both audiences and critics alike.

The Best Odia Film award is a coveted honor, comprising the esteemed Rajat Kamal trophy and a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh. "Daman," directed by the talented duo Vishal Mourya and Debi Prasad Lenka, has made waves in the film industry with its compelling narrative and powerful performances.

A Story of Courage and Determination

Released on 4th November 2022, "Daman" tells the inspiring story of a dedicated doctor who fights against deep-rooted superstitions in a remote tribal region of Odisha. Set in the Malkangiri district, the film focuses on the doctor's relentless efforts to educate the tribal population about the dangers of Malaria, a disease that has plagued the region for years. Through its gripping storytelling, "Daman" sheds light on the importance of healthcare and the challenges faced by medical professionals in rural India.

The film's narrative is both poignant and thought-provoking, making it a standout in the Odia film industry. The realistic portrayal of the hardships faced by the tribal community, coupled with the doctor's unwavering resolve, strikes a chord with the audience, leaving a lasting impact.

A Journey Beyond Borders

"Daman" initially captured the hearts of Odia-speaking audiences upon its release in 2022. However, the film's success didn't stop there. Recognizing its universal appeal and powerful message, the filmmakers decided to dub "Daman" in Hindi, allowing it to reach a wider audience across India. The Hindi version of the film was met with similar acclaim, further cementing its status as a landmark film in Indian cinema.

Critical Acclaim and Audience Praise

The success of "Daman" is not only measured by its box office numbers but also by the overwhelming praise it has received from both critics and viewers. The film has been lauded for its strong performances, particularly by Babushaan Mohanty, whose portrayal of the determined doctor has been widely appreciated. The film's directors, Vishal Mourya and Debi Prasad Lenka, have been commended for their vision and ability to bring such a compelling story to life on the big screen.

Nation First: Reforms for the People

In addition to its critical success, "Daman" has also achieved a significant commercial milestone. It is currently the highest-grossing Odia film of all time, a testament to its widespread popularity and the powerful connection it has established with its audience.

Government Recognition and Support

The impact of "Daman" extends beyond the realm of cinema. Recognizing the film's importance in raising awareness about Malaria and its portrayal of social issues, the Odisha Government declared "Daman" tax-free. This move not only made the film more accessible to a broader audience but also highlighted the government's support for films that address important social causes.

National Recognition at the 70th National Film Awards

The 70th National Film Awards, held in New Delhi, brought together the best of Indian cinema, celebrating the achievements of filmmakers, actors, and technicians from across the country. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced the winners, with "Daman" proudly representing Odisha among the top films.

The awards ceremony saw several other notable winners. Rishabh Shetty was honored as the Best Actor for his outstanding performance in the film "Kantara," while filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya received the Best Director award for his work in "Uunchai." The Best Actress award was shared by Nithya Menen and Mansi Parekh for their performances in "Thiruchitrambalam" and "Kutch Express," respectively.

Renowned actor Manoj Bajpayee received a Special Mention award for his role in "Gulmohar," which was also named the Best Hindi Film. The event also recognized the contributions of music composer Pritam, who won the Best Music award for the Hindi film "Brahmastra."

In the regional film categories, "KGF Chapter 2," starring Yash, won the National Film Award for Best Kannada Film, while filmmaker Mani Ratnam's "Ponniyin Selvan 1" was named the Best Tamil Film.

Categories and Rewards at the National Film Awards:

The National Film Awards are divided into two main categories - the Golden Lotus (Swarna Kamal) and the Silver Lotus (Rajat Kamal). Each award carries a different prize amount, and the competition is fierce. But what do these awards actually entail?

Golden Lotus Awards:

- Best Feature Film:₹2.5 lakhs - Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Director: ₹1.25 lakhs - Best Children’s Film: ₹1.5 lakhs - Dadasaheb Phalke Award: ₹10 lakhs

Silver Lotus Awards:

- Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration: ₹1.5 lakhs - Best Social Issue Film: ₹1.5 lakhs - Best Assamese Film: ₹1.5 lakhs - Best Actor: ₹50,000 - Best Actress: ₹50,000 - Non-Feature Films: ₹50,000 to ₹75,000

Who Presents the National Film Awards?

The National Film Awards are presented by the President of India, adding to the prestige and honor of the recognition. This year, President Droupadi Murmu will grace the ceremony and present these coveted awards to the winners. The event is organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which ensures the smooth execution of this prestigious event.

Regional Film Winners:

Alongside 'Daman', several regional films have also been recognized for their outstanding contributions to Indian cinema. Here’s a quick look at some of the regional winners: - Best Tiwa Film: Sikaisal - Best Telugu Film: Karthikeya 2 - Best Tamil Film: Ponniyin Selvan Part 1 - Best Punjabi Film: Baagi Di Dhee - Best Malayalam Film: Saudi Vellakka C/O 225/2009 - Best Marathi Film: Balvi - Best Kannada Film: KGF Chapter 2 - Best Hindi Film: Gulmohar - Best Bengali Film: Kaberi Antardhan - Best Assamese Film: Emuthi Puthi

A Bright Future for Odia Cinema

The success of "Daman" at the 70th National Film Awards is a proud moment for the Odia film industry. It not only highlights the talent and creativity within the industry but also serves as an inspiration for future filmmakers and storytellers. The recognition of "Daman" at such a prestigious platform underscores the potential of regional cinema to make a significant impact on a national and international level.

As "Daman" continues to garner accolades and reach new audiences, it paves the way for more Odia films to be recognized and celebrated. The film's success story is a reminder that powerful storytelling, rooted in local culture and issues, can resonate with audiences far and wide.

With its compelling narrative, strong performances, and national recognition, "Daman" has truly set a new benchmark for Odia cinema. The film's victory at the 70th National Film Awards is not just a win for the filmmakers and actors involved but a triumph for the entire Odia film industry.