Assam Cinematic Treasures: Movies that showcase directorial brilliance of Assamese filmmakers

Let's explore a diverse collection of Assamese movies delving into innumerable themes, including Assamese folktales, rural life, unconventional relationships, and societal issues. Each film, a captivating cinematic journey, unveils the vibrant cultural tapestry of Assam, offering viewers a profound insight into the director's unique perspective. 

Kothanodi

"Kothanodi", directed by Bhaskar Hazarika, is an Assamese film that delves into the rich world of Assamese folktales, adapting four of them into a thought-provoking cinematic experience. Hazarika's perspective is rooted in preserving and reimagining traditional stories while exploring complex human emotions and societal issues in the Assamese context. The film has garnered acclaim for its storytelling, cinematography, and its deep exploration of cultural and social aspects in Assam. Hazarika employs various horrific instruments to enhance cultural authenticity, create emotional impact, and convey dark themes and deeper meanings, thus immersing the audience in the captivating world of Assamese folklore while respecting its cultural roots.

Village Rockstars

Rima Das, an award-winning self-taught filmmaker with an acting background, crafted "Village Rockstars" set in her own village, Chhaygaon, near Guwahati, in Assam. The film beautifully illustrates the innocence and dreams of rural children living amidst poverty and deprivation, showcasing their vibrant lives. It starts with children forming a rock band and captures the sheer fun they have with ease by their challenging circumstances.

Rima's film is a candid glimpse into the lives, dreams, and struggles faced by the Assamese people, focusing on poverty and gender inequality. The story revolves around a young girl named Dhunu and her dream of owning a guitar despite financial constraints. Rima employs a neo-realistic storytelling approach, addressing important themes. The film resonates with traditional rituals, the support of a mother for her daughter, and the boundless hope that children and villagers exhibit. Rima was inspired by the untrained yet talented children she encountered in a village while shooting her previous film. Their dreams and innocence moved her, reminding her of the beauty in simplicity and the importance of being connected to nature.
"Village Rockstars" offers a emotional perspective through Rima Das's lens, celebrating the resilience of children and the coexistence of people with the natural world, urging us to cherish the beauty of simple things. 

Aamis

Director Bhaskar Hazarika's film "Aamis" explores unconventional norms and unconventional food culture in the context of Guwahati. The movie delves into the idea that conventionality is a human construct, and it challenges societal norms. Sumon, a PhD student, and Nirmali, a married pediatrician, engage in an unconventional relationship that defies age and class differences. Their unconventional love language becomes cannibalism, symbolizing a "societal breakdown." The film also emphasizes the significance of food in reflecting cultural identity and social relations. Sumon's exploration of exotic meats and his introduction of Nirmali to this gastronomic journey play a central role in the narrative. The movie subtly critiques societal expectations and norms through dialogues and interactions among the characters, ultimately leading to an unexpected twist.  Hazarika employs careful buildup and foreshadowing to lead the audience into the depths of this unconventional love story and exploration of food culture. "Aamis" challenges viewers to question the accepted norms and opens up discussions about what is considered 'normal.'

Tora's Husband

From Rima Das's directorial perspective, Tora's Husband is emotional introspective exploration of realities faced by Abhay Das and his family in rural Assam during the pandemic. The film delves into the complexities of adulthood like angst, restlessness, and the sense of isolation and portrays the silent struggles that pervade their lives. Through authentic performances and a deep connection to Assamese culture, the movie captures the quiet yet profound realities faced by individuals and families during the pandemic. Rima Das's unique style, which finds art in the ordinary, remains as compelling as ever, making "Tora's Husband" a must-watch that reflects pandemic times and the enduring resilience of life.

Firingoti

"Firingoti," directed by Jahnu Barua, is a 1992 Assamese film that transports viewers to the backdrop of the 1962 Sino-India war. The story is centered on Ritu, a determined widowed teacher portrayed by Moloya Goswami. When Ritu is transferred to a remote Assamese village, she encounters a broken school that only exists on paper due to a past fire. Ritu embarks on a mission to rebuild the school, rallying the villagers for support. Under a sprawling village tree, she succeeds in bringing the school back to life. However, a crucial twist unfolds when a jobless local resident seeks to extort control of the school. Ritu valiantly stands her ground, but the situation takes a tragic turn as the man, along with his allies, sets fire to the schoolhouse. The film, through Jahnu Barua's lens, is a touching portrayal of the challenges faced by a dedicated teacher in the face of adversity, highlighting the power of determination and community support while shedding light on the complexities of the education system. 

Agnisnaan

In "Agnisnaan" a 1985 Assamese film directed by Bhabendra Nath Saikia, here the director tries to portray the intricacies of human psychology and emotions. The story revolves around a wealthy businessman's decision to opt for second marriage which profoundly shocks and angers his first wife and son. Through the director's lens, the film delves into the depths of love, dedication and sense of betrayal. It serves as a compelling narrative that unveils the consequences of the decision and how the first wife exacts her revenge creating a captivating storyline that provides an insight of the complexities of human relations and emotions.

Mon Jaai 

Mon Jaai," a 2008 Assamese language drama film directed by Moirangthem Maniram, delves into the lives of four unemployed educated youths from lower-middle-class families in Tinsukia, Assam. The film portrays their entanglement in misfortunes that shape their futures.

Manab, Nayan, Tapan, and Akan find themselves struggling to secure employment due to their clean but terror-stamped records after a wrongful police roundup. Frustration leads them to engage in illegal activities, including a tragic kidnapping attempt. Although the crime initially goes unnoticed, their consciences are burdened with guilt. Manab's father discovers his son's involvement and disowns him. Meanwhile, Nayan becomes an Assam Civil Service officer and returns to guide his friends away from unlawful pursuits.
 
The film explores the consequences of their choices, touching on issues such as corruption, terrorism, and the challenges facing Assam. Each character's journey reflects the director's perspective on realization, social issues, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of crucial mistakes.

Maj Rati Keteki

Maj Rati Keteki," directed by Santwana Bordoloi, is a film that weaves a complex narrative that explores the intertwined stories of various characters through the life of the Protagonist. It portrays the past and present through the life of the main character, Priyendu Hazarika. The story is about truth and lies, where perceived truths often blur the lines. The film explores themes of deception, caste, and religion in Indian society. The director uses colors like yellow, blue, green, and red to convey emotions and connect the protagonist's past and present. Yellow represents a link between the two time periods, while blue signifies sadness. Green symbolizes love and hope, and red is associated with loss and deception. The cinematography focuses on capturing the characters' body language and details of their behavior. However, the non-linear narrative might frustrate some viewers, leading to the film being somewhat underrated. The actors, especially Mahendra Rabha, who plays Bhola, deliver exceptional performances, making the characters come to life.

In this film, we follow the life of Dinabandhu, a middle-class man who values honesty and refuses to choose corrupt practices to earn money. He goes to great lengths to celebrate his own wedding and provide for his family. However, his wife falls ill and, unable to afford better treatment, she passes away. To make ends meet, Dinabandhu takes up private tuition. As his elder daughter's marriage approaches, he once again goes beyond his means to fulfill the wishes of his in-laws. But when it's time for his second daughter's wedding, he's at a loss for how to manage the expenses. He decides to write a story describing how his dedication to celebrating weddings has caused financial hardship. In the end, facing bankruptcy, he indirectly suggests to his younger daughter, Bani, to elope with her fiancé to save his honour and avoid the guilt of not being able to celebrate her wedding. The film has a negative theme, highlighting the consequences of Dinabandhu's choices, but also portrays moments of optimism throughout his life.

Explore these unique captivating stories which offers pround insights; each with unqiue perspective that takes you into the spirit of Assam's film Industry.