Written by Prantik Deka
In 1983, specifically on November 18, a film titled Kokadeuta Nati Aru Hati was released, marking a significant milestone in the history of Assamese cinema. Directed by the legendary filmmaker Nip Barua, this film has secured its position in the annals of Assamese cinema as one of the most beloved family dramas.
The story, which focuses on the heartfelt bond between a grandfather, his grandson, and an elephant, effectively captures the simplicity, genuineness, and moral ideals of rural Assamese life. The film resonated deeply with audiences of all generations, showcasing a harmonious blend of local culture and universal human emotions. Even today, its emotional resonance remains strong.
It is noteworthy that Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, performed as a child artiste in a well-known song from the film titled Ek Dui Tini Saari, Juti Dilu Goru Gari. His performance, which featured him on the back of an elephant, continues to circulate on social media platforms. The late renowned actor Nipon Goswami portrayed the character of Kokadeuta in the film, while Pranjal Saikia was cast in the role of the grandson, Moina.
The film saw unprecedented footfall, with people travelling by bus from remote areas to the city to experience it in theatres. Even today, hearing the name conjures up images of the elephant, the gentle giant Brikodor, and Moina.
This classic film from the 1980s genuinely captures the lifestyle, emotions, and social dynamics of the time. The dialogue struck a chord with the audience, evoking memories and immersing them in a storyline that feels all too familiar.
The narrative follows Moina, the grandson of Mouzadar Sarbeshwar Saikia. Following his father’s premature death, Moina was raised by his mother, Lakhimi, and his grandfather. Growing up, his only playmate was his grandfather’s beloved elephant, Brikodor. When a tragic drowning in the Ganges claims the lives of Sarbeshwar’s friend and his wife, Sarbeshwar adopts their orphaned granddaughter, Makon. Raised alongside Moina as his own child, Makon becomes Moina’s cherished new companion, joining him and Brikodor.
As the story of the film unfolded in its own time, there is now a palpable sense of excitement and growing anticipation for the release of Kokadeuta Nati Aru Hati 2, the sequel to the much-loved original. Scheduled to hit theatres on July 3, the film has already generated significant interest among moviegoers across Assam.
Produced by Pride East Entertainment, Kokadeuta Nati Aru Hati 2 promises to deliver a captivating storyline and delightful music. This highly anticipated sequel has been both produced and conceptualised by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, the Chairperson and Managing Director of Pride East Entertainment, who is also the spouse of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Her dedication and meticulous planning over the past several years have been key to bringing this film to fruition.
The decision to produce an expensive film like Kokadeuta Nati Aru Hati 2 demonstrates a commitment to the preservation and promotion of Assamese cultural heritage. This initiative to revive an iconic film deeply ingrained in Assamese cultural memory emphasises artistic value over commercial gain, representing a significant milestone for regional cinema.
Over the past decade, filmmakers from Assam have undertaken major initiatives to bolster the film industry, enhance production quality, and integrate more deeply with broader society.
The process of creating a remake or sequel to a classic film comes with its own set of challenges. The audience’s deep emotional ties to the original film lead them to evaluate every detail of the new movie against their nostalgic recollections.
Filmmakers face the challenging task of delivering fresh, relevant narratives to modern audiences while preserving the essence of the original work. In the current digital era, this challenge has grown even more pronounced. Today’s audiences enjoy access to a diverse array of international films and digital content.
Consequently, their expectations are higher than ever. At the same time, audiences also value content that establishes a connection with their cultural roots. The arrival of Kokadeuta Nati Aru Hati 2 is anticipated to strike an appropriate balance between these two expectations.
Following the notable performances of Nipon Goswami and Pranjal Saikia in the roles of grandfather and grandson, respectively, in the original 1983 film, the sequel Kokadeuta Nati Aru Hati 2 will feature Pranjal Saikia in the role of the grandfather, while popular actor Utpal Das will portray the grandson. On the other hand, popular actor Jatin Bora plays the character of Pranjal Saikia’s son.
The ensemble cast also includes Tapan Das, Adil Hussain, Prostuti Porasor, Preety Kongana, Debajit Mazumdar, Jolly Laskar, Jeanette Bay, Siddhant Kalita, Pankaj Mahanta, Shreya Borthakur, Apurba Goswami, and Rajkumar Chutia, among others. Notably, the film also features a cameo appearance by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Kokadeuta Nati Aru Hati 2 is directed by Biswajeet Bora, whose previous works include the critically and commercially successful films Aisa Yeh Jahaan, Bahniman, Raktabeez, God on the Balcony, and Boomba Ride, among others. In this sequel, Bora strives to maintain the thematic charm of the original while integrating a modern aesthetic. By including an ensemble cast of both seasoned and emerging actors, he has sought to effectively bridge the gap between traditional storytelling and contemporary appeal.
The soundtrack for Kokadeuta Nati Aru Hati 2 is composed by a collaborative team comprising Joi Barua, Pranoy Dutta, and Tarali Sarma. Notably, the original film featured iconic melodies composed by the renowned music director Ramen Barua. The screenplay for the film is penned by Bhaskar Hazarika, with cinematography by Pradip Daimary.
Shweta Venkat takes care of the editing, while sound design is overseen by Amrit Pritam and Debojit Changmai, and the background score is provided by Ajay Singha. The playback singers include Dwipen Baruah, Tarali Sarma, Zubeen Garg, Joi Baruah, Ereka Ann, Arupjyoti Baruah, Nahid Afrin, and Prabin Borah.
A soulful romantic song from the film, which has already gained immense popularity, is Runjun, sung and composed by Zubeen Garg. The executive producer of the film is Syed Zarir Hussain.