Guwahati, Oct 7: Assamese feature film ‘Dipholu’ had its premiere at Matrix Cinemas, Beltola, here on Tuesday evening, bringing together leading names from the state’s film and cultural circles ahead of its theatrical release on October 9.
Directed by Nekib and produced by Jekiv under Borluit Productions, the film’s premiere was attended by members of the cast and crew, artistes, filmmakers, critics, media professionals and other guests from Assam’s entertainment fraternity.
Set against the backdrop of rural Assam, Dipholu explores relationships, aspirations and everyday life, weaving humour and emotion into a story rooted in Assamese society and culture.
For director Nekib, the premiere marked the end of a long wait. The film’s release had been postponed twice.
“After such a long wait, we are finally here, just days away from seeing Dipholu reach theatres. This has been a very personal journey for all of us. At its heart, the film celebrates simplicity — our people, relationships and everyday lives,” Nekib said.
He added that he hoped audiences would see something of themselves in the story and reconnect with the people and experiences that shaped them.
The film also marks the feature-film debut of actor Subrat Deori, who said the experience of working alongside veteran artistes had been a major learning curve.
“There is a lot of excitement, but I would be lying if I said I am not nervous. This is my first film, so Dipholu will always be very close to my heart. Now I am simply eager for audiences to watch it and experience it for themselves,” Deori said.
Dipholu is the first feature film from Borluit Productions, which has earlier produced the short films Rong and Akaax Bisari. Both films have earned recognition at international film festivals.
The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Amrita Gogoi, Subrat Deori, Arun Nath, Arun Hazarika, Purnada Hazarika, Rajib Dowari, Jyotishman Bora, Kanika Nath, Anirban Kalita, Ankur Baidya, Dr Hitesh Baruah, Simashree Borah, Priyanshi Kashyap and Dibyapratim Bhagawati. Mridula Baruah makes a guest appearance.
Music forms an important part of the film, with Jekiv serving as music director and Polash Gogoi handling the background score. The soundtrack features several prominent voices from Assam’s music scene.
Two songs — ‘Xorogi Xopun’, featuring Zubeen Garg and Gayatri Hazarika, and ‘Prem Baru’, featuring Zubeen Garg and Rupali Kashyap — have added an emotional dimension to the film, particularly following Garg’s death.
Jekiv said Garg and Hazarika’s participation in the debut production would remain special to the team.
“Zubeen da and Gayatri ba blessed our debut film with their voices. It is difficult to accept that we will never get the opportunity to record their voices again, but we feel truly blessed that they stood with us at the beginning of our journey,” he said.
For Amrita Gogoi, ‘Prem Baru’ has a personal significance. She said performing to Garg’s voice was an experience she would always cherish.
“Even after we wrapped the shoot, I felt like I wanted to keep performing, because I knew I would never again get to perform to Zubeen da’s voice in this way. It was emotional, but I am forever grateful for the opportunity,” Gogoi said.
She also recalled Garg’s oft-repeated call to audiences to support Assamese films, saying those words carry greater weight now.
Dipholu will release in theatres across Assam on October 9, with its makers banking on its rural setting, familiar characters and Assamese cultural roots to connect with audiences.
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