Puneet Issar Debuts in Odia Film 'Challenge' – A Game Changer for Ollywood

Puneet Issar Makes His Odia Film Debut with 'Challenge': A Big Boost for Ollywood!

Puneet Issar(Duryodhan of Mahabharata Serial)
In A Odia Film ' Challenge '

Mahabharat’s Duryodhan, Puneet Issar, stars in his first Odia film ‘Challenge’—a powerful Dussehra release to watch out for!

Odia cinema lovers, get ready for something big this Dussehra! The upcoming Odia movie Challenge is all set to make waves — and one of the biggest reasons for the buzz is the entry of legendary Bollywood actor Puneet Issar into the world of Ollywood(Odia film industry)

Yes, you heard it right. Puneet Issar, best known for his iconic role as Duryodhan in the epic TV series Mahabharat, is making his first-ever appearance in an Odia film. This is not just a casting choice — it’s a statement. The veteran actor, who has delivered power-packed performances in dozens of Hindi films and serials, is now turning his attention to regional cinema, starting with Odisha.

Let’s dive deep into why this is such a big deal and what we know about this exciting new movie, Challenge.

[  KARMA: Anubhav Mohanty's Film]

Who is Puneet Issar?

For those who grew up watching Doordarshan’s Mahabharat, Puneet Issar needs no introduction. His intense portrayal of Duryodhan, the prince of the Kauravas, made him a household name across India. Over the decades, Issar has played pivotal roles in numerous Bollywood films including Coolie, Border, Kshatriya, and more. He’s also directed and produced films and is known for his deep voice, powerful screen presence, and command over emotional and action scenes.

Now, for the first time in his long and illustrious career, Puneet Issar is stepping into Odia cinema with the movie 'Challenge' — a move that has fans and film enthusiasts talking all over Odisha.

The Odia Movie: ‘Challenge’ — A Dussehra Special

The film 'Challenge' is being produced under the banner of Adilaxmi Entertainment, in association with Zee Sarthak, and features music by Amara Muzik. It is being directed by SKM, a name associated with some powerful Odia storytelling in recent years.

While much of the film has already been shot in Hyderabad, the remaining and most crucial scenes are being shot right here in Odisha. That’s why Puneet Issar recently landed at Bhubaneswar Airport, where he shared his excitement in an interview.

“This is my first Odia film, and I must say, it’s a real challenge for me — which is fitting, because the movie is also called 'Challenge',” he said with a smile. “I’m happy to be in Odisha and look forward to bringing something powerful to the audience here.”

Why Puneet Issar in an Odia Film is a Game Changer

The Odia film industry (Ollywood) has been growing steadily, with recent hits like Bou, Buttu Bhuta and Ananta drawing audiences back to theatres. However, bringing in a national-level actor like Puneet Issar is a strategic and bold move that could open new doors.

Here’s why this matters:

Pan-Indian Appeal: Puneet Issar’s name brings recognition beyond Odisha. His fans from across the country may become curious to check out the movie.

Higher Production Value: It shows that Ollywood is now investing in quality and star power.

Audience Excitement: Local audiences are thrilled to see someone they admired for decades appear in a film in their own language.

Industry Growth: Such collaborations inspire young Odia filmmakers to think bigger and take bolder steps.

What Can We Expect from ‘Challenge’?

Although the full plot of 'Challenge' hasn’t been revealed yet, sources close to the film say it’s packed with action, emotion, and drama. Puneet Issar’s character is expected to play a powerful role that drives the story forward. Given his history of portraying strong, often morally complex characters, fans are eagerly waiting to see his transformation into a character rooted in Odia culture.

Release Date of 'Challenge' Odia Film:

The movie is expected to release across Odisha during the Dussehra (Durga Puja) season, making it one of the major festival releases this year.

With the support of Zee Sarthak, promotion is expected to be aggressive and far-reaching, covering both television and digital platforms.

Social Media Buzz and Fan Expectations

As soon as the first look of Puneet Issar from Challenge was revealed, it created a storm on social media. The official poster shows Issar in an intense avatar, hinting at a character that will leave a mark.

The post went viral quickly, with thousands of shares and excited comments. Fans are already tagging friends and family, encouraging them to watch the film when it hits theatres.

Final Thoughts: Will ‘Challenge’ Change the Game for Odia Cinema?

Bringing in Puneet Issar is more than just a casting choice — it’s a 'statement of ambition . Odia filmmakers are no longer limiting themselves to local markets. They are aiming higher, collaborating with artists from outside the state, and presenting stories with national appeal.

If Challenge delivers in terms of story, performance, and production, it could become a milestone film for Odia cinema — much like what 'Pushpa' or 'RRR' did for Telugu cinema, albeit at a regional level.

This Dussehra, when theatres across Odisha light up with excitement, all eyes will be on Challenge and Puneet Issar. Will he win the hearts of Odia audiences like he did as Duryodhan years ago? We’ll have to wait and see!

Stay Tuned with Odiasites.com

For more updates on Odia films, celebrity news, trailers, and box office reviews , keep following [Odiasites.com]— your go-to destination for everything related to Odisha’s vibrant cinema culture.

The Odia film Challenge is being produced by Adikanda Sahu under the banner of Adilaxmi Entertainment, marking a significant step in bringing high-quality productions to the Ollywood industry. The film is directed by the talented SKM, who is known for his dynamic storytelling and cinematic vision. The collaboration with Zee Sarthak as a distribution and promotional partner ensures a wide reach across Odisha, especially through television and digital platforms. Adding to the film's appeal is its music, which is being released under the popular label Amara Muzik, promising a vibrant and emotionally resonant soundtrack that will connect with audiences of all ages.