The state’s popular actor and chairman of the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation (ASFFDC) Limited, Jatin Bora recently announced his new film in a function held at a city-based hotel. An ambitious venture, ‘Ratnakar’ will be the second directorial venture of Bora after his debut, ‘Adhinayak’, which had released in 2006.
Assamese Film Ratnakar is being scripted by mobile theatre dramatist Abhijit Bhattacharya, who has often worked with Jatin Bora on the mobile theatre stage. Armed with the experience of acting in around 50 Assamese and other language films, Bora will leave no stone unturned to realize his dream project, which will project him in a refreshing new avatar.
There aren’t many things that are more difficult or more daunting than making a feature-length film for the first time. Bora admitted that he was immature, and lacked technical expertise while directing his debut feature. But he is now armed with experience and raring to go. Bora is quite taken up with the ‘Ratnakar’ script, which he believes has all the right ingredients to reach out to the hearts and minds of audiences.
The movie will no doubt test the reputation of screenplay writer Abhijit Bhattacharya, who steps into a territory different from the structural dynamics of the mobile stage, but he is confident of creating a profound impact with both the cynics and the critics. Both the director and the scriptwriter are tight-lipped about the story at the moment. However, simply told, the film depicts the three different stages of a man’s life, and the endearing relationship he shares with his little daughter, whom he struggles to raise alone. As informed by the writer, the protagonist also chances upon various characters in the course of his journey.
While speaking about the film’s budget, one thing Bora is sure about is to never compromise when it comes to money. In general, the greater the number of screens a film is released in, the more likely the film is to achieve financial success, or at least recover its expenses. As the chairman of the ASFFDC, Jatin Bora is now taking up initiatives to set up mini cinema halls in the state to protect the future of Assamese films. “I have already submitted a proposal to the State Government to set up at least 35 mini cinemas in the State and renovate some old theatres,” said Bora, whose own acting career, with its ups and downs, corresponded to the trajectory of the film industry.
‘Ratnakar’ will be produced under Bora’s own production house, JB Production. Bora’s wife and co-producer Nabanita Sarma Bora has hailed the film’s script which she believes will certainly be a winner at the Box-Office.
The filming of ‘Ratnakar’ will begin in April after the mobile theatre schedule is over. Bora will also take a much-needed break from the mobile theatre after his stint with the Surya Theatre is over. The film will be shot at various locations of Assam, Meghalaya, Rajasthan and the floor of Jyoti Chitraban Film Studio. The role of the leading heroine will be enacted by Barsharani Bishaya. The film’s music will be scored by Jatin Sarma, Zubeen Garg, and Ajay Phukan. While the choreography will be done by Dipak Dey, Uday Shankar and Pankaj Ingti, Achinta Shankar will work as the chief assistant director and Manoj Baishya has been roped in as the production manager.
The function was graced by noted journalist and chief editor, Prag News, Ajit Bhuyan, cine-journalist Arunlochan Das, Jyoti Chitraban Society chairman Pabitra Margherita among others.