Assamese Cinema Shines at Teen Indie Film Awards 2025
The Teen Indie Film Awards (TIFA) 2025 commenced in Bengaluru with a powerful cultural statement as the Assamese feature film Goodbye Guruji took center stage as the event’s opening film. Hosted by RV University, the festival runs from November 10 to 14, celebrating independent cinema created for and by young audiences worldwide.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Arunjit Borah, Goodbye Guruji stars Partha Pratim Hazarika and Aimee Barua in leading roles. The film has already garnered international attention after its recent screening at the Festival Gange Sur Seine in Paris, where audiences praised its storytelling and deep cultural resonance.
A Tribute to an Icon: Honoring Zubeen Garg
Before the screening in Bengaluru, the festival took a moment to honor the late Zubeen Garg, a legendary figure in Assamese music and cinema. Speaking about the occasion, Borah expressed his heartfelt sentiments:
“I dedicate the TIFA screening of Goodbye Guruji to the memory of our beloved Zubeen Garg. His passing has left a void that is deeply felt by all of us.”
The tribute set a poignant tone for the opening night, adding emotional weight to the film’s presentation.
Exploring Assam’s Cultural Heritage
The Paris audience adored Goodbye Guruji for its rich depiction of Bhaona, a centuries-old traditional theatrical art form of Assam. Borah noted that the film serves as a cinematic bridge between the past and present, offering younger viewers an engaging entry point into the state’s thousand-year-old heritage. He expressed confidence that TIFA’s youthful audience would connect with both the narrative and its artistic treatment.
Collaborations and Creative Team
Produced by the National Film Development Corporation of India Limited (NFDC) in association with Cinecraft Productions, and supported by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, the film is slated for a theatrical release in Assam next year.
Besides Hazarika and Barua, the film features Rupjyoti Mahanta, Rupkumar Borah, Naba Mahanta, and Anyun Kashyap in prominent roles. Written by Sanjeev Tiwari, the screenplay was co-developed by Borah and Maharshi Tuhin Kashyap, who also served as associate director.
The production team includes Aparajita Bhuyan as associate producer, Asutosh Kashyap as director of photography, Arup Dutta as art director, Panku Hazarika for makeup design, and Hadwit Baglari as DI colourist. Music was composed by Tarali Sarma, with sound design and mixing by Debajit Gayan. Editing was handled by Rantu Chetia, supported by Chinmay Dutta as chief assistant director. Production duties were managed by Prithul Kumar alongside Vivek Agarwal from Cinecraft Productions as co-producer.
Cultural Cinema Meets Global Film Festivals
Goodbye Guruji is more than just a film—it’s a celebration of Assam’s heritage and a heartfelt homage to a cultural icon. Its spotlight at TIFA 2025 reflects the growing recognition of Assamese cinema on the global stage, while its Paris reception signals promising prospects for future international screenings.
With its mixture of traditional artistry, emotional depth, and cinematic charm, Goodbye Guruji is poised to make a lasting impression on audiences in India and beyond.
