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Guwahati: Year 2024 saw the Assamese film industry exhibit a commendable commitment to exploring a diverse range of narratives, tackling sensitive social issues with nuance and depth. Among the 29 films released, several standouts emerged, showcasing the industry's willingness to confront complex themes and challenge societal norms. Since the release of the first Assamese movie "Joymoti" in 1935, directed by the visionary cultural icon Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, the cinemascape of the industry has undergone tremendous changes in the last 89 years, extending a visual retreat to its audience. One notable film addressed the pervasive issue of homophobia, shedding light on the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community in a thought-provoking and empathetic manner. Another film delved into the intricate dynamics of gender roles and the status of women in a male-dominated society, offering a poignant critique of patriarchal structures. Alongside these socially conscious narratives, the year also witnessed the release of gripping action-packed mystery thrillers, captivating the audience with their suspenseful plots and high-octane sequences. The industry took a significant leap forward in 2024 that explored a wide range of themes and genres. This new wave of Assamese cinema is not only a testament to the industry's growth in terms of technicalities and commercial aspect, but also a promising trend in storytelling. The films that hit the theatres this year till Nov 2024 include two in Bodo and one Sadri language, which is spoken by the tea tribe. In 2023, 21 movies including one each in Dimasa and Bengali languages were released. Movies released in 2024 like "Satya The Truth", "Ata Nirjon Duporiya" and "Mini" touched sensitive social issues like homophobia, women's status in a male-dominated society and the hardships and challenges of tea garden workers of the 200-year-old tea industry. "Mini" also brought laurels to the state as it was screened at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in presence of President Draupadi Murmu. While other films like "Bidurbhai", "Joy Hanu Man" and "Local Kung Fu 3" enthralled and captivated audience with action and "belly-aching comedy". The director of "Satya The Truth" Rupjyoti Borthakur claimed the film to be first-of-its-kind in the industry to address same-sex relationships. The film released in Feb was set in the aftermath of India's decision to decriminalize same-sex relationship. "The idea behind making the film was to address the issue, which still considered as a taboo but very much rampant in our society. Due to social stigma, people fear to express their innate desires and hide it from the society. Interestingly enough, on the same day the film was released one of my relative in London attended a same-sex marriage in London. Although the film was not a commercial hit, if it has inspired at least a single person to express their love they believe, is a bigger success for me," Borthakur said. Khanjan Kishore Nath, who directed "Ata Nirjon Duporiya", explored the plight of a young couple who plans to spend some intimate moments together and while doing so they become victim of taboo where the system exploits them. "In third world countries like India, women are mostly considered as second class citizens and are very much conservative on subjects like sexuality. I just wanted to convey that society should not bother about what an adult couple in consensus do in their private space. Though the movie did not go well in the theatres, soon it will be released on OTT, and we are keeping our hopes high," Nath said. Both the directors expressed hope that with young filmmakers venturing out for filmmaking in the industry, Assamese audience will soon find diverse taste. Despite the release of 29 movies, only four of them "Bidurbhai", "Swargarath", Zubeen-garg starrer "Sikaar" and "Local Kung Fu 3" managed to good box office collection. Sources said "Bidurbhai" has earned over Rs 12 crore. "Joy Hanu Man" directed by Himanshu Prasad Das introduced the concept of "superheroes" in Assamese cinema where a college boy in order to find the murderer of a dear one, fights an evil political gangster nexus in the disguise of 'Hanuman', the famous Monkey god. He said the movie was not exactly a superhero movie, but attempted to show how a common man can also become a superhero if he has the urge and intention to good for the society. He noted that the new-generation filmmakers are experimenting not only in terms of subjects, but in the aspect of direction treatment as well. "With limited budget and resources, Assamese cinema has progressed leaps and bounds in last few years. Due to financial constraints and limited screens available, we obviously cannot dare to spend like South-Indian movies. Had the circumstances been similar, we too have the potential to make blockbusters like them," he added, with a hope that Assamese film industry will too achieve the grandeur like South-Indian industry in the future. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , Location Guesser and Mini Crossword . Spread love this holiday season with these Christmas wishes , messages , and quotes .
Notable quotes by Jimmy CarterCooper Rush passed for two touchdowns, Dallas returned two kicks for scores and the visiting Cowboys held off the Washington Commanders in a wild fourth quarter for a 34-26 win. Dallas led 10-9 after three quarters. With Washington trailing 27-26, Jayden Daniels hit Terry McLaurin for an 86-yard touchdown pass with 21 seconds left, but Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the game. Juanyeh Thomas of the Cowboys then returned the onside kick 43 yards for a touchdown. Rush completed 24 of 32 passes for 247 yards for Dallas (4-7), which snapped a five-game losing streak. Rico Dowdle ran 19 times for 86 yards and CeeDee Lamb had 10 catches for 67 yards. Jayden Daniels was 25-of-38 passing for 274 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for reeling Washington (7-5), which has lost three straight. He ran for 74 yards and one score. McLaurin had five catches for 102 yards. Trailing 20-9 late in the fourth quarter, Daniels drove Washington 69 yards in nine plays and hit Zach Ertz for a 4-yard touchdown. Daniels ran for two points and Washington trailed 20-17 with 3:02 remaining. KaVontae Turpin muffed the ensuing kickoff, picked it up at the one, and raced 99 yards for a touchdown to make it 27-17. Austin Seibert's 51-yard field goal pulled the Commanders within 27-20 with 1:40 left, With the score tied 3-3, Washington took the second half kick and went 60 yards in 10 plays. On third-and-three from the Dallas 17, Daniels faked a handoff, ran left and scored his first rushing touchdown since Week 4. Seibert missed the point after and Washington led 9-3. Dallas answered with an 80-yard drive. A 23-yard pass interference penalty gave the Cowboys a first-and-goal at the 4. Two plays later Rush found Jalen Tolbert in the end zone and the extra point made it 10-9. Brandon Aubrey's 48-yard field goal made it 13-9 with 8:11 remaining in the game. On the next play, Daniels hit John Bates for 14 yards, but Donovan Wilson forced a fumble and Dallas recovered at the Washington 44. Five plays later, Rush found Luke Schoonmaker down the middle for a 22-yard touchdown and Dallas led 20-9 with 5:16 left. The first quarter was all about field goals. Aubrey's field goal attempt was blocked on the opening drive and Michael Davis returned it to the Dallas 40. Washington later settled for Seibert's 41-yard field goal. On the next Dallas drive, Aubrey hit the right upright from 42 yards out, and then Seibert missed from 51 yards. With 14 seconds left in the half, Rush found Jalen Brooks for a 41-yard gain to the Washington 28. On the next play Aubrey connected from 46 yards to tie it. --Field Level Media