A crusade against drugs in society Assamese film 'Protishruti'

A socially conscious and dedicated playwright, director and actor, the Bajali-based Kishor Tahbildar is seriously committed to dramatic art. An articulate, confident man who devotes much of his time to various social causes despite overwhelming pressures, Tahbildar entered theatre as a way to express his thoughts and beliefs on various social issues affecting the society at large.

Since then, his theatrical endeavours have always taken precedence over everything else. Theatre has for him worked as a powerful medium for creating awareness, an apparatus to eliminate all the ills confronting the society, helped in no small measure by a number of like-minded people in his community.

As a playwright, he has to his credit a prolific output of socially relevant one-act and full-length dramas, mostly written for the amateur stage, barring a couple of plays for mobile theatre, based on meticulous research, and which have always found instant appeal with the viewers. He has also directed and acted in most of the plays and has also scripted a number of TV serials.

In due course, he even ventured into filmmaking with the aim of reaching out to a broader audience, debuting with the Assamese film 'Durga – The Warrior', which depicts the ill-effects of the consumption of spurious bootleg liquor, which has left the society in shambles.

The film portrays the incessant struggle of an elderly woman Durga, who ekes out a living by working in others' homes, to free her only son from the clutches of bootleg liquor. Directed by Kishor Tahbildar from his own screenplay, the yet to be released film was sent to several film festivals, where it was critically acclaimed and feted. The film serves as a strong and pertinent reminder of the dangers of alcohol abuse.

For his second film, Tahbildar has endeavoured to tackle a socially relevant theme on the grave issue of drug menace that has seeped into the fabric of our society with serious consequences. He eventually made the film - 'Protishruti', which is all set to release on May 24, 2024.

The film was recently in the limelight when the United Liberation Front of Asom (I) gave instructions to cinema hall owners to run 'Protishruti' for atleast three to four weeks and even persuaded people to watch the film in the theatres.

Everyone longs for a clean and corruption-free society. In order to build a healthy society, we all need to be aware, conscious. Every citizen has to shoulder responsibilities in combating the menace of drugs in society. It has become a major social issue. This intoxicating substance has forced a section of the younger generation to engage in immoral activities.

The film follows the story of an addicted youth hailing from an affluent family, who chances upon a sensitive girl studying folk music. After striking up a friendship with her, the youth realises the beauty of the world around him, and is finally liberated from the grip of addiction at her insistence, bound by melody and music.

Besides emphasizing the importance of compassion and fellow feeling, the story makes a point as to why the government and the other parties have still not been able to stop the illicit drug trade even after taking a tough stand against it.

Prastuti Porasor plays the role of a tough law enforcement officer cracking down on drug peddlers.

The film also stars Plabita Borthakur, Bibhutibhushan Hazarika, Sidharth Kashyap, among others.

Produced by Ratul Baruah under the banner of Madhur Cine Art, the film is laden with thrills, frills and some gratifying visuals. The film's screenplay and dialogues are written by Kishor Tahbildar and Ratul Baruah. The cinematographers are Suruj Deka, Sumon Duwerah and Uttam Kalita. Edited by Ramen Bora, the film's makeup and costumes have been handled by Mandita Goswami, art direction by Shyamal Mayur Chetia and Samil, action direction by Bibhash Singha, sound designing by Souvik Phukan and Nabapan Deka, choreography by Himanil Kashyap and Raj Dutta, and playback singing by Zubeen Garg, Rupam Bhuyan, Mahalakshmi Iyer, Trinayan Barua and Oriana Setz from Scotland.