Written by Kaushik Nath
Assamese short film Aabiskar, directed by Ankur Deka, has been selected for the ongoing Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026. The recognition places the film among some of the finest short-format works being produced in the country today.
At the heart of Aabiskar is Manoranjan Kalita, portrayed by veteran actor Jayanta Das. The film follows the story of a retired man whose life takes an unexpected turn when he stumbles upon an acting opportunity while out shopping. While the premise appears simple on the surface, the film’s strength lies in the natural way the protagonist inhabits a role inspired by the works of Satyajit Ray. His physical presence and demeanor are said to align almost perfectly with the character’s requirements, lending the film an authenticity that is difficult to replicate.
Jayanta Das is supported by an ensemble cast featuring several familiar faces from Assamese theatre and cinema, including Kuldip Kula, Swagata Bharali, Pakija Begum, Mintu Barua, Chinmoy Kataki, Chanku Niranjan Nath, and Uddipana Choudhury. The screenplay has been co-written by Adhiraj Kashyap and Ankur Deka.
The production is, in many ways, a collective effort, bringing together individuals committed to creating opportunities for emerging talent. Among those attracting attention is Swagata Bharali, a young performer from Jorhat whose work in subsequent films has earned quiet appreciation from audiences and critics alike.
The film is produced by Bhaskar Hazarika and Ronnie Lahiri, with Dr Jayanta Das and Ranjana Das serving as co-producers. The music has been composed by Anubhav Gogoi, while the cinematography is handled by Chandra Kumar Das- both respected names in Assamese creative circles. The film is edited by Hirak Jyoti Pathak, with sound design by Rinku Boro.
The selection of Aabiskar at MIFF 2026 marks a significant recognition for a project conceived by the director during the COVID-19 period. Another Assamese film, Muga, has also been selected for the festival. In addition, a number of films from Mizoram have found a place in this year’s lineup, further strengthening the presence of regional cinema on the national stage.