Bhubaneswar, June 10 (UDN): In a significant move to promote Odia cinema and celebrate the state’s rich handloom heritage, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has approved a proposal to exempt the critically acclaimed Odia film Mehermunda from entertainment tax across the state.

The decision, approved on Tuesday, is aimed at encouraging a wider audience to watch the film, which highlights the lives, struggles, resilience, and achievements of Odisha’s traditional weaving community.

Directed by noted filmmaker Nikunj Hota, Mehermunda has garnered widespread appreciation since its release on May 15, 2026, for its realistic portrayal of handloom artisans and the cultural traditions that form an integral part of Odisha’s identity. The film showcases the challenges faced by weavers while celebrating their dedication to preserving the state’s centuries-old textile heritage.

According to the official statement, the tax exemption reflects the government’s commitment to supporting meaningful regional cinema that promotes Odisha’s culture, traditions, and social values. By making the film tax-free, the state aims to increase its reach among audiences and generate greater awareness about the contributions of the weaving community.

The announcement has been welcomed by members of the film fraternity, cultural enthusiasts, and handloom stakeholders, who view it as a recognition of the vital role played by artisans in preserving Odisha’s artistic legacy.

The move is expected to provide a boost to both the film’s outreach and the ongoing efforts to promote Odisha’s handloom sector, which remains an important source of livelihood and cultural pride for the state.