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Assamese cinema
Gold Digital Cinema in Golaghat
Gold Digital Cinema in Golaghat; Gold Digital Cinema is one of the largest multiplex chain of Assam
No. of screensApprox. 82 in the state of Assam[1]
Main distributorsASFFDC
AM Television
Dolphin Films Pvt. Ltd[citation needed]
Produced feature films (2022)[2]
Total32 (Theatrical)
Gross box office (2019)
Total₹10 crore (US$1.2 million)
Indian cinema

Assamese cinema, also known as Jollywood, is the Indian film industry of Assamese language. It is based in Assam, India. The industry was born in 1935 when Jyoti Prasad Agarwala released his movie Joymoti. Since then the Assamese cinema has developed a slow-paced, sensitive style. In the beginning the industry were called Jollywood,[3][4] for Agarwala's Jyoti 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 seen Bollywood-style Assamese movies hitting the screen, the industry has not been able to compete in the market, significantly overshadowed by the larger industries such as Bollywood.[6]

History

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1930s

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See also: List of Assamese films of the 1930s
The first Assamese picture, Joymati (1935)

The origins of Assamese cinema can be traced back to Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwala, who was also a noted poet, playwright, composer and freedom fighter. He was instrumental in the production of the first Assamese Film Joymati in 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 of Joymati are 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 from Joymati, the second picture Indramalati was filmed between 1937 and 1938 finally released in 1939. Pramathesh Barua released his Assamese version of Devdas in 1937. It was the last of the 3 language version following Bengali and Hindi.

1940s

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See also: List of Assamese films of the 1940s

Agarwala made another film after a lapse of two years titled Indramalati. It was his second and last film. The eminent composer and singer of Assam Bhupen 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 of World War II, Taking advantage of this, Rohini Kr. Baruah made a film on a relevant historical topic called Manomati in 1941. It was followed by films like Parvati Prasad Baruwa's Rupahi (1946), Kamal Narayan Choudhury's Badan Barphukan (1947), Phani Sharma's Siraj, Asit Sen's Biplabi, Prabin Phukan's Parghat and Suresh Goswami's Runumi.

1950s

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See also: List of Assamese films of the 1950s

In the 1950s, Piyoli Phukan went 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 by Phani Sharma and the music was composed by Bhupen 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 talent Nip Barua made his directorial debut with Smrit Paras. His subsequent films Mak Aaru Moram and Ranga Police won many state awards and the silver medal at the national level. Bhupen Hazarika also produced and directed his first film Era Bator Sur. Prabhat Mukherjee made a film on the universality of motherhood, Puberun (1959), which was shown in the Berlin Film Festival.

1960s

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See also: List of Assamese films of the 1960s

The next notable film production was Lachit Borphukan by Sarbeswar Chakraborty. Bhupen Hazarika made his musical Shakuntala in 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's Narakasur, Anil Choudhury's Matri Swarga, Brojen Barua's Itu Situ Bahuto and Mukta and Anwar Hussain's Tejimala.

By the middle of the sixties, film began to be produced in Assam on 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 included Pravin Sharma, Saila Barua, Amar Pathak, Indukalpa Hazarika, Brajen Barua, Dibon Barua, Debkumar Basu, Amulya Manna, Gauri Barman, Atul Bardoloi, Sujit Singha, Nalin Duara and Prafulla Barua.[8]

1970s

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See also: List of Assamese films of the 1970s

During the period of 1970–82 a total of 57 Assamese films were made. New directors started emerging. Samarendra Narayan Dev's Aranya (1970), Kamal Choudhury's Bhaity (1972, the first colour film of Assam), Manoranjan Sur's Uttaran (1973), Prabin Bora's Parinam (1974), Deuti Barua's Bristi (1974), Pulok Gogoi's Khoj (1974), Padum Barua's Gonga Silonir Pakhi (1976), Bhabendranath Saikia's Sandhya Raag (1977) and Atul Bordoloi's Kollol (1978) are films worth mentioning.[8]

1980s

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See also: List of Assamese films of the 1980s

Notable directors of contemporary Assamese cinema are Jahnu Barua (who directed Aparoopa, Papori, Halodhia Choraye Baodhan Khai, Bonani, Firingoti and Xagoroloi Bohu Door); Sanjeev Hazarika (Haladhar, Meemanxa) and Bhabendra Nath Saikia who directed Sandhya Raag, Anirbaan, Agnisnaan, Sarothi, Kolahol, Abartan, Itihaas and Kaal Sandhya). Other directors include Santwana Bordoloi who directed Adajya, Bidyut Chakraborty who made Rag Birag, both of which have won national and international awards, and Manju Borah with her multiple award-winning films such as Baibhab, Akashitarar Kathare, and Laaz.[10]

Halodhia Choraye Baodhan Khai became the first Assamese film to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in 1988 and also won multiple awards at the Locarno International Film Festival in 1988.[11]

1990s

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See also: List of Assamese films of the 1990s

2000s

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See also: List of Assamese films of the 2000s

The 2000s saw the rise of multiple notable directors - Bhaskar Hazarika (who directed Kothanodi and Aamis), Prerana Barbarooah (who directed Spirit of The Graceful Lineage, Tumi Aahibaane, Echoes of Sunshine, etc), Deep Choudhury (who directed Alifa and Fishing Samurai), Monjul Baruah (who directed Anur: Eyes on the Sunshine, Kaaneen, etc), etc.

2010s

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Director Prerana Barbarooah with Jyoti Bhuyan and Pradip Daimary on the sets of Tumi Aahibaane, 2016

The 2010s saw the release of six Assamese blockbusters- Mission China directed by Zubeen Garg, Tumi Aahibane directed by National Award Winner Prerana Barbarooah, Raamdhenu directed by National Award Winner Munin Barua, Kanchanjangha directed by Zubeen Garg, Priyaar Priyo directed by National Award Winner Munin Barua and Ratnakar directed by Jatin Bora each collecting over ₹1.5 crore in the box office.

Rima Das shooting for Village Rockstars
Further information: List of Assamese films of the 2010s
Assamese feature films certified and released in 2010s[12]
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 as Local Kung Fu (Kenny Basumatary),Village Rockstars and Bulbul Can Sing (Rima Das) garnering accolades both nationally and internationally. Also was released the underground cult short film Muktir Mohakabyo.[13]

The 2010s also saw the loss of many prominent personalities like director Munin Baruah,[14] actor Biju Phukan,[15] musician Bhupen Hazarika,[16] who have played an important role in shaping Assamese cinema.

2018

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In 2018, Village Rockstars won the Best Feature Film 'Swarna Kamal' award at the 65th National Film Awards in Delhi, hence becoming the second Assamese film after Halodhia Choraye Baodhan Khai to 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 to 91st Academy Awards making it the first film from Assam to do this.[19]

On 28 July 2018, another Assamese film Xhoixobote Dhemalite received three awards for Best Film, Best Actress and Best Music in 3rd Love International Film Festival in Los 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

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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 Nai was made in 2019 and yet to be released,[needs update] is the first anthology film directed by Prodyut Kumar Deka, Prashant Saikia and Utpal datta.

2020s

[edit]

Kenny Basumatary directed the films Jiya, Local Utpaat and Local Kung Fu 3, which were mildly successful. Local Utpaat earned more than 1 Crore, becoming the fifth film to do so in Assamese cinema.[29]

List of highest-grossing Assamese films

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  † Background shading indicates films playing in the week commencing 20 December 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) [30][31]
2 Bidurbhai 2024 Rootstock Entertainment Suvrat Kakoti ₹10.11 crore (US$1.2 million) [32]
3 Ratnakar 2019 J. B. Production Jatin Bora ₹9.25 crore (US$1.1 million) [33]
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) [34]
6 Mission China 2017 Eye Creation Productions Zubeen Garg ₹6 crore (US$720,000)
7 Sikaar 2024 Big film media & unicorn motion pictures Debangkar borgohain ₹4.00 crore

(US$471,574)

8 Local kung fu 3 2024 Kenny DB films kenny deori basumatary ₹2.30 crore
9 Raamdhenu 2011 Pride East Entertainment Munin Barua ₹2.04 crore (US$240,000)
10 Tumi Aahibane 2017 Prerana Creations Prerana Barbarooah ₹1.94 crore (US$230,000)
11 Priyaar Priyo 2017 Azaan Films Munin Barua ₹1.80 crore (US$220,000)
12 Joymoti 1935 Chitralekha Movietone Jyotiprasad Agarwala ₹1.48 crore (US$180,000) (Estimated and inflation adjusted)
13 Local Utpaat 2022 Kenny DB films kenny deori basumatary ₹1.00 crore
14 Hiya Diya Niya 2000 Pooja Motion Pictures Munin Barua ₹1 crore (US$120,000) (Inflation adjusted)
15 Doordarshan Eti Jantra 2016 AM Television Rajesh Bhuyan ₹90 lakh (US$110,000)
16 Joubane Amoni Kore 1998 Lakshmi Narayan Film Ashok Kumar Bishaya ₹89.5 lakh (US$110,000)
17 Basundhara 2010 Surabhi Enterprise Hiren Bora ₹87 lakh (US$100,000)
18 Village Rockstars 2018 Flying River Films Rima Das ₹80 lakh (US$96,000)
19 Bahniman 2016 Santoshi Maa Production Biswajeet Bora ₹65 lakh (US$78,000)
20 Tumi Mur Mathu Mur 2000 NK Film Production Zubeen Garg ₹62 lakh (US$74,000) (Inflation adjusted)
21 Nayak 2001 Pooja Motion Pictures Munin Barua ₹57 lakh (US$68,000) (Inflation adjusted)
22 Kanyadaan 2002 ₹55 lakh (US$66,000) (Inflation adjusted)
23 Daag 2001 Pooja Motion Picture ₹54.5 lakh (US$65,000) (Inflation adjusted)
24 Ruff & Tuff 2017 Norman Studio Works Mani Sinha ₹45 lakh (US$54,000)
25 Jeevan Baator Logori 2009 Hills Motion Picture Association Timothy Das Hanche ₹41 lakh (US$49,000)
26 Junbai 2005 Manas Robin Production Rajesh Bhuyan ₹39.5 lakh (US$47,000) (Inflation adjusted)
27 Junbai Dwitiya 2006 Manas Robin Production Rajesh Bhuyan ₹39 lakh (US$47,000) (Inflation adjusted)

Assamese Short film

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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

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Assam State Film Awards

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Assam State Film Award is an award ceremony for Assamese Films in Guwahati.

Prag Cine Awards

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Main article: Prag Cine Awards

Prag Cine Awards[35] 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

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Main article: Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival

Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival is a homage to the rich culture of Northeast 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

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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

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References

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  1. ^ "STATEWISE NUMBER OF SINGLE SCREENS". Film Federation of India. Archived from the original on 12 September 2014. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
  2. ^ "List of feature films Certified in 2022" (PDF).
  3. ^ "'Mission China is a Project, Not Just a Movie' » Northeast Today". Northeast Today. 15 September 2017. Archived from the original on 11 January 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2018.
  4. ^ "Cinema and its impact on Indian society". ReviewMantra. Retrieved 16 February 2018.
  5. ^ "The Telegraph – Calcutta : Northeast". www.telegraphindia.com. Archived from the original on 1 May 2005. Retrieved 16 February 2018.
  6. ^ Lakshmi B. Ghosh, "A rare peep into world of Assamese cinema", The Hindu, 2006
  7. ^ a b Assam General Knowledge. Bright Publications. p. 109. ISBN 978-81-7199-451-9. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  8. ^ a b c d "ASSAMESE FILM INDUSTRY: GROWTH, CHALLENGES AND FUTURE PROSPECTS". Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  9. ^ Mazid, Altaf (2006) Joymoti : The first radical film of India, Himal Magazine, March 2006. Archived 8 December 2006 at the Wayback Machine
  10. ^ "Manju Borah – Assamese Filmmaker". Retrieved 28 June 2012.
  11. ^ "The Sunday Tribune – Spectrum – Lead Article". www.tribuneindia.com. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  12. ^ "Indian Feature Films certified during the year". Retrieved 7 January 2016.
  13. ^ "Muktir Mohakabyo". YouTube. Archived from the original on 18 November 2021.
  14. ^ "Munin Barua passes away". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 11 May 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  15. ^ "Iconic actor Biju Phukan passes away at 70". The Times of India. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  16. ^ "Nation mourns death of legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika". India Today. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  17. ^ "65th National Film Awards: Assamese film 'Village Rockstars' wins Best Feature Film". The Times of India. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  18. ^ "Village Rockstars director Rima Das feels immense joy as Assam brings back National Award after 30 years". The Indian Express. 14 April 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  19. ^ "'Village Rockstars' is India's official entry to Oscars 2019". The Hindu. 22 September 2018. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
  20. ^ "Assamese film wins 3 top awards at US fest". The Times of India. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  21. ^ "Assamese film 'Xhoixobote Dhemalite' gets 8 nominations at US film festival". The Economic Times. 17 April 2018. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  22. ^ "In a first, Assamese film 'Rainbow Fields' to get US release". The Times of India. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  23. ^ "US debut for Assam film". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 31 July 2018. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  24. ^ "Zubeen's Kanchanjangha becomes highest grosser ever in Northeast, collects Rs 5.12 crore". The News Mill. 1 October 2019. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
  25. ^ Joshi, Namrata (14 November 2019). "Vijay's 'Theri' inspires Assamese cinema's biggest-ever blockbuster". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  26. ^ "Asomiya Pratidin ePaper : 20-10-2019 | অসমীয়া-প্রতিদিন ই-বাতৰিকাকত Page: 4". epaper.asomiyapratidin.in. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
  27. ^ "Asomiya Pratidin ePaper : 27-10-2019 | অসমীয়া-প্রতিদিন ই-বাতৰিকাকত Page: 4". epaper.asomiyapratidin.in. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
  28. ^ "Asomiya Pratidin ePaper : 17-11-2019 | অসমীয়া-প্রতিদিন ই-বাতৰিকাকত Page: 4". epaper.asomiyapratidin.in. Retrieved 2 December 2019.
  29. ^ https://indigenousherald.com/TripuraNews/local-utpaat-enters-exclusive-rs-1-crore-plus-club-19162.html/
  30. ^ Today, Adda (3 July 2023). "Sri Raghupati: Revolutionizing the Assamese Film Industry with Historic Box Office Success". www.addatoday.com. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
  31. ^ "Maniratna Entertainments". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
  32. ^ Barta, Dainandin (15 August 2024). "BLOCKBUSTER তালিকাত". Retrieved 16 September 2024. {{cite web}}: Text "Bidurbhai’', Box Officeত ১০.১০ কোটি টকা উপাৰ্জন Bidurbhai…" ignored (help)
  33. ^ Das, Tina (25 February 2023). "Assam film industry never had it this good. Bigger budgets, better stories, more crowds". www.theprint.in. Retrieved 25 February 2023.
  34. ^ "Rajdweep". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  35. ^ "Nominations of Prag Cine Award 2014". Archived from the original on 15 November 2014. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
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