Sinking party differences, NE MPs join hands for a film

The Northeast MPs Forum, a body comprising MPs from the northeast region cutting across party lines, has sought the information and broadcasting minister Ambika Soni's interference in getting the first-ever National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) financed film from the Northeast region released.

The Northeast MPs Forum, a body comprising MPs from the northeast region cutting across party lines, has sought the information and broadcasting minister Ambika Soni's interference in getting the first-ever National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) financed film from the Northeast region released.

HT Image

"Ekhon Nedekha Nodir Xhipare/As The River Flows", a bilingual film (Assamese and Hindi), directed by young filmmaker Bidyot Kotoky, has acclaimed actor Victor Bannerjee as one of the main actors. Renowned cinematographer Madhu Ambat mans the camera while Nakul Kamte has handled the sound effects. Legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika has recited the title poem of the film.

"Almost all work has been completed, only the last part remains. We request the I&B minister to get the last tranche of funds from the NFDC released so that the film sees the light of the day," Birendra Prasad Baishya, general secretary, NEMPs Forum, told HT.

"The film is extremely relevant at this point of time as it deals with the burning socio-political issues facing the Northeast today," he added.

The film, incomplete even after its shooting has been completed on location in Assam and in Mumbai, centres around the Majuli—the largest riverine island in the world, and has strong emotional connection with the people of Assam and the Northeast. According to informed sources, only the audio mixing work remains to be done.

NFDC gave the approval to produce the film in 2009 and sanctioned a budget not exceeding Rs 2 crore.