Written by Prantik Deka
In 2025, the distinguished Assamese literary classic Ashimat Jar Heral Seema, authored by eminent writer Bhubanmohan Baruah, also known as Kanchan Baruah, marks its eightieth anniversary. Originally published on July 15, 1945, this remarkable book has sustained its status as a monumental bestseller for numerous decades, continuing to engage successive generations of readers through its unique amalgamation of romance, adventure, reincarnation, and metaphysical elements.
Each character, including Lakshminarayan, Champa, Ashok, Chandan, Gauri, and Parvati, persists in the memory of readers. Each page of the novel stirs profound curiosity, and the story unfolds like an expansive realm of imagination.
The narratives pertaining to the ancient civilization unearthed within the depths of the forest evoke deep emotional resonance. Historically, various initiatives have been undertaken concerning this novel, including serial readings aired on Akashvani Guwahati, a theatrical adaptation in a mobile theatre, and other related projects.
More than eight decades following its initial publication, the novel has maintained its position as one of the best-selling titles at major book fairs. Individual readers typically experience the narrative through their imagination, perceiving it as a vivid cinematic interpretation within their minds, thereby immersing themselves in an expansive realm of imaginative engagement.
It is, therefore, a delightful development that the classic novel Ashimat Jar Heral Seema is set to make a transition from the literary sphere to the cinematic domain, thereby preparing to be unveiled to audiences in a film format. With exceptional resilience, Simanta Phukan, a committed and passionate theatre activist and director, has undertaken the responsibility of directing this film.
Phukan possesses an impressive portfolio, having helmed over a hundred theatrical productions, alongside popular television series and video films such as Jitu-Nitur Abhijaan, Govardhan Charit, Kamala Konwari, Joymati, and Hanta Shista Hrista Pusta Mahadusta. The film Ashimat Jar Heral Seema embodies a long-held dream for him, and significant strides have already been made toward its realisation.
The formal announcement ceremony for this ambitious new Assamese film, produced by Cine Creation, recently took place at the Aideo Auditorium in Panjabari. The event was attended by notable figures, including Deepak Kumar Barua, nephew of Kanchan Baruah; esteemed Assamese novelist and Sahitya Akademi Award winner Jayanta Madhab Bora; acclaimed film critic Nayan Prasad; Dr. Alakhya Baruah, Vice Chairman of the Assam State Film (Finance & Development) Corporation Ltd. and project director of the film; actress Madhurima Choudhury; and various other well-known personalities from the film industry.
Although Ashimat Jar Heral Seema is hailed as one of the most iconic works of Assamese literature, blending science fiction, fantasy, and historical romance, bringing it to the big screen has long been an uphill battle. The sheer scale of its world, the demand for rich visual effects, and the need for meticulously crafted period settings require a colossal budget, making a faithful cinematic adaptation extraordinarily difficult to achieve.
Regarding this matter, Simanta Phukan stated that the film will be produced without any compromises. Additionally, the production will allocate the necessary resources to ensure quality. The filmmakers anticipate this will be the largest-budget film in Assamese cinema. Dr. Alakhya Baruah, Vice Chairman of the Assam State Film (Finance & Development) Corporation, serving in the capacity of project director for the film, has provided assurances regarding comprehensive financial support for this large-scale production.
The screenplay is expected to be finalised by October. Following consultations, Phukan has engaged National Award-winning filmmaker Bhaskar Hazarika to develop the screenplay while preserving narrative integrity and maintaining fidelity to the source material without substantial modifications. With his distinctive works such as Kothanodi and Aamis, Hazarika has redefined Assamese cinema, giving it a fresh identity.
His innovative approach to screenwriting is anticipated to introduce a fresh perspective to the cinematic experience, effectively encapsulating the profound themes and vast narrative scope of the novel.
In discussing the significant aspect of the film’s cast, Simanta Phukan has emphasised that the selection of actors will be conducted through a rigorous audition process. He noted, “Although the film’s title suggests a certain level of glamour, our intention is not to cast actors solely based on their glamorous appeal. As we delved into the book, we encountered a multitude of vivid visuals that we are committed to capturing in our adaptation. Our goal is to ensure that every element of the original literature is preserved and reflected authentically in the film.”
The film’s score will be composed by internationally acclaimed music director Anurag Saikia. Currently based in Mumbai, Anurag has an extensive track record of successful work across Bollywood, Hollywood, and other international projects.
The role of art director will be undertaken by Assam’s eminent artist and Padma Shri awardee Nuruddin Ahmed. The entire team is confident that his longstanding contributions and refined aesthetic sensibilities in the realms of art and culture will elevate the film’s visual design to a distinguished level.
Simanta Phukan stated, “Even though the film takes us back 1,300 years, we will remain accurate in the portrayal of ancient Assamese society—especially in costumes and other details. The film will be produced in two languages: Assamese and Bengali.”
The initial preparations for the film have already begun, with plans to shoot in various scenic locations throughout Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and other regions of the country. Principal photography for the film is scheduled to commence in February next year.
Discussions are currently underway with seasoned technicians from the Assamese, Bollywood, and South Indian film industries to address various technical elements, including cinematography, sound recording, editing, and graphics. Additionally, prominent actors from both the Assamese and Bengali film industries are set to be involved in the production.