The new Assamese film Rising Sun, produced under the banner of Geet Film Makers, has officially been released in theatres.
Released on Friday, October 23, 2026, across roughly 44 cinema halls throughout the state, the narrative of the film, based on a true story and featuring a cast of talented specially-abled artistes, offers an authentic glimpse into the daily hardships, social apathy, and humiliation confronted by persons with disabilities in Assam and the broader Northeast, shedding light on the systemic barriers and injustices they face while asserting their basic rights.
At the same time, the film powerfully captures an inspiring message of resilience — portraying how, despite overwhelming odds, they forge ahead with unwavering mental fortitude, professional capability, and creative brilliance. Directed by Monnoj Baishya and produced by Nripen Malakar, the General Secretary of the Pratibandhi Suraksha Sanstha, Assam (PSSA), Rising Sun has already achieved international acclaim by winning global awards.
The film is a poignant, real-life chronicle that not only evokes emotions but also highlights our collective social responsibility. Rooted in the struggles, challenges, and indomitable spirit of differently-abled individuals, the movie mirrors a harsh social reality. It centres on their battle for rights, social neglect, and a fierce desire for self-reliance.
While we often judge people by their physical limitations, we fail to recognise the courage, confidence, dreams, and profound passion for life within them. Consequently, in today’s consumerist society, these individuals frequently find themselves overlooked by both the government and the community.
Rising Sun inspires viewers to view the lives of persons with disabilities through a humane lens, moving past narrow-minded perspectives. Its strongest quality is its realism. The characters, situations, and conflicts portrayed do not feel like a fictional world; instead, they mirror the very events unfolding around us.
The depiction of the hurdles, state crackdowns, political labyrinths, and social neglect faced by differently abled individuals while fighting for their rightful demands forces the audience to think deeply. When claiming basic rights becomes a cause for persecution in a democratic society, it naturally casts doubt on that society’s core human values.
It is deeply alarming to witness the state’s heavy-handed suppression of citizens protesting for their rightful dues. Most heartbreaking is the bitter irony of a Special Branch officer, who is himself the parent of a especially abled child, subjecting disabled activists to unspeakable cruelty, driven entirely by political machinations.
Yet, the film inspiringly portrays individuals who refuse to surrender to adversity. Despite facing constant social stigma, institutional neglect, and systemic oppression in their fight for basic rights, they refuse to give up. Demonstrating that physical limitations cannot confine human dreams, some showcase their creativity on handlooms, while others forge a path towards self-reliance through entrepreneurship.
The poignant scenes of a disabled woman dragging herself on non-functional legs across the field to tether her cattle, or laboriously moving down concrete stairs, are deeply moving. Driven by sheer focus, indomitable courage, and an unyielding spirit, many have carved their own paths to autonomy and financial independence. Such sequences make us realise that true human strength lies not in physical capability, but rather in mental fortitude, self-confidence, and the determination to persevere.
The most eye-opening thing about the film is its raw, unadulterated realism; the characters, stories, and performances are utterly authentic. The acting in the film is particularly noteworthy. Jayanta Bhagawati’s portrayal of his character deserves praise for its restraint, depth, and naturalness.
Dwiban Kumar Baishya’s performance is one of the highlights of the film. Embodying hope amidst darkness, his character stands as a symbol of resilience — a man who has overcome life’s relentless obstacles and now waits for the dawn. Baishya’s nuanced portrayal reminds us that hope outlasts the deepest darkness, reflecting the core essence of the film’s title, Rising Sun.
Rimjim Sarma delivers a moving performance, bringing her character to life with natural emotions that resonate with the audience. Ranjan Das also shines, elevating the film with his impactful expressions and dialogue delivery, while Tapan Deka and Bipul Das add valuable authenticity through their sincere acting. Complementing these strong performances, the evocative background score captures the film’s mood, enhancing its emotional impact.
Notably, the film moves beyond portraying persons with disabilities merely as objects of pity. Instead, it highlights their rights, dignity, resilience, and drive for self-reliance. Through their struggles, it exposes societal apathy, bureaucratic rigidity, and political opportunism. Ultimately, this narrative does not just evoke emotion — it awakens a sense of social responsibility in the audience.
Society must prioritise ensuring the rights, dignity, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities, rather than merely offering them pity. They need to be recognised as complete individuals who are empowered, self-respecting, and capable of making their own life choices. Opening doors of opportunity for them is the true hallmark of a humane and progressive society.
Talent and creativity know no physical boundaries. With the right support, specially-abled people can prove their worth in every field. The film strongly tries to establish this message.
Showcasing the extraordinary talents of over 500 specially-abled artistes, Rising Sun also features performances by Nripen Malakar, Paran Kamal, Princhi Gogoi, Beauty Gogoi, and Rabin Haloi, alongside an ensemble of supporting actors.
It is noteworthy that the film has already clinched several notable accolades at various international film festivals. Rising Sun won the Best Film award in the disability category out of 43,000 entries at the Accolade Global Film Competition in the United States. Additionally, it was named the Best Indian Feature Film at the Crown Wood International Film Festival (CWIFF), a monthly film festival held in the heart of Kolkata.
Furthermore, the film successfully bagged an award at the Kolkata-based White Unicorn International Film Festival. Meanwhile, it has achieved official selection at both the Florence Film Festival in Italy and the Open Window International Film Challenge — a quarterly independent film competition based in Kolkata.
Rising Sun features cinematography by Biren Das, with sound design and music direction by Hriday Ranjan Choudhury, and editing and colour grading handled by Oliman Studio.