Odia short film Kaishora premieres in Bhubaneswar, highlighting mental health awareness, suicide prevention and the importance of childhood dreams
OdishaPlus Bureau
Following an impressive run across national and international film festivals, Kaishora, an acclaimed Odia short film presented by M08 Studios and IOverse Productions, marked its hometown premiere at Jayadev Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Friday, November 13, 2026.
Held on the eve of Children’s Day, the special screening drew over 350 attendees, bringing together prominent members of the Odia film fraternity, distinguished guests, artists, mental health advocates, and cinema enthusiasts.
The evening featured a special showcase of the film followed by an engaging interactive session with the cast and creators, sparking meaningful conversations around emotional well-being and contemporary storytelling in regional cinema.
A poignant journey between life and memory, Kaishora tells the moving story of Prashant, a man overwhelmed by the relentless pressures of adulthood. Following a tragic decision, he awakens in a mysterious, ethereal forest suspended between life and the afterlife. There, he meets Shanu, an optimistic young boy who guides him on an emotional journey through forgotten aspirations, childhood memories, and the complexities of human existence.
Through its evocative narrative, the film delivers an urgent and compassionate message on mental health awareness, suicide prevention, empathy, and the vital importance of preserving one’s inner child amidst the demands of modern life.
Written by Ishan Patnaik and S Abhishek Reddy, and jointly directed by Ishan Patnaik, Ankita Verma, and S Abhishek Reddy, Kaishora has resonated deeply with festival audiences for its sensitive treatment of a complex subject. The film is anchored by compelling performances from veteran actor Partha Sarathi Ray, alongside Akash Hota and Manisha Manjari Mishra.
With its Bhubaneswar premiere, the makers aim to take the conversation beyond festival circuits and directly to local audiences, reinforcing cinema’s role as a catalyst for social empathy and mental health advocacy.