‘Prastabana — The Preamble’, Assamese Film Explores Democracy and Student Politics
Inspired by Dilip Borah’s novel Yatra, the Assamese film examines political interference in education and calls for constitutional vigilance.
GUWAHATI ( By Prantik Deka ) – The Assamese feature film Prastabana — The Preamble is set for theatrical release on January 16, marking the first directorial collaboration between writer-filmmaker Dilip Borah and theatre practitioner Manik Roy. Produced under the banner of JD and KP Productions, the film draws from Borah’s novel Yatra and addresses the intersection of politics, education, and youth engagement.
The film positions itself as a critique of political indifference and institutional interference, particularly within educational spaces. Through its narrative, Prastabana examines how political influence shapes student life and governance structures, while also reflecting on the broader implications for democratic values. The filmmakers foreground concerns about the erosion of constitutional principles such as justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity.
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Both Borah and Roy make their directorial debut with the project. Borah, known for his politically engaged novels and essays, has taken on multiple roles as co-director, producer, and screenwriter. Roy, the founder of Guwahati Shishu Natya Vidyalaya and a long-time figure in Assam’s theatre circuit, brings his experience in stagecraft to the cinematic form.
The film features Tapan Das in a lead role, supported by an ensemble cast that includes Paarvee Baruah, Debajit Mazumdar, Ashwini Kumar Bhuyan, Abatosh Bhuyan, Kaushik Nath, Hillol Kumar Pathak, Simanta Raj Sarma Kondoli, Manik Roy, Dilip Borah, Minakshi Sarmah, and several others.
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Cinematography for the film is by Bitul Das, while editing has been handled by National Award-winning editor A. Sreekar Prasad along with Jhulan Krishna Mahanta. The film’s sound design and mixing were carried out by Debajit Gayan, with Arnab Borah responsible for location sound. Art direction is by Gulok Saha, costume design by Sumon Phukan, and colour grading by Ghanashyam Kalita. Visual effects and CGI have been executed by Mrigank Pratic Parashar.
The soundtrack includes three musical compositions, including the title track Swahidor Kesa Rocktere by Satya Ranjan Bhuyan, O Maji Re by Hiteswar Ray, and a Jeng Bihu song performed by Manjyotsna Mahanta. The background score is composed by Quan Bay.
Produced by Dilip Borah in collaboration with Dr. Rabin Saikia, Prastabana — The Preamble seeks to situate cinema as a medium of social reflection. As it approaches its release, the film positions itself not only as a work of fiction but as a commentary on democratic engagement and the responsibilities of younger generations.
