Assamese cinema
| Assamese cinema | |
|---|---|
 Gold Digital Cinema inGolaghat;Gold Digital Cinema is one of the largest multiplex chain of Assam | |
| No.ofscreens | Approx. 82 in the state ofAssam[1] |
| Main distributors | ASFFDC AM Television Dolphin Films Pvt. Ltd |
| Produced feature films (2022)[2] | |
| Total | 32 (Theatrical) |
| Gross box office (2019) | |
| Total | ₹10 crore(US$1.2 million) |
Assamese cinema(formerlyJollywood)is theIndianfilm industryofAssameselanguage. It is based inAssam,India. The industry was born in 1935 whenJyoti Prasad Agarwalareleased his movieJoymoti.Since then the Assamese cinema has developed a slow-paced, sensitive style. In the beginning the industry were calledJollywood,[3][4]for Agarwala'sJyoti Chitraban Film Studio.[5]
Despite its long history and its artistic successes, for a state that has always taken its cinema seriously, Assamese cinema has never really managed to break through on the national scene despite its film industry making a mark in the National Awards over the years. Although the beginning of the 21st century has seenBollywood-style Assamese movies hitting the screen, the industry has not been able to compete in the market, significantly overshadowed by the larger industries such asBollywood.[6]
History
[edit]1930s
[edit]
The origins of Assamese cinema can be traced back toRupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwala,who was also a noted poet, playwright, composer andfreedom fighter.He was instrumental in the production of the first Assamese FilmJoymatiin 1935,[7]under the banner of Chitralekha Movietone. Aideu Handique was the heroine of this movie. Due to the lack of trained technicians, Jyotiprasad, while making his maiden film, shouldered the added responsibilities as the scriptwriter, producer, director, choreographer, editor, set and costume designer, lyricist, and music director.[8]The film, completed with a budget of 60,000 rupees was released on 10 March 1935. The picture failed.[7]Like so many early Indian films, the negatives and complete prints ofJoymatiare missing. Some effort has been made privately by Altaf Mazid to restore and subtitle whatever is left of the prints.[9] Despite the significant financial loss fromJoymati,the second pictureIndramalatiwas filmed between 1937 and 1938 finally released in 1939.Pramathesh Baruareleased his Assamese version ofDevdasin 1937. It was the last of the 3 language version following Bengali and Hindi.
1940s
[edit]Agarwala made another film after a lapse of two years titledIndramalati.It was his second and last film. The eminent composer and singer of AssamBhupen Hazarika,played a prominent role in the play. With the passing away of Jyotiprasad, the Assamese film scene witnessed a temporary lull for about a couple of years.[8]But things changed with the onset ofWorld War II,Taking advantage of this,Rohini Kr. Baruahmade a film on a relevant historical topic calledManomatiin 1941. It was followed by films likeParvati Prasad Baruwa'sRupahi(1946), Kamal Narayan Choudhury'sBadan Barphukan(1947), Phani Sharma'sSiraj,Asit Sen'sBiplabi,Prabin Phukan'sParghatand Suresh Goswami'sRunumi.
1950s
[edit]In the 1950s,Piyoli Phukanwent on to win a National award. The movie was produced by Gama Prasad Agarwalla under the aegis of Rup Jyoti Productions. The film was directed byPhani Sharmaand the music was composed byBhupen Hazarika.The film was about the life of the freedom fighter Piyali Phukan, who stood against the British Rule. He was executed by the British on charges of treason. This film technically was advanced for that time.[clarification needed]In 1955, a new talentNip Baruamade his directorial debut withSmrit Paras.His subsequent filmsMak Aaru MoramandRanga Policewon many state awards and the silver medal at the national level.Bhupen Hazarikaalso produced and directed his first filmEra Bator Sur.Prabhat Mukherjeemade a film on the universality of motherhood,Puberun(1959), which was shown in theBerlin Film Festival.
1960s
[edit]The next notable film production wasLachit BorphukanbySarbeswar Chakraborty.Bhupen Hazarika made his musicalShakuntalain 1961, which proved equally successful with critics and the press, winning the president's silver medal. Following this, a chain of films went into regular production and got released, including Nip Barua'sNarakasur,Anil Choudhury'sMatri Swarga,Brojen Barua'sItu Situ Bahutoand Mukta and Anwar Hussain'sTejimala.
By the middle of the sixties, film began to be produced inAssamon a regular basis. However, between 1935 and 1970 a total of 62 films were produced. Besides the film makers already referred to, many others engaged in film making during the period includedPravin Sharma,Saila Barua,Amar Pathak,Indukalpa Hazarika,Brajen Barua,Dibon Barua,Debkumar Basu,Amulya Manna,Gauri Barman,Atul Bardoloi,Sujit Singha,Nalin DuaraandPrafulla Barua.[8]
1970s
[edit]During the period of 1970–82 a total of 57 Assamese films were made. New directors started emerging.Samarendra Narayan Dev'sAranya(1970), Kamal Choudhury'sBhaity(1972, the first colour film of Assam), Manoranjan Sur'sUttaran(1973), Prabin Bora'sParinam(1974), Deuti Barua'sBristi(1974), Pulok Gogoi'sKhoj(1974), Padum Barua'sGonga Silonir Pakhi(1976), Bhabendranath Saikia'sSandhya Raag(1977) and Atul Bordoloi'sKollol(1978) are films worth mentioning.[8]
1980s
[edit]Notable directors of contemporary Assamese cinema areJahnu Barua(who directedAparoopa,Papori,Halodhia Choraye Baodhan Khai,Bonani,FiringotiandXagoroloi Bohu Door);Sanjeev Hazarika(Haladhar,Meemanxa) andBhabendra Nath Saikiawho directedSandhya Raag,Anirbaan,Agnisnaan,Sarothi,Kolahol,Abartan,ItihaasandKaal Sandhya). Other directors includeSantwana Bordoloiwho directedAdajya,Bidyut Chakrabortywho madeRag Birag,both of which have won national and international awards, andManju Borahwith her multiple award-winning films such as Baibhab, Akashitarar Kathare, and Laaz.[10]
Halodhia Choraye Baodhan Khaibecame the first Assamese film to win theNational Film Award for Best Feature Filmin 1988 and also won multiple awards at theLocarno International Film Festivalin 1988.[11]
1990s
[edit]2000s
[edit]The 2000's saw the rise of multiple notable directors - Bhaskar Hazarika (who directedKothanodiand Aamis), Prerana Barbarooah (who directed Spirit of The Graceful Lineage,Tumi Aahibaane,Echoes of Sunshine, etc), Deep Choudhury (who directedAlifaand Fishing Samurai), Monjul Baruah (who directed Anur: Eyes on the Sunshine, Kaaneen, etc), etc.
2010s
[edit]
The 2010s saw the release of six Assamese blockbusters-Mission Chinadirected byZubeen Garg,Tumi Aahibanedirectedby National Award Winner Prerana Barbarooah,Raamdhenudirected byNational Award Winner Munin Barua,Kanchanjanghadirected byZubeen Garg,Priyaar Priyodirected by National Award Winner Munin Barua andRatnakardirected by Jatin Bora each collecting over ₹1.5 crore in the box office.
| Year | Certified | Released |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 4 | 3 |
| 2011 | 7 | 6 |
| 2012 | 11 | 10 |
| 2013 | 15 | 14 |
| 2014 | 21 | 18 |
| 2015 | 19 | 8 |
| 2016 | 20 | 17 |
| 2017 | 16 | 24 |
| 2018 | 18 |
The 2010s also saw the rise of young independent voices in Assamese cinema, with unique films such asLocal Kung Fu(Kenny Basumatary),Village RockstarsandBulbul Can Sing(Rima Das) garnering accolades both nationally and internationally. Also was released the undergroundcultshort filmMuktir Mohakabyo.[13]
The 2010s also saw the loss of many prominent personalities like directorMunin Baruah,[14]actorBiju Phukan,[15]musicianBhupen Hazarika,[16]who have played an important role in shaping Assamese cinema.
2018
[edit]In 2018,Village Rockstarswon the Best Feature Film 'Swarna Kamal' award at the 65th National Film Awards inDelhi,hence becoming the second Assamese film afterHalodhia Choraye Baodhan Khaito win this award. The film also won awards in the categories of Best Child Artist, Best Audiography and Best Editing.[17][18]The film is also selected for India's official entry to91st Academy Awardsmaking it the first film from Assam to do this.[19]
On 28 July 2018, another Assamese filmXhoixobote Dhemalitereceived three awards for Best Film, Best Actress and Best Music in 3rdLove International Film FestivalinLos Angeles,US.[20]The film also got 8 nominations.[21]It also became the first Assamese film to release in the US.[22][23]
2019
[edit]In 2019, two commercial hit movies were released. one is Kanchanjangha and another is Ratnakar.
Kanchanjangha,released on 5 September become the fastest Assamese film to cross the ₹1 crore mark by doing so in 4 days. The film also crossed the ₹2 crore mark within 1 week after its release. It collected total 7 crore rupees.[24][25]
Ratnakar,released on 11 October became a hit and earned ₹90.5 lakh in 2 days. After one week of release it earned ₹3.31 crore rupees which is the highest gross for any Assamese cinema in one week. After two weeks it earned total ₹6.63 crore rupees, breaking all box office records of Assamese cinema.[26][27]After six weeks it collected a total₹9.25 crore.[28] Ji Galpar Ses Naiwas made in 2019 and yet to be released,[needs update]is the first anthology film directed by Prodyut Kumar Deka, Prashant Saikia and UtpalDatta.
List of highest-grossing Assamese films
[edit]- †Background shading indicates films playing in the week commencing 3 October 2024 in India.
| Rank | Film | Year | Studio(s) | Director | Worldwide Gross | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sri Raghupati | 2023 | Maniratna Entertainment | Suvrat Kakoti | ₹13.81 crore(US$1.7 million) | [29][30] |
| 2 | Bidurbhai | 2024 | Rootstock Entertainment | Suvrat Kakoti | ₹10.11 crore(US$1.2 million) | [31] |
| 3 | Ratnakar | 2019 | J. B. Production | Jatin Bora | ₹9.25 crore(US$1.1 million) | [32] |
| 4 | Kanchanjangha | 2019 | Eye Creation Productions | Zubeen Garg | ₹7 crore(US$840,000) | |
| 5 | Dr. Bezbaruah 2 | 2023 | AM Television | Nipon Goswami | ₹6.91 crore(US$830,000) | [33] |
| 6 | Mission China | 2017 | Eye Creation Productions | Zubeen Garg | ₹6 crore(US$720,000) | |
| 7 | Raamdhenu | 2011 | Pride East Entertainment | Munin Barua | ₹2.04 crore(US$240,000) | |
| 8 | Tumi Aahibane | 2017 | Prerana Creations | Prerana Barbarooah | ₹1.94 crore(US$230,000) | |
| 9 | Priyaar Priyo | 2017 | Azaan Films | Munin Barua | ₹1.80 crore(US$220,000) | |
| 10 | Joymoti | 1935 | Chitralekha Movietone | Jyotiprasad Agarwala | ₹1.48 crore(US$180,000) (Estimated and inflation adjusted) | |
| 11 | Hiya Diya Niya | 2000 | Pooja Motion Pictures | Munin Barua | ₹1 crore(US$120,000) (Inflation adjusted) | |
| 12 | Doordarshan Eti Jantra | 2016 | AM Television | Rajesh Bhuyan | ₹90 lakh(US$110,000) | |
| 13 | Joubane Amoni Kore | 1998 | Lakshmi Narayan Film | Ashok Kumar Bishaya | ₹89.5 lakh(US$110,000) | |
| 14 | Basundhara | 2010 | Surabhi Enterprise | Hiren Bora | ₹87 lakh(US$100,000) | |
| 15 | Village Rockstars | 2018 | Flying River Films | Rima Das | ₹80 lakh(US$96,000) | |
| 16 | Bahniman | 2016 | Santoshi Maa Production | Biswajeet Bora | ₹65 lakh(US$78,000) | |
| 17 | Tumi Mur Mathu Mur | 2000 | NK Film Production | Zubeen Garg | ₹62 lakh(US$74,000) (Inflation adjusted) | |
| 18 | Nayak | 2001 | Pooja Motion Pictures | Munin Barua | ₹57 lakh(US$68,000) (Inflation adjusted) | |
| 19 | Kanyadaan | 2002 | ₹55 lakh(US$66,000) (Inflation adjusted) | |||
| 20 | Daag | 2001 | Pooja Motion Picture | ₹54.5 lakh(US$65,000) (Inflation adjusted) | ||
| 21 | Ruff & Tuff | 2017 | Norman Studio Works | Mani Sinha | ₹45 lakh(US$54,000) | |
| 22 | Jeevan Baator Logori | 2009 | Hills Motion Picture Association | Timothy Das Hanche | ₹41 lakh(US$49,000) | |
| 23 | Junbai | 2005 | Manas Robin Production | Rajesh Bhuyan | ₹39.5 lakh(US$47,000) (Inflation adjusted) | |
| 24 | Junbai Dwitiya | 2006 | Manas Robin Production | Rajesh Bhuyan | ₹39 lakh(US$47,000) (Inflation adjusted) |
Assamese Short film
[edit]Assamese short films refer to the cinematic works produced in the Assamese language, predominantly originating from the northeastern state of Assam, India. These films, typically ranging from a few minutes to half an hour in duration, provide a platform for local filmmakers to tell engaging stories, explore social issues, and showcase Assamese culture and traditions.
Awards
[edit]Assam State Film Awards
[edit]Assam State Film Award is an award ceremony for Assamese Films inGuwahati.
Prag Cine Awards
[edit]Prag Cine Awards[34]are presented annually by Prag News. The aim of the award is to give support, recognition and inspiration to the Assamese film industry and honour some of the eminent film personalities who have contributed to the cause of Assamese cinema. The award was first instituted in the year 2003. Starting from 2015, films produced in other Northeastern states were also honoured in this ceremony.
Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival
[edit]Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival is a homage to the rich culture ofNortheast India.The festival is dedicated to the film fraternity of the Northeast region of India, especially Assam. It is an initiative for new filmmakers to come together and rediscover various aspects of film making. The film festival is in Guwahati, Assam, India annually since 2013. It is an initiative of Tattva Creations.
National Film Award
[edit]The prestigious National Award has been awarded to many Assamese Filmmakers, Munin Barua in 2004 for 'Dinabandhoo', Prerana Barbarooah in 2007 for 'Spirit of The Graceful Lineage', Hemanta Das in 1999 for 'Koihatir Dhulia', Santwana Bardoloi in 1996 for 'Adajya', Bhabendra Nath Saikia in 1995 for 'Itihas', Jahnu Barua in 1988 for 'Halodhia Choraye Baodhan Khai', Chandra Narayan Barua in 1986 for 'The Land Where Wind Blows Free' and Nip Barua in 1958 for 'Ronga Police'.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^"STATEWISE NUMBER OF SINGLE SCREENS".Film Federation of India. Archived fromthe originalon 12 September 2014.Retrieved28 April2017.
- ^"List of feature films Certified in 2022"(PDF).
- ^"'Mission China is a Project, Not Just a Movie' » Northeast Today ".Northeast Today.15 September 2017. Archived fromthe originalon 11 January 2019.Retrieved16 February2018.
- ^"Cinema and its impact on Indian society".ReviewMantra.Retrieved16 February2018.
- ^"The Telegraph – Calcutta: Northeast".www.telegraphindia.com.Archived fromthe originalon 1 May 2005.Retrieved16 February2018.
- ^Lakshmi B. Ghosh,"A rare peep into world of Assamese cinema",The Hindu,2006
- ^abAssam General Knowledge.Bright Publications. p. 109.ISBN978-81-7199-451-9.Retrieved27 November2012.
- ^abcd"ASSAMESE FILM INDUSTRY: GROWTH, CHALLENGES AND FUTURE PROSPECTS".Retrieved9 February2020.
- ^Mazid, Altaf (2006)Joymoti: The first radical film of India,Himal Magazine, March 2006.Archived8 December 2006 at theWayback Machine
- ^"Manju Borah – Assamese Filmmaker".Retrieved28 June2012.
- ^"The Sunday Tribune – Spectrum – Lead Article".www.tribuneindia.com.Retrieved11 May2018.
- ^"Indian Feature Films certified during the year".Retrieved7 January2016.
- ^"Muktir Mohakabyo".YouTube.Archivedfrom the original on 18 November 2021.
- ^"Munin Barua passes away".The Telegraph.Archived fromthe originalon 11 May 2018.Retrieved11 May2018.
- ^"Iconic actor Biju Phukan passes away at 70".The Times of India.Retrieved11 May2018.
- ^"Nation mourns death of legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika".India Today.Retrieved11 May2018.
- ^"65th National Film Awards: Assamese film 'Village Rockstars' wins Best Feature Film".The Times of India.Retrieved11 May2018.
- ^"Village Rockstars director Rima Das feels immense joy as Assam brings back National Award after 30 years".The Indian Express.14 April 2018.Retrieved11 May2018.
- ^"'Village Rockstars' is India's official entry to Oscars 2019 ".The Hindu.22 September 2018.ISSN0971-751X.Retrieved25 September2018.
- ^"Assamese film wins 3 top awards at US fest".The Times of India.Retrieved31 July2018.
- ^"Assamese film 'Xhoixobote Dhemalite' gets 8 nominations at US film festival".The Economic Times.17 April 2018.Retrieved31 July2018.
- ^"In a first, Assamese film 'Rainbow Fields' to get US release".The Times of India.Retrieved31 July2018.
- ^"US debut for Assam film".The Telegraph.Archived fromthe originalon 31 July 2018.Retrieved31 July2018.
- ^"Zubeen's Kanchanjangha becomes highest grosser ever in Northeast, collects Rs 5.12 crore".The News Mill.1 October 2019.Retrieved28 October2019.
- ^Joshi, Namrata (14 November 2019)."Vijay's 'Theri' inspires Assamese cinema's biggest-ever blockbuster".The Hindu.ISSN0971-751X.Retrieved28 January2021.
- ^"Asomiya Pratidin ePaper: 20-10-2019 | অসমীয়া-প্রতিদিন ই-বাতৰিকাকত Page: 4".epaper.asomiyapratidin.in.Retrieved28 October2019.
- ^"Asomiya Pratidin ePaper: 27-10-2019 | অসমীয়া-প্রতিদিন ই-বাতৰিকাকত Page: 4".epaper.asomiyapratidin.in.Retrieved28 October2019.
- ^"Asomiya Pratidin ePaper: 17-11-2019 | অসমীয়া-প্রতিদিন ই-বাতৰিকাকত Page: 4".epaper.asomiyapratidin.in.Retrieved2 December2019.
- ^Today, Adda (3 July 2023)."Sri Raghupati: Revolutionizing the Assamese Film Industry with Historic Box Office Success".www.addatoday.com.Retrieved4 July2023.
- ^"Maniratna Entertainments".www.facebook.com.Retrieved14 August2023.
- ^Barta, Dainandin (15 August 2024)."BLOCKBUSTER তালিকাত 'বিদুৰভাই', Box Officeত ১০.১০ কোটি টকা উপাৰ্জন বিদুৰভাইৰ…".Retrieved16 September2024.
- ^Das, Tina (25 February 2023)."Assam film industry never had it this good. Bigger budgets, better stories, more crowds".www.theprint.in.Retrieved25 February2023.
- ^"Rajdweep".www.facebook.com.Retrieved24 February2023.
- ^"Nominations of Prag Cine Award 2014".Archived fromthe originalon 15 November 2014.Retrieved1 March2014.
External links
[edit]
- Assamese filmat theInternet Movie Database
- Tracing the history of Assamese Cinema at Indian Auteur
- History of Assamese Cinemafrom rupaliparda.com
