8th Sailadhar Baruah Film Awards: Commemorating North East Cinema and Recognising Icons

The 8th Sailadhar Baruah Film Awards (North East) 2025, a much-anticipated annual event, unfolded on January 10th and 11th, 2026, at the Rudra Barua Auditorium within Jyoti Chitraban Studio in Kalilipara, Guwahati. The two-day event attracted film critics, cinema enthusiasts, celebrities, and key industry figures, marking an occasion that will be fondly remembered by all participants.

Image: Best Director

            The Sailadhar Baruah awards are dedicated to fostering a stronger connection and a deeper understanding of the North Eastern region by leveraging the unifying power of cinema. Through the shared experience of film, these awards aim to celebrate and amplify the unique culture and values that resonate across the region, recognising cinema’s profound ability to bring people together. These awards truly hit the mark, year after year, by shining a spotlight on the incredible talent emerging from the North East’s film scene. They celebrate the magic of filmmaking in all its forms, from the captivating stories and visionary direction to the powerful performances, evocative music, and the sheer technical brilliance that brings it all to life.

Image: Best Actress award received by Rosy Bora on behalf of Rodali Bora

            This year, the coveted Best Film award went to ‘Apot’, an exceptional Khasi movie based on a traditional folktale from Meghalaya, masterfully directed and produced by Raphael Warjri. The film received a trophy, certificate, and a cash prize of Rs 50,000.

Image: Best Sound Design

            The Best Director award was bagged by Prakash Deka for the Assamese film ‘Nora’, while Sanjib Sabhapandit won the Best Screenwriter award for ‘Aakash Heno Nodir Naam’ (Assamese).

Image: Best Art Director

Augustine Kurbah received the Best Music Director award for the Khasi film ‘Apot’. The Best Cinematographer award went to Aniruddha Barua for ‘Taarikh’ (Assamese), and Manas Protim Goswami was awarded Best Sound Designer for ‘Nora’.

Image: Chief guest Suhasini Mulay

            In the editing category, Priyakanta Laishram won Best Film Editor for the Manipuri film ‘Oneness’. Bhaskar Jyoti Kalita was named Best Art Director for ‘The Woodcutter’ (Assamese).

Image: Raju Roy receiving the Best Actor award for the Assamese film ‘Noi Kotha'

In the acting categories, Raju Roy took home the coveted Best Actor award for his captivating role in the Assamese film ‘Noi Kotha’. Rodali Bora earned the Best Actor (Female) honour for her powerful portrayal in the Assamese movie ‘Burkha – The Veil’.

            The jury bestowed their Special Mention awards upon some remarkable talents. Jatindra Nath Khanikar was celebrated for his compelling performances in the Assamese films ‘Burkha – The Veil’ and ‘Gomon’. Dhiraj Kashyap’s direction in the Assamese movie ‘Brahmakanya’ also garnered a special mention, as did Khanjan Kishore Nath for his work directing the Karbi film ‘Kangbo Aloti’. All the Jury’s Special Mention recipients were awarded certificates and mementoes.

Image: Cinejyoti released by chief guest, guest of honour, Jahnu Barua, Mrinmoy Baruah and Editor Ranjit Das

            The esteemed accolades were bestowed by a remarkable panel. Leading the presentation was the chief guest, the celebrated National Award-winning actress and Golden Lotus-winning documentary filmmaker, Suhasini Mulay. Joining her were the Guest of Honour, the multi-talented actress, art director, and costume designer, Manjula Barua, alongside the masterful filmmaker, Jahnu Barua.

            The event was graced by a truly inspiring conversation with Raphael Warjri, the creative force behind the Best Film winner, ‘Apot’, and Prakash Deka, whose directorial vision earned him the Best Director award for ‘Nora’. Munin Bayan skillfully guided this insightful discussion on January 10th, offering attendees a wonderful glimpse into the minds of these talented filmmakers. On January 11th, a truly captivating conversation unfolded between the film critic Manoj Barpujari and chief guest, Suhasini Mulay. 

At the event, the Sailadhar Baruah Film Awards bestowed Lifetime Achievement Honours upon the state’s esteemed music composer, Dr. Ramen Choudhury, and the beloved singer, Samar Hazarika.

The event also saw the unveiling of the special souvenir ‘Cinejyoti’, a publication edited by Ranjit Das, which was released by chief guest Suhasini Mulay, Guest of Honour Manjula Barua, master filmmaker Jahnu Barua, trust President Mrinmoy Baruah, and Ranjit Das himself.

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