Diverse narratives redefine Assamese cinema

Guwahati: Year 2024 saw the Assamese film industry exhibit a commendable commitment to exploring a diverse range of narratives, tackling sensitive social issues with nuance and depth. Among the 29 films released, several standouts emerged, showcasing the industry's willingness to confront complex themes and challenge societal norms.
Since the release of the first Assamese movie "Joymoti" in 1935, directed by the visionary cultural icon Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, the cinemascape of the industry has undergone tremendous changes in the last 89 years, extending a visual retreat to its audience.
One notable film addressed the pervasive issue of homophobia, shedding light on the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community in a thought-provoking and empathetic manner. Another film delved into the intricate dynamics of gender roles and the status of women in a male-dominated society, offering a poignant critique of patriarchal structures. Alongside these socially conscious narratives, the year also witnessed the release of gripping action-packed mystery thrillers, captivating the audience with their suspenseful plots and high-octane sequences.
The industry took a significant leap forward in 2024 that explored a wide range of themes and genres. This new wave of Assamese cinema is not only a testament to the industry's growth in terms of technicalities and commercial aspect, but also a promising trend in storytelling.
The films that hit the theatres this year till Nov 2024 include two in Bodo and one Sadri language, which is spoken by the tea tribe. In 2023, 21 movies including one each in Dimasa and Bengali languages were released.
Movies released in 2024 like "Satya The Truth", "Ata Nirjon Duporiya" and "Mini" touched sensitive social issues like homophobia, women's status in a male-dominated society and the hardships and challenges of tea garden workers of the 200-year-old tea industry. "Mini" also brought laurels to the state as it was screened at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in presence of President Draupadi Murmu.
While other films like "Bidurbhai", "Joy Hanu Man" and "Local Kung Fu 3" enthralled and captivated audience with action and "belly-aching comedy".
The director of "Satya The Truth" Rupjyoti Borthakur claimed the film to be first-of-its-kind in the industry to address same-sex relationships. The film released in Feb was set in the aftermath of India's decision to decriminalize same-sex relationship.
"The idea behind making the film was to address the issue, which still considered as a taboo but very much rampant in our society. Due to social stigma, people fear to express their innate desires and hide it from the society. Interestingly enough, on the same day the film was released one of my relative in London attended a same-sex marriage in London. Although the film was not a commercial hit, if it has inspired at least a single person to express their love they believe, is a bigger success for me," Borthakur said.
Khanjan Kishore Nath, who directed "Ata Nirjon Duporiya", explored the plight of a young couple who plans to spend some intimate moments together and while doing so they become victim of taboo where the system exploits them. "In third world countries like India, women are mostly considered as second class citizens and are very much conservative on subjects like sexuality. I just wanted to convey that society should not bother about what an adult couple in consensus do in their private space. Though the movie did not go well in the theatres, soon it will be released on OTT, and we are keeping our hopes high," Nath said.
Both the directors expressed hope that with young filmmakers venturing out for filmmaking in the industry, Assamese audience will soon find diverse taste. Despite the release of 29 movies, only four of them "Bidurbhai", "Swargarath", Zubeen-garg starrer "Sikaar" and "Local Kung Fu 3" managed to good box office collection. Sources said "Bidurbhai" has earned over Rs 12 crore.
"Joy Hanu Man" directed by Himanshu Prasad Das introduced the concept of "superheroes" in Assamese cinema where a college boy in order to find the murderer of a dear one, fights an evil political gangster nexus in the disguise of 'Hanuman', the famous Monkey god.
He said the movie was not exactly a superhero movie, but attempted to show how a common man can also become a superhero if he has the urge and intention to good for the society. He noted that the new-generation filmmakers are experimenting not only in terms of subjects, but in the aspect of direction treatment as well.
"With limited budget and resources, Assamese cinema has progressed leaps and bounds in last few years. Due to financial constraints and limited screens available, we obviously cannot dare to spend like South-Indian movies. Had the circumstances been similar, we too have the potential to make blockbusters like them," he added, with a hope that Assamese film industry will too achieve the grandeur like South-Indian industry in the future.