Filmmaker Kenny Basumatary’s latest directorial ‘Jiya’, produced by Sarmistha Chakravorty, has won 4 awards, including Best Film at the latest edition of Prag Cine Awards held at Jorhat on February 16.
‘Jiya’ has won the Best Film award, Best Screenplay and Dialogue (Kenny Basumatary & Sarmistha Chakravorty), Best Singer Male (Angarag Papon Mahanta) and Best Background Score (Ambar Das).
The film had secured a whooping 16 nominations in the prestigious awards.
Written and produced by Sarmistha Chakravorty, ‘Jiya’ is about a young woman (Jiya) who, having escaped an abusive marriage, navigates the challenges of single motherhood with her daughter Nupur. Struggling against societal judgment, Jiya conceals her vulnerability behind a resilient façade. Pallavi, her steadfast friend, becomes a crucial pillar of support. Jiya leaves a toxic job only to find solace in Pallavi’s workplace, where she encounters the courteous Abhi. What happens next?
Expressing her excitement at winning multiple awards, Sarmistha Chakravorty said: “This is a dream coming true moment for me. My debut film as writer-producer and we won 4 awards including the Best Film. This is really overwhelming for us that our first venture has won 4 awards, and had received total 16 nominations. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this happen.”
Speaking about the big win, director Kenny Basumatary said: “This is a huge recognition for the film. Winning four awards, including the esteemed Best Film category, is a testament to the collective dedication and hard work put in by our entire team.”
“I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive the award for Best Background Score for our film ‘Jiya’. This recognition is a testament to the collaborative efforts and creativity that went into crafting the musical backdrop of our story. I am truly appreciative of this acknowledgment, and it motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of artistic expression,” said Ambar Das.
The film premiered in front of a packed audience at the 8th Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival at Jyoti Chitraban on December 15, 2023. ‘Jiya’ will be released across theatres on May 17, 2024.
Speaking about her debut as a film producer, Sarmistha Chakravorty had said: “At first, it was just a small dream of acting in a serious role. Since I have so many single mother friends around me, I thought of writing a script based on that. Then I somehow managed the expenditure needed for the shoot. With the help of selfless support from Kenny and our team, we managed to shoot the film. Actually, I got support from everyone. From Angarag Papon Mahanta, Shankuraj Konwar, Maitrayee Patar, Chandana Pathak, Raj Dweep, Swapna Jyoti Thengal, Eepsita Hazarika to each and everyone involved. Music production was done free of cost at home since my husband Ambar Das has composed, produced the songs and did the background score. This is how I could manage. Making of this film was possible only because of the unconditional love and support I received from everyone.”
The music of the film is by Ambar Das, DOP Suruj Deka and Editor Raktim Ranjan Basumatary. The lead cast includes Sarmistha Chakravorty, Reeky Sharma, Eepsita Hazarika and child actor Aradhya Mahanta.
The other supporting cast includes: Udayan Duarah, Monuj Borkotoky, Podmarag Goswami, Amitabh Rajkhowa, Mala Goswami, Parani Choudhury, Kaushik Bharadwaj, Siddhartha Mukherjee, Audrey Hatibarua, Arif Ali, Mintu Barua, Prayash Tamuly, Tultul Baruah, Anuska Kashyap, Renu Devi Chakraborty, Ashru Moni Borah, Birina Pathak Chakraborty, Joyeeta Sen, Daisy Barman, Gayatri Sharma, Bibhash Sinha, Ambar Das and Pratyush Baruah.
Among other, the crew includes assistant director Arindom Kashyop, line producer Anupam Baishya, production manager Bibhas Sinha, costume by Eepsita Hazarika, makeup by Zara Zya, color by Abhisek Narayan Sharma and Raktim Ranjan Basumatari, poster by Dhanjit Das, dialogues and screenplay by Kenny Basumatary and Sarmistha Chakravorty.
