by admin | Jul 31, 2024 | Screenings
In an unexpected turn of events, the Assamese film “Bidurbhai” has become the talk of the regional film industry, grossing an impressive 3.5 crore rupees in less than two weeks since its release on July 19. Trade analysts are now projecting the film could cross the 10-crore mark, a significant achievement for a regional production.
The success of “Bidurbhai” marks a triumphant return for director SUV, whose previous urban blockbuster “Sri Raghupati” had set high expectations. However, “Bidurbhai” represents a dramatic shift in both setting and style. Unlike its glitzy predecessor, this film is rooted in rural Assam, featuring a cast of relatively unknown actors and a storyline that celebrates the simplicity of village life.
Himangshu Prasad Das, a veteran of the Assamese film industry known for his multiple roles as a writer, director, and actor, shared his insights on the film’s success. “The gripping narrative flow, coupled with authentic performances and top-notch technical work, has clearly struck a chord with audiences,” Das remarked. He particularly praised SUV’s deft handling of the cinematic narrative, noting the director’s growth since his last venture.
However, the film hasn’t been without its share of controversy. Gender activist Rituparna has raised concerns about certain dialogues in the film, which she perceives as making light of issues related to the third gender community.
Adding to the buzz surrounding “Bidurbhai,” industry insiders hint at a potential collaboration between SUV and popular actor Ravi Sarma. Sources suggest that SUV may be in talks to direct a big-budget film featuring Sarma in the lead role, though no official announcement has been made.
The unexpected success of “Bidurbhai” is seen as a potential game-changer in the regional film circuit. It demonstrates that when told effectively, rural-centric stories can compete with and potentially outperform urban-centric blockbusters. This shift could herald a new trend in regional cinema, with more filmmakers potentially exploring stories from India’s heartland.
As “Bidurbhai” continues its successful run in theatres, all eyes are on the SUV’s next move. Will he return to the glitz and glamour of urban storytelling, or will he further explore the untapped potential of rural narratives? Only time will tell, but one thing is sure: “Bidurbhai” has firmly established SUV as a director to watch in the evolving landscape of Indian regional cinema.
by admin | Jul 29, 2024 | Announcements
Upcoming Assamese film “Sundarpur Chaos,” produced by RC Productions and directed by Jhulan Krishna Mahanta, is generating significant anticipation. The release of two songs from the film on July 28th enhanced the excitement among fans. The said soundtracks are a song by Shaan penned by Manjula Hzarika, “Kio Janu Aji” written and sung by Gayatri Hazarika and a selection from “Kirtan Ghosha” by Srimanta Sankardev, rendered by Angarag Papon Mahanta. The songs are available on various audio platforms, with music videos expected to be released on YouTube soon. The music is arranged and produced by Dr. Sourav Mahanta, one of the busiest music directors of the state.
Jhulan Krishna Mahanta, known for his work as an editor on National Award-winning films like “Orong” and “Calendar,” directs “Sundarpur Chaos.” His previous directorial work, “Nodi Mathu Boi,” received multiple Assam State Film Awards, including Best Film, Best Editing, and Best Direction in 2017. Mahanta’s commitment to unique storytelling, which is evident in his previous work, is once again showcased in this latest project, promising an innovative and engaging cinematic experience.
The film is set in the picturesque village of Sundarpur, representing the ideal Assam envisioned by Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev. It addresses the serious issue of illegal immigration, a significant regional concern that the film tackles with sensitivity and depth. The story follows the protagonist, Kingkar, as he faces challenges while building a rural gym on Satra land, leading to unforeseen consequences.
As the release date of “Sundarpur Chaos” approaches, fans are eager to experience the powerful storytelling and rich depiction of Assamese culture promised by the film. Produced by Ramendra Chamuah, Gayatri Hazarika, and Diganta Thakuria, the film is a collaborative effort of RC Productions and Jhulan Krishna Mahanta. The team extends their best wishes to everyone involved in the film’s creation, as anticipation continues to build among audiences.
by admin | Jul 24, 2024 | Announcements
Acclaimed Assamese filmmaker Arindam Barooah is set to complete his latest project, “Eta Ratir Seshot” (At the End of One Night), by the end of this month. The film, which explores the complex relationship between a father and son, marks another milestone in Barooah’s career crafting emotionally resonant cinema.
Barooah, who transitioned from engineering to filmmaking, has built a reputation for tackling human sentiments and crises in his work. Describing his latest creation, he says, ‘Eta Ratir Seshot’ examines a relationship that transcends time and physical boundaries, powerful enough to alter the course of human life and even influence fate. It’s a poignant tale of life and what lies beyond.”
The filmmaker’s portfolio includes a diverse range of critically acclaimed works. His feature film “Panisokori” (In the Swirls) garnered attention, while his short films and documentaries have covered a wide array of themes. Notable among these are “Eti Notun Prabhat” (A New Dawn), “Akanksha” (An Impassioned Desire), and the documentary “Exploring Namphake,” which delves into cultural beauty and tradition.
Barooah’s other works include “Baandhon” (In Chains), “Bhranti” (Fallacy Beholds), “Bodh” (Unfolding the Spirit of Reverence), “Obosheshot” (At Last), “Rendezvous” (Unfolding an Unforeseen), and “Endharor Bheta Bhangi” (Breaking the Cocoon). Each of these productions has contributed to Barooah’s reputation as a filmmaker who deftly navigates the intricacies of human emotions and societal issues.
As “Eta Ratir Seshot” nears completion, anticipation builds in the regional film circuit for this latest offering from one of Assamese cinema’s most thought-provoking directors. The film is expected to continue Barooah’s tradition of crafting narratives that resonate deeply with audiences while exploring universal themes of family, fate, and the human condition.
Cast & crew
Direction & editing: Arindam Barooah
Story: Dr. Monprativ Barooah
Screenplay: Indrajit Kalita
Dialogues: Indrajit Kalita, Bedanta Prasad Barua
Cinematography: Shantanu Tamuli
On-Location sound recordist & sound design: Chiranjib Baruah
Background music: Dorjay Tamang
Cast: Atanu Mahanta, Bibhuti Bhushan Hazarika, Dr. Monprativ Barooah
by admin | Jul 11, 2024 | Festival Circuit
Assamese film Pai Tang, meaning ‘Step of Hope’, has been selected for the 10th Shimla International Film Festival, which will be held from August 16. It is based on a true story of the endangered Tai Phake people who live in Assam.
Revealing the backstory, Prabal Khaund, the director, says, “Knowing very well that ethnic groups face the danger of going extinct along with their language, culture and heritage, I began researching on whether any such threatened ethnic entity existed in Assam, and discovered that one such ethnic group called Tai Phake had migrated as early as 1775 from the Hou Kong valley of Myanmar to Assam.
“As per the latest census, their population is only around two thousand. UNESCO has declared the status of their existence as threatened. The followers of Buddhism, the Tai Phake people brought along with around 400 manuscripts in 1775. These are preserved in their Monastery library. However, many in the young generation cannot read or write in their language, and do not even know the meaning of the texts of their 400 odd manuscripts.
“Pai Tang (this word, taken from their mother tongue, means ‘a step of hope’) depicts the real life of the Tai Phake people. The shooting location is their picturesque Namphake village of Naharkatiya, and many of the actors are from that ethnic group. I pray that this film will create sufficient awareness of the Tai Phake people and address their dilemma.”
Pai Tang had previously been screened at the Kolkata International Film Festival, the Bangalore International Film Festival, the Darbhanga International Film Festival, and the Northeast International Film Festival. It has been honoured with several prizes.
Director: Prabal Khaund
Screenplay: Prabal Khaund and Meenakshi Deka
Actors: Jnanapal Mahather, Hum Chen Winken, Nuk Chen Winken, Paim Thi Gohain
Cinematography: Papu Deka
Editor: Ramen Bora
Sound designer: Devjit Gayan
Music composer: Rajiv Kashyap
Singers: Ai Cha Thamaung and Je Hum Hailong
Producer: Nav Kumar Bhuyan
EP: Sangeeta Nath Bhuyan
Banner: Ans Entertainment
by admin | Jul 9, 2024 | Festival Circuit
Bearing testament to the burgeoning talent in Assamese cinema, five films from the State have been selected for the 17th SiGNS International Film Festival, to be held at Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University, Kerala, in early August. The films are Kaankhowa by Hira Das, Son of the Soil by Akanshya Bhagabati, Maya by Susmita Talukdar, Pickles and Orange by Tridisha Goswami, and Ekaki by Rupam Jyoti Malakar.
The director of Kankhowa, which had won the House of Illusions award for Best Short Film by a Woman Director at Chalachitram 2023, says, “I am very happy for our film Kaankhowa’s selection in this prestigious film festival, for it’s a filmmaker’s dream to reach as wide an audience as possible.”
SiGNS, a pioneering festival in India for digital videos, is home to the prestigious John Abraham National Award. This national-level competition for documentaries and short fiction, named in memory of John Abraham, adds a layer of significance to the festival. The John Abraham Award was instituted in 1999 by the Kerala Region of the Federation of Film Societies of India in memory of John Abraham.
In 2005, the competition was extended to the national level, and the festival was renamed SiGNS. It focuses on documentary and short fiction films in video format. SiGNS has carved a niche for itself in the festival map in India and is entering its 17th edition this year. The festival is organised by the Kerala region of the Federation of Film Societies of India (FFSI) in association with Malayalam University.
