Guwahati: The landmark Assamese novel Ashimat Jar Heral Seema, written by Kanchan Baruah, is moving from the page to the big screen. First published in 1945, the literary classic has remained a bestseller for decades, known for its unique blend of romance, adventure, and metaphysical intrigue. Director Simanta Phukan is spearheading the project, which is being produced by Cine Creation.
Phukan, an experienced theatre and film director, considers this project a long-held dream. The production team aims to make this the highest-budget film in the history of Assamese cinema. To ensure the adaptation remains faithful to the original text, Phukan has enlisted National Award-winning filmmaker Bhaskar Hazarika to write the screenplay. The production will also feature music by internationally acclaimed composer Anurag Saikia and art direction by Padma Shri recipient Nuruddin Ahmed.
The filmmakers are prioritizing authenticity and quality throughout the process. Regarding the casting, Phukan 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 project, which will be filmed in both Assamese and Bengali, will include scenes shot across Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Principal photography is slated to begin in February. With the support of the Assam State Film Finance and Development Corporation, the team is currently finalizing technical details and casting decisions to prepare for the novel's 80th anniversary in 2025.
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