GUWAHATI: An Assamese movie on the state’s dying string puppetry is all set to hit the cinemas across the state on Friday. After the state government gave its nod to reopen movie halls from October 1, this will be the
first Assamese
film to hit the screens after a gap of 18 months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
At least 12 out of 78 halls in the state have resumed screening of films as the maximum number of theatres have remained shut due to several issues, including lack of restoration of disconnected electricity connection and pending servicing or repairing of machineries.
The movie, “Life in a Puppet”, was initially slated to be released in April. But the release got postponed after the second wave of the Covid-19 hit the state as well as the entire country.
The film has been produced and directed by
Rajen Das, assistant professor of philosophy at
NH College
in
Bajali
district of
Assam, and has already been screened at various festivals. The plot revolves round the life of the artists associated with the folk art form and their plight following very little demand for puppetry these days.
“There was a time when the socio-cultural life of the state was incomplete without
puppet
theatre. Now, the artists stare at an uncertain future. But they hope that some day the art form will be revived,” Das said. He added that the idea was to put the art and artists on the world stage. Das is positive that the audience will accept the film and extend support.
String puppet artist
Narayan Deka
, who has contributed immensely to the art form in the last 35 years, and popular actor
Asha Bordoloi will feature in the film. Nearly 49 more artists have performed in the film, the budget of which is pegged at Rs 10 lakh, without taking any remuneration.
Meanwhile, the mobile theater groups have also recently begun their tours across the state, after the health department gave its approval to the groups to stage shows.
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