Bhubaneswar, Oct 31: The Odisha Film Producers & Distributors Guild (OFPDG) has expressed its support for actor Manoj Mishra, who is facing a boycott by certain producers in the Ollywood industry.
Standing firmly behind the actor, the association emphasized that they have not imposed any restrictions on his participation in Odia films.
In a letter addressed to the actor, the association conveyed, "We have received information that certain producers have placed limitations on your involvement in Odia films. This is regrettable and has escalated into a significant regional dispute. The people of western Odisha are deeply disheartened by this decision. Even politicians have become involved in this controversy. Our Odisha is a unified entity. There is no division between east, west, north, or south Odisha. Our film industry is united as the Odia film industry. We hold all the languages spoken within the boundaries of Odisha in high regard."
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The Guild appealed to Mishra to maintain composure for the betterment of the Odia film industry and Odisha as a whole.
Speaking to the press, Arun Mohanty, Secretary of OFPDG, stated, "It is regrettable to ban Manoj Mishra. This action should not have been taken. OFPDG does not endorse this ban."
Mohanty also added, "The Odisha Film Development Corporation (OFDC) should promptly mediate in the matter and issue a press release to allay the concerns of the people in western Odisha who fear they may not have opportunities to produce films."
The controversy surrounding Manoj Mishra commenced when the President of the Utkal Cine Chambers of Commerce (UCCC), Sanjay Nayak, also known as Tutu Nayak, declared that there was evidence linking the actor to protests against the film 'Ram,' which featured Arindam and Anubhav in Sambalpur. Subsequently, a group of producers imposed a two-year boycott on him.
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Later in the day, the cine producers' association, during a press conference in Bhubaneswar, announced that the boycott of Manoj Mishra would not be lifted for the time being.
