Bhubaneswar, Nov. 19: Ace director Sabyasachi Mohapatra's film Adim Vichar has bagged the major honours at the 26th State Film Awards 2014 that were announced today.

State tourism and culture minister Ashok Panda said Mohapatra was adjudged the best director, while the 85-year-old protagonist of the film, Atal Bihari Panda, bagged the award for the best actor. The film has also received the Special Jury Award for the year.

In 2013, Mohapatra's film Sala Budha had received awards in seven categories, including best film and best director.

"Although I have received a national award for the film, but getting recognised from your state has its own charm. I have always wanted to focus on social issues that are prevalent in Odisha and I would continue to do the same," said the film-maker.

The award for the best film has been conferred on Krantidhara. Directed by veteran director Himanshu Khatua, the film brought to fore a woman's struggle with her family, especially her husband, and the socio-political existence at her village. Gargi Mohanty, who has played the lead role in the film, has bagged the award for best actress.

The film shows a woman's struggle with her family, especially her husband, to establish herself at the village as a political person and also how she refuses to become a puppet in the hands of the male member of her family.

The prestigious lifetime achievement award for contribution to Odia cinema, Jaydev Samman, will be given to veteran actor Bijay Mohanty.

The government received nominations for 21 films this year and awards will be conferred in 24 categories. Like last year, no entries were made in the sections of children's film, tribal language film and documentary.

"There were a number of good films made this year. The quality is improving. Films such as Bhaunri, Suka Asuchi and Krantidhara bear testimony to the fact how the scene is changing," said chairman of the jury committee Sanjib Hota.

For the State Tele Awards, the government received entries from seven serials. Badhu won the best tele-serial award and Santosh Kumar Biswal won the best tele-director for the same.

The award presentation ceremony has been tentatively slated for December 12 and 13 for film and tele awards, respectively, in the city.