Odia cinema has emerged in 1936, just thirteen years after the first Indian feature film. Since the day it has seen many up and downs. Many actors and actresses has come and gone with time. Some of them shined during their time, taking Odia film to a grand level, and making Odisha proud. But time doesn’t stand still. With passage of time, these actors become veteran, and new actors take their place. Thus, there was a time when Sarat Pujari, Prasanta Nanda, Uttam Mohanty, Mahasweta, Aparajita Mohanty were dominating Odia film industry, but then time changes, taste of the audience changes, and accordingly new actors came. Siddhanta Mohapatra and Rachana ruled the Odia industry for some years along with others. Now in this 2k age, not only numbers of movie production increased but also increased in the numbers of new comers.

In recent years, Ollywood is producing more than 30 movies in a year. With so many movies being made in industry, it gave opportunity to many aspirants who able to polish and showcase their talents in front of audience.

Anubhav  Mohanty,the handsome hunk of Ollywood, after modeling and doing about 300 video albums entered Odia cinema industry in 2004. And the moment he entered, he started to be known as a worthy contender of the tag ‘Superstar’. His debut movie ‘I Love You’ to today’s blockbuster ‘Balunga Toka’, he continues to mesmerize audience through his screen presence. Last year, he also got ‘best actor’ award at Taranga Cine Awards. After Anubhav, many new faces came to industry. Budhaditya, nephew of Mahasweta Rai, after persuing career in national television, started doing odia movies from 2006. Since then, he continues to enthrall audience with his personality and talent. Recently released ‘Shapath’s actor Aakash made his charismatic debut in 2008 with ‘Kalinga Putra’ and by that day he has established himself in the industry as not only one of the most good looking hero but a talented actor. Samaresh Routray, a NSD passout, showed his tremendous talent in movies like ‘ Dhauli Express’, ‘Mukhyamantri’, ‘Luchakali’. Being the third actor to be a qualified from NSD, Samaresh’s passion for art reflects in his choice of roles he takes. Hero to villain or even secondary roles he performs with enthusiasm. Babushaan, the son of star couple Uttam Mohanty and Aparajita Mohanty, made his acting debut only at the age of 18 with “Romeo: The Lover Boy” as acting is in his gene and slowly he has already started to impress maximum directors and producers of the industry. When ‘Prema Rutu Asilare’ released in 2005, the power packed Arindam, came to limelight. This handsome hunk who is the ‘Gudboy’ of the industry has captivated the audience as well as the girls by his acting, looks, and style.

There was a time when Odia girls were not, might be for conservative society and family, opting for acting career. That’s why producers had to hire actresses from outside the state. But in these modern days, society has been broadened and the mindset is changing. As a result, girls from Odia families are now dreaming to be successful actresses of the industry. After Rachana left the odia cinema, Anu Choudhury came to light. This gorgeous beauty who has been stunned the odia cine audience by her acting and beauty is now the most sought after actresses of odia cinema. Archita, who recently got Taranga Cine Awards for best actresses, is versatile young actress who has all the potential to be established as an actress of substance. She is an incredible Odishi dancer also and currently riding high in Ollywood. The beautiful Barsa Priyadarshini started his cinema career from ‘E Jugara Krushna Sudama’ in 2003. And now in 9 years of hard work she has more than 20 films to her credit as lead actresses. The bubbly and charming Riya made her rocking entry with ‘Prema Adhei Akhyara’. Since then, her cool looks, acting and dance has won the heart of her fans and producers. Another most beautiful contemporary actress is Priya Choudhury. She is one of the few multi talented actresses of the Odisha. From radio, television to cinema, she has managed to leave a footmark by her hardwork, passion and dedication. ‘Dreamgirl’ is the first movie of Priya in 2008 and now she has numerous offers from industry. Anubha Sourya, the new bubbly girl in Odia cine industry, daughter of the popular beautiful odia actress Pushpa Panda, has made her entry to Ollywood with the romantic flick “Mu Premi Mu Pagala’. As talented as her mother, Anubha from the very beginning has been proved herself as the most promising newcomer by grabbing the ‘best debut actress’ at Taranga Cine Awards.

While Odia cine industry aka Ollywood hasn’t reached the level of national or even Tollywood movies, still it is progressing in a faster pace. In this stage of development, the choice and dedication of these newcomers for helping Ollywood to move ahead is a seriously praiseworthy. By encouraging these newcomers, Odia cinema is expected to shine gloriously.