Assamese film Burkha: The Veil, provided a unique cinematic experience for both audiences and critics at the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF).
The Kolkata International Film Festival, which began on December 4, 2024, will culminate on December 11, 2024, and during this 8-day long festival, several films from across the country have been selected for screening under various categories.
Directed by Hiren Bora, Burkha: The Veil has been selected for the National Competition on Indian Languages Section at the 30th edition of the festival on December 5, 2024.
The Kolkata International Film Festival has been a major cultural event for cinephiles from across the country, shaping generations of moviegoing audiences’ experience of cinema.
It may be mentioned here that Hiren Bora had previously made films that convey thought-provoking stories, covering topics that the audience can relate to and sympathise with.
One thing is apparent about Hiren Bora's films: he remembers social responsibility and depicts society in films.
Bora’s debut film, the critically acclaimed Basundhara: The Earth bagged the Rajat Kamal Award for Best Feature Film in Assamese in 2009.
It was screened as an official entry at the festival circuits in London, Nottingham, Canada and in Mumbai, Pune, New Delhi and Goa.
His next film Khobh: The Anguish, made in 2014, became only the second Assamese film after Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia’s Sandhyaraag in 1977 to be selected for the prestigious Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in 2015.
His 2019 film Seema: The Untold Story was also selected to various prestigious film festivals.
"I wanted to bring a true story to life on screen," Bora said while speaking about Burkha.
"The shooting experience was fantastic. We worked in Muslim-majority areas without encountering any difficulties at all. I am grateful to everyone," he added.
Burkha: The Veil revolves around Reshma, an eighth-grade student, who hails from a small village located on the banks of the river Brahmaputra.
Her father Aminul is adamant that she marry young and have children rather than pursue her education.
Additionally, a lecherous village elder wants to make Reshma his fourth wife. Reshma’s wishes get fulfilled when Hafeez, an honest teacher, admits her to his school.
However, Hafeez becomes the target of the unscrupulous old man’s conspiracy. Reshma finally emerges from the shadows of darkness to the light of knowledge after receiving encouragement from a few young people in the village.
The film portrays various hurdles encountered by Reshma in her journey and how she navigates pre-established societal stereotypes and pressures.
Hiren Bora’s films address socio-economic development issues, and this film is consistent with his vision.
He emphasises the social element of the story more than the religious markings. Bora reckons Burkha to be a symbol of discrimination and oppression.
The various roles in the film are played by Rodali Bora, Jatin Khanikar, Durgashri Borah, Adrita Parasha Mahanta, and Dipankar Bora among others.
Based on a story by Jitumoni Bora, the film is produced and directed by Hiren Bora under the banner of Suravi Enterprise.
The screenplay is written by Naren Patgiri, music is scored by Tarali Sarma, cinematography is handled by Papu Deka, editing is executed by Dipak Mandal, while the film’s chief assistant director is Malay Roy, VFX works are by Abhijit Handique, costumes are provided by Rosy Bora, makeup by Nyumme Kamse and art direction is by Pankaj Bezbaruah.
A noted writer, director, stage actor, and screenwriter, Hiren Bora has written several short stories.
Bora began his independent career by producing and directing television dramas in Hindi, English, and Assamese.
He has also produced radio plays for All India Radio and documentaries for Doordarshan and other television channels.
Hiren Bora’s other films waiting for theatrical release include the Rabha language film Nasimay (Darling), which was officially selected for screening at the 28th Kolkata International Film Festival in the Unheard India: Rare Language Indian Film category, as well as the film Baahi: The Flute, based on popular writer Monikuntala Bhattacharya’s much appreciated novel.
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