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‘Prastabana — The Preamble’ to Hit Screens on January 16, Takes a Hard Look at Politics and Youth

By Prantik Deka |

The New Year brings encouraging news for Assamese cinema lovers with the announcement that Prastabana — The Preamble will release in theatres on January 16. Produced under the banner of JD and KP Productions, the film marks a directorial collaboration between Dilip Borah and Manik Roy.

Based on Dilip Borah’s acclaimed novel Yatra, the film offers a sharp critique of political apathy and interference, particularly its corrosive impact on education and the lives of young people. Through a compelling narrative, Prastabana — The Preamble examines how political manipulation can undermine academic institutions and weaken the foundational values of democracy.

Making their directorial debut with this project, Borah and Roy present an unflinching portrayal of the erosion that can set in when constitutional principles begin to falter. The film calls upon India’s younger generation to remain alert and engaged, and to uphold the ideals of justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution.

Dilip Borah, known for his incisive novels and essays, wears multiple hats in the project as co-director, producer, and screenwriter. Manik Roy, a prominent name in Assam’s theatre circuit and founder of Guwahati Shishu Natya Vidyalaya, brings his rich experience in stagecraft to cinema, lending the film emotional depth and ideological strength.

The film stars Tapan Das in the lead, supported by an ensemble cast that includes Paarvee Baruah, Debajit Mazumdar, Ashwini Kumar Bhuyan, Abatosh Bhuyan, Kaushik Nath, Hillol Kumar Pathak, RK, Simanta Raj Sarma Kondoli, Minakshi Sarmah, Goutam Kumar Das, Luit Baruah, Mahendra Das, Antara GG Choudhury and Hridayananda Deva Goswami, among others.

Cinematography is by Bitul Das, while editing is handled by National Award-winning editor A. Sreekar Prasad along with Jhulan Krishna Mahanta. The film’s technical team also includes sound designer Debajit Gayan, art director Gulok Saha, costume designer Sumon Phukan, colourist Ghanashyam Kalita, and VFX artist Mrigank Pratic Parashar. Background score is composed by Quan Bay.

The music album features three songs, including the title track Swahidor Kesa Rocktere by Satya Ranjan Bhuyan, O Maji Re by Hiteswar Ray, and a Jeng Bihu number rendered by Manjyotsna Mahanta, with choreography by Shyemolima Das Baruah.

Produced by Dilip Borah in collaboration with Dr Rabin Saikia, Prastabana — The Preamble goes beyond conventional storytelling to emerge as a strong cinematic appeal to social conscience. As it nears its January 16 release, the film promises not just entertainment but a timely reflection on democracy and the role of youth in safeguarding it.

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Prantik Deka. Email: prantikdeka@gmail.com
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