Guwahati: Filmmaker Arunjit Borah’s latest film ‘Goodbye Guruji’ has been officially selected for Festival Gange Sur Seine in Paris, France, where it will have its global premiere next month.
Starring Partha Pratim Hazarika and Aimee Barua, Goodbye Guruji tells a moving story of how education and perseverance can transform lives.
The film Goodbye Guruji tells the story of Prayash Saikia, a dedicated young teacher known as “Guruji.” At Kinkinia Primary School, Guruji uses unconventional teaching methods to re-engage students and put education back at the center of the community.
The film intricately weaves the mythological tale of Kansa Badh from Assam’s 500-year-old Bhaona theatre tradition. The story of Kansa Badh serves as a parallel to Guruji’s own struggles and triumphs, reinforcing the timeless theme of good overcoming evil.
Expressing his delight over the selection, writer and director Arunjit Borah said, “Goodbye Guruji is a heartfelt exploration of the transformative power of education and creative teaching. I believe perseverance, innovation, and empathy can break down barriers in learning. This film pays tribute to those who dare to think differently and inspire us to strive for a better future.”
Chayan Sarkar, president, Gange Sur Seine, Paris said: “Arunjit Borah is a powerful filmmaker who often experiments with serious subjects within simple backdrops. We earlier screened his short film ‘Zibah’, which was extremely well received in Paris. ‘Goodbye Guruji’ is a visual feast – profound yet subtle in its storytelling. The film demonstrates the power and tenacity of a simple village educator in transforming an entire community. The director’s use of rural Assam as his canvas, combined with the ancient folk theatre of Bhaona, creates a mystic, surreal, and cinematic experience.”
Scheduled for release next year, Goodbye Guruji also features Rupjyoti Mahanta, Rupkumar Borah, Naba Mahanta, and Anyun Kashyap in leading roles.
The film is produced by National Film Development Corporation of India Limited (NFDC) in association with Cinecraft Productions and supported by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
Sanjeev Tiwari wrote the film’s original story, while the screenplay was co-written by Arunjit Borah and Maharshi Tuhin Kashyap. Kashyap also served as the associate director.
The visuals were led by Asutosh Kashyap (Director of Photography) and Arup Dutta (Art Director). The team also included Panku Hazarika on make-up and Hadwit Baglari as DI colourist.
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The musical score was composed by Tarali Sarma, and the sound was designed and mixed by Debajit Gayan. Rantu Chetia served as the editor, with Chinmay Dutta as chief assistant director.
The film was produced by Prithul Kumar, and co-produced by Vivek Agarwal from Cinecraft Productions.
