Bhubaneswar: The state government's decision to renovate the Kalinga Studio has brought cheers among the Odia film fraternity.

The sports department's recent proposal to construct a sports complex on the studio premises had sparked a controversy. But turning it down, the government has said that it would develop the studio on the lines of the famous RK Studio and Gemini Studios, so that producers from other states can also use the facility.

"We have no intention to shut down the studio in the name of development of sports. Besides, the government wouldn't, at any cost, hand over the Kalinga Studio for any other purpose," said industries minister Anant Das.

He further said the Odisha Small Industries Corporation had been asked to start work on the studio immediately.

Established in 1982 in collaboration with Prasad Labs, the entire stake in the studio had been taken over by the corporation in 1983 after the death of Arun Rao, successor of the Chennai-based film studio.

T. Biswanath made a Telugu film here, while big names such as Mrinal Sen and Aparna Sen had also shot in the studio.

Director Buddhadev Dasgupta's acclaimed Bagh Bahadur was also shot here. But over the past decade, corruption and mismanagement led to decline of the facility.

"Work is already going on, and it will be completed shortly. We are dedicated to ensure its revival," said the corporation chairman Munna Khan.

"Earlier, this studio used to attract many film-makers from outside, but lack of patronage from the government badly affected it. Along with the renovation, other aspects should also be taken care of. The studio needs to have corporate-style management that would attract film-makers from Odisha as well as outside and generate revenue," said film critic Dillip Halli.

Short film maker Subahm Jena said: "Facilities such as provisions for drinking water , toilets and canteens should be developed on a priority. After all it is the only asset of the Odia film industry."