The New Year brings encouraging news for Assamese cinema lovers as the film Prastabana – The Preamble, produced by JD and KP Productions and co-directed by Dilip Borah and Manik Roy, is set for a grand theatrical release on January 16.

Inspired by Borah’s powerful novel Yatra, the film takes a hard look at political apathy and exposes how political interference adversely affects education and the lives of young people. Making their directorial debut, Borah and Roy offer an unflinching portrayal of how political manipulation can corrode student life and weaken the very foundations of educational institutions. The film also explores the dangers that surface when democratic values begin to decay, urging the youth of India to stay vigilant and uphold the core principles of the Constitution – justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity.

Dilip Borah, renowned for his bold literary works and incisive commentary, plays multiple roles in the project as co-director, producer, and screenwriter. Manik Roy, an established figure in Assam’s theatrical scene and the visionary founder of Guwahati Shishu Natya Vidyalaya, adeptly translates his expertise in stagecraft to the cinematic realm, crafting a film that resonates with emotional depth and ideological resonance.

The film features celebrated actor Tapan Das in a lead role alongside a strong ensemble cast that includes Paarvee Baruah, Debajit Mazumdar, Ashwini Kumar Bhuyan, Abatosh Bhuyan, Kaushik Nath, Hillol Kumar Pathak, RK, Simanta Raj Sarma Kondoli, Manik Roy, Dilip Borah, Minakshi Sarmah, Goutam Kumar Das, Luit Baruah, Mahedra Das, Antara GG Choudhury, Hridayananda Deva Goswami, among others.

The film’s cinematography is handled by Bitul Das, while Bhaskar Dutta, Lenin Bora, and Arindam Borah serve as assistant directors. Editing is led by National Award-winning editor A. Sreekar Prasad, assisted by Jhulan Krishna Mahanta. The sound design and mixing are executed by Debajit Gayan, with location sound by Arnab Borah. Art direction is by Gulok Saha, costume design by Sumon Phukan, color grading by Ghanashyam Kalita, and VFX & CGI by Mrigank Pratic Parashar. Uttam Deka is the production controller, Uday Mandal handles makeup, and still photography is done by Nilakshi Neog.

The film features three musical compositions: the title track Swahidor Kesa Rocktere, composed and performed by Satya Ranjan Bhuyan; O Maji Re, written, composed, and sung by Hiteswar Ray; and a vibrant Jeng Bihu song performed by renowned artiste Manjyotsna Mahanta, with lyrics by Amarjyoti Kakoty and Swapna Jyoti Thengal. The Bihu choreography is done by Shyemolima Das Baruah, while the background score is composed by Quan Bay. The film is produced by Dilip Borah in collaboration with Dr. Rabin Saikia.

Prastabana – The Preamble is more than just a film; it is a stirring cinematic appeal that challenges viewers to introspect and confront the realities of a democracy under strain. It successfully transforms Borah’s literary vision into a compelling visual narrative while contributing significantly to the ongoing discourse on cinema’s role in reflecting and reshaping society.

As it gears up for release on January 16, the film promises not only powerful storytelling but also a timely reflection for a generation navigating the complexities of democratic challenges.

• Prantik Deka