Bhubaneswar, Aug 9: Controversy makes the box office ring. That's what film-makers in the Odia industry are finding out.

A number of Odia films have been released over the past few months, the makers of which have taken inspiration from real-life controversies in the state.

Rangila Baba, based on the wrongdoings of self-styled spiritual leader, Santosh Raula alias Sarathi Baba, was a huge hit. The film, which was simultaneously released in Odisha, Hyderabad and Surat, ran to packed houses for weeks.

The 47-year-old accused was in the eye of a storm in August last year following reports that he had stayed with a woman at a Hyderabad hotel.

The film starred popular comedian Kuna Tripathy, and was made within three months of the incident coming to limelight. Director of the film Sanjay Nayak says: "When we make films that are based on true stories, they become crowd pullers. But, the aim should be to create awareness among people, as films are one of the greatest modes of communication."

Nayak is now working on a film based on the recent controversies of casting couch and chit fund links that are a blot on the film industry here. Excuse Me Kana Kala Se tries to capture the events and their impact on the image of the industry.

The film stars newcomer Balkrishna Nayak aka Lucky, who is a lookalike of popular comedian Pappu Pom Pom. Pappu is currently cooling his heels in jail over allegations of casting couch.

But, Nayak denied that the film is based on Pappu. "We just wanted to highlight the recent events that are portraying the Odia film industry in a bad light. A few people are tying to tarnish its image by making false allegations for their own ends. I want to give the message that the industry works as a family," said Nayak.

The 21-year-old Lucky is excited. "I have worked in television serials but this will be a new experience for me," he said.

A research team has been formed to collect facts about the issues. The film is set to hit theatres on September 4.

Director Susant Mani, who is known for making films with original storylines, plans to make his next film on television actress Parlipta Priyadarshini, better known as Jessy. The actress was mired in controversy in February over the death of choreographer-turned-actor Ranjit Pattnaik aka Raja. Jessy was arrested over allegations of instigating Raja's death and had to spend a few days in jail before being released on bail.

Mani said Jessy would enact her real-life character in the movie called Love You Jessica. It is in the post-production stage now.