Written by: Kaushik Nath
The arrival of the 2026 issue of Roopkar marks not just the publication of a magazine but the revival of a cultural memory that once shaped the intellectual and artistic life of Assam. The annual Assamese literary magazine, edited by filmmaker and author Prodyut Kumar Deka and published by Roopkar Prakashan, returns this year with a Special Mystery Edition.
Spanning 260 pages and priced at a modest one hundred eighty rupees, the issue was released on 14 March 2026 and is now available on Amazon, standing as both a tribute to storytelling and a reminder of the enduring curiosity of readers who seek intrigue, suspense, and reflection through literature and cinema. Interestingly, the Cover Art of the edition has been designed by actor Hemanta Debnath of Rongatapu 1982 fame.
The Mystery Edition brings together a rich collection of creative works that explore the many shades of suspense. The volume includes short stories, novellas, and film screenplays that weave narratives of intrigue and psychological tension. Each piece reflects the imaginative energy of writers who understand that mystery is not merely about hidden secrets or unexpected endings. It is about human emotions, moral dilemmas, and the fragile line between truth and illusion. Through these stories, the reader journeys into worlds where questions linger longer than answers and where the thrill of discovery becomes a deeply personal experience.
Beyond fiction, the issue presents several thoughtful explorations into the cinematic traditions that shaped the genre of mystery and suspense. One section reflects on Assamese suspense films and their contribution to regional storytelling.
Assamese cinema, though modest in scale compared with larger industries, has always possessed a unique narrative sensibility. By examining suspense films produced in Assam, the magazine attempts to trace how filmmakers used tension, atmosphere, and human drama to engage audiences. These reflections not only celebrate past achievements but also encourage future storytellers to explore the genre with renewed imagination.
Another feature studies the tradition of mystery and thriller cinema in Bollywood. Over decades, Hindi cinema has experimented with suspense in diverse forms, ranging from psychological thrillers to detective narratives. By revisiting this tradition, the magazine situates Assamese storytelling within a broader cinematic landscape and reminds readers that suspense as a genre connects audiences across languages and cultures. The discussion also highlights how storytelling techniques, narrative twists, and visual style contribute to the emotional power of a mystery film.
The issue also offers a fascinating feature on the legendary the Ramsay Brothers, pioneers of horror filmmaking in India. Their films, often produced with limited resources but immense creativity, left a lasting impression on Indian popular culture. By revisiting their journey, the magazine acknowledges how the horror and suspense genres in India evolved through experimentation and passion. The Ramsay Brothers transformed fear into entertainment and demonstrated that imagination can overcome the limitations of budget or technology.
Equally intriguing is the overview of the complete James Bond film series, one of the most enduring icons of global espionage storytelling. The James Bond films represent a unique blend of suspense, adventure, and cinematic spectacle. By exploring this iconic franchise, the magazine invites readers to consider how international narratives of mystery and espionage influenced audiences in India and beyond. Such explorations connect Assamese readers with global cinematic traditions while reinforcing the universal appeal of suspense narratives.
The revival of Roopkar carries special emotional significance because the magazine itself occupies a remarkable place in the cultural history of Assam. First published in 1975, it was the pioneering Assamese-language tabloid dedicated to cinema, theatre, and cultural life. Founded and edited by journalist and humorist Pabitra Kumar Deka, the magazine soon became one of the most influential entertainment publications in the Northeast.
Many young journalists found their voice in the pages of Roopkar. Writers such as film critic Utpal Datta and Arun Lochan Das contributed insightful articles and criticism that shaped public understanding of cinema. The magazine also extended its reach beyond Assam through correspondents such as Nitai Ghosh in Kolkata.
In addition to cultural reporting, it hosted literary works by prominent writers including Padma Borkotoki and Lakshmi Nandan Bora, whose social novels enriched the magazine’s narrative depth. Regular columns by Bhupen Hazarika and Lakshmi Nandan Bora further broadened its intellectual appeal, making the magazine a lively meeting point for literature, cinema, and social reflection.
The magazine eventually ceased publication in the early nineteen nineties, leaving behind a legacy cherished by readers and cultural enthusiasts. Yet its influence continued to linger in the memories of those who grew up reading its pages.
Recognising the emotional and cultural significance of this legacy, filmmaker and author Prodyut Kumar Deka, the son of the founder, revived the publication in 2025 to commemorate fifty years of its existence. The revived edition was envisioned as an annual special issue that would honour the past while documenting the evolving story of Assamese culture.
The 2026 Mystery Edition represents the continuation of this vision. It demonstrates that cultural institutions do not disappear when they stop publishing. They remain alive in collective memory, waiting for a moment of renewal. By bringing back Roopkar, the new editorial team has revived not only a magazine but also a tradition of thoughtful cultural engagement.
For readers, this issue offers more than entertainment. It invites reflection on storytelling itself. Mystery and suspense remind us that human life is filled with unanswered questions and hidden emotions. Literature and cinema give shape to these mysteries, allowing us to explore the unknown through imagination.
The return of Roopkar is both nostalgic and forward-looking. It honours the pioneering spirit of Pabitra Kumar Deka while inspiring a new generation to celebrate Assamese creativity. As readers turn the pages of this special issue, they are not merely consuming stories of mystery. They are participating in a cultural journey that links the past, present, and future of Assamese literature and cinema.