Vishal Mourya


Vishal Mourya is an Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter, best known for co-directing the Odia film DAMaN, which won the National [Film Award for Best Feature Film in Odia|Best Odia Film] at the 70th National Film Awards. He works primarily in Odia cinema and is known for collaborating with director Debi Prasad Lenka.

Early life and education

Vishal Mourya was born in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. He graduated with a degree in Information Technology from SATI, Vidisha.
After completing his studies, he worked with multinational companies in Pune before transitioning into the entertainment industry. He was associated with television networks including Star Plus, Sony TV, and Zoom TV, and worked in events such as Miss India and Miss Universe. His early professional career involved production and creative roles in television and live events, which later influenced his transition into filmmaking.

Career

Mourya began his career in television with Mahayatra and Dance Premier League. Later, he collaboratedd with Debi Prasad Lenka with whom he later formed a director-duo.
Together, they worked on several projects, including the Odia political drama Biju Babu.

DAMaN (2022)

In 2022, Mourya and Lenka co-directed and co-wrote DAMaN, an Odia-language social drama inspired by true events related to malaria eradication efforts in rural Odisha.
The film starred Babushaan Mohanty and Dipanwit Dashmohapatra. Made on a budget of around ₹94 lakh, it grossed approximately ₹7.5 crore at the box office.
The Hindi trailer of the film was launched by Ajay Devgn, and it was theatrically released in Hindi on 3 February 2023.
The film received widespread critical acclaim and won the Best Odia Film at the 70th National Film Awards, earning the directors the Rajat Kamal and a cash prize.
In an interview, Mourya expressed his hope that the Hindi version of the film would bring national attention to Odisha’s cinema.

Awards and honours