Assamese Film Burkha – The Veil Impresses at Kolkata International Film Festival

Guwahati: Burkha – The Veil, directed by Assamese filmmaker Hiren Bora, received widespread acclaim at the 30th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF). The film, competing in the National Competition on Indian Languages category, was screened on December 5, captivating both audiences and critics with its powerful narrative.

The story follows Reshma, a young girl from a Brahmaputra riverbank village, as she navigates societal pressures and battles discrimination to pursue her education. The film highlights issues like inadequate healthcare and education in rural Northeast India while questioning deep-seated stereotypes and social norms. Bora describes the film as “a journey from darkness to light.”

Hiren Bora’s cinematic legacy includes socially conscious works like Basundhara – The Earth, Khobh – The Anguish, and Seema – The Untold Story. With Burkha – The Veil, he continues to address critical socio-economic issues.

The film stars Rodali Bora, Jatin Khanikar, Durgashri Borah, and others, with music by Tarali Sarma and cinematography by Papu Deka. Produced under the banner of Suravi Enterprise, the screenplay is written by Naren Patgiri.