An endeavour of few Tezpur University students brought pride to the University. A short film directed by the TU student Akanshya Bhagabati named “Kumu- The Song of a Wingless Bird” was screened at the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, Tezpur University on February 12. The renowned film critic and filmmaker Parthajit Baruah, National Award winning singer Tarali Sarma, National Award winning sound designer Debajit Gayan and National Award winning filmmaker Suraj Duara and several others were present in its screening.
The short film is about the journey of an Adivasi girl named Kumu who was forced to forsake her education and carefree life. Disturbed by family conflicts, burdened with the responsibility of her little sister, Kumu continues her regular hardship. To escape her harsh reality she walks through the lanes of the green tea garden beneath the azure sky. The film is an attempt to highlight the harsh lives of children from tea garden who are deprived from everything that a normal child has in his/her life. Those underprivileged children, impoverished have always been deprived of happiness and hopes, beauty and parental care. Even dreaming of a life is a forbidden fruit for them. Kumu is an endeavour of few students of Tezpur University to bring plight of those underprivileged lives to the fore.
Made in Sadri language the major cast of the short film includes Nayanmoni Mura as the protagonist, Geeta Bhumis Munda, Dibika Mura, Debessor Bhumis, Arjun Munda. Akanshya Bhagawati who has previously worked as the assistant director in Parthajit Baruah’s film “The Children of God” has contributed her role in this short film as debut director. The sound designing is done by Debajit Gayan. The editing is done by Hirak Jyoti Pathak who has also credited for Bhaskar Hazarika’s upcoming film “Emuthi Puthi”.
Parthajit Baruah who is also an Indian member of the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) has praised for its social value. He said, “I wish Akanshya a bright future so that she can make everyone proud, including her friends and family and the department of Mass Communication and Journalism, Tezpur University along with the society and Assam.”
Tarali Sarma appreciated the cinematic choices and sensibilities of Akanshya Bhagabati as well as the performance of Nayanmoni Mura. Tarali Sarma in her praise to this film added, “She has conveyed the emotions so meaningfully with only her looks that it is worthy of all praise.”