Guwahati: The Assamese film ‘Rongatapu 1982’ was named the Best Assamese Feature Film at the 71st National Film Awards, which were announced in New Delhi on August 1, 2025.
The film has been produced under the banner of BRC Cine Production. The film, which was released in November 2023, quickly garnered critical acclaim for its strong storytelling and impressive acting.
The film, directed by Adityam Saikia, traces the compelling journey of four women as they navigate a world marked by pain, resilience, bravery, and sacrifice. The cast includes actors Gunjan Bhardwaj, Rimpi Das, and Aimee Baruah.
Another Rajat Kamal award went to the best Tai Phake film, ‘Pai Tang-Step of Hope,’ produced by Naba Kumar Bhuyan and directed by Prabal Khaund.
This recognition is especially significant for the Tai Phake community, a small yet culturally rich ethnic group in Assam. The film, steeped in hope and tradition, brings the language and the ethos of a lesser-known community to the national stage.
Veteran film critic Utpal Dutta was honoured with the Best Film Critic award.
In another milestone for the Northeast, filmmaker Shilpika Bordoloi has been conferred the Best Debut Director Award in the non-feature category for her Mizo-language film ‘The Spirit Dreams of Cheraw’. A lyrical exploration of cultural identity and indigenous spirituality, the film marks Bordoloi’s foray into filmmaking after a distinguished career in performing arts.
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The biographical film Lentina Ao – A Light on the Eastern Horizon, produced by NFDC and directed by Sanjib Parasar, was honored as the Best Biographical Film.
