Latest news with #ParthaSarathiMahanta
NDTV
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Exclusive: Assam Top Cop Had No Money To Make A Feature Film. His Short Made It To Cannes 2025
Guwahati Police Commissioner Dr Partha Sarathi Mahanta is a man who wears many hats. From the rough and tumble of policing one of the most important cities in Northeast India, Guwahati, to directing films, he is handling both roles with aplomb. Ansuni Chinkhe (Unheard Whispers), a socially charged Assamese short film directed by Dr Mahanta, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Guwahati, made a significant mark on the global stage following its recent online screening at the prestigious Marché du Film (Cannes Market), the business counterpart of the Cannes Film Festival. Though Dr Mahanta has no formal training in filmmaking, he says he has gained valuable experience by being closely involved in the making of several films - from concept development to final production. When asked about his passion for films, Dr Mahanta told NDTV, "Like anyone else, I've always loved films since my childhood. Later, I had the opportunity to act in a number of Assamese feature films as well as Assamese TV series. In fact, when the concept of a mega series was first introduced in Assam, I was part of some of the very first ones that were made. I featured in quite a few of them." "That's when I began to realise how powerful a medium film truly is - how effectively it can connect with people. Just like stage plays and dramas, films have the ability to project reality. Even though it's acting, it reflects real life. When someone cries, laughs, or shows tension on screen - those emotions resonate deeply. All human emotions can be portrayed, and the audience naturally connects," Dr Mahanta added. Mahanta says he does not have the resources to make a full-fledged feature film or the time so he began working on projects that could be created with smaller budgets, thus beginning his journey of making documentaries and short films. "It feels even more fulfilling than just being in front of the camera - because now, I'm creating [something]. Whatever is in my mind, in my thoughts, I get to translate into reality through a medium that connects with people more than anything else. That's why I'm passionate about filmmaking," Dr Mahanta tells NDTV. The passion has resulted in appreciation and recognition with the prestigious screening at Marché du Film. "It feels truly great - fulfilling and deeply satisfying - when your work is recognised, especially by something as prestigious as Marché du Film Flames. The film has already been awarded at a couple of other festivals too, like the Jaipur Film Festival and the Delhi Short Film Festival. And, of course, being recognised by Marché du Film feels particularly special," he adds. According to Dr Mahanta, Ansuni Chinkhe -- which won the Best Short Film award at the New Delhi Film Festival 2025 -- is an experiment. "It's based on a poem I wrote originally in Assamese, which was later translated into Hindi. The entire film features just one actor. It's essentially a soliloquy, a single performer reciting the poem with expression, a touch of acting, but not too loud or theatrical. Just the right amount - subtle, restrained, and emotive," he says. The short film has been narrated by the National Film Award-winning actor Seema Biswas. It portrays a challenging yet powerful story of a young girl in India, shedding light on the obstacles she faces from birth through adulthood. However, the filmmaker says Ansuni Chinkhe is not merely a narrative of suffering. It not only depicts adversity but also aims to inspire change, serving as a cinematic expression of resistance and empowerment, he adds. When asked how he finds the time to engage himself in creative pursuits, Dr Mahanta says, "Time management as a police officer is never easy - our profession doesn't run on fixed hours. Emergencies don't arrive with prior notice, and duties often extend beyond scheduled shifts. But I've learned that prioritisation is the key." "And above all, I've realised that time management isn't just about squeezing tasks into a calendar - it's also about energy management. I try to protect my mental bandwidth for things that matter, including creative pursuits like writing or filmmaking. Even if I get just 15 minutes in a day for something personal, I make sure I use it with full attention. That's how I try to stay balanced," Dr. Mahanta says, giving an insight into staying balanced while performing in a high-pressure job. Ansuni Chinkhe is not the only film that Dr Mahanta has been associated with. He has several acclaimed films to his credit. Among them are Lachit The Warrior, an animated film based on the life of Assamese General Lachit Barphukan. It has screened at over 40 film festivals and won 25 best short film awards. Lachit The Warrior was showcased in the Indian Panorama section at the 2023 edition of the International Film Festival of India, Goa. He has also directed Hargila - The Great Adjutant Stork, a documentary that has been screened and awarded at nine international film festivals and gained a special mention at the 70th National Film Awards in 2022. Fehujali, a short film directed by Dr Mahanta, has screened at eight international film festivals and won two best documentary awards. Dr Mahanta lists Sholay, Baahubali, The Godfather, and The Matrix amongst his favourite films for different reasons. "There are many other films I admire for various other reasons - be it storytelling, technical brilliance, emotional depth, or pure cinematic innovation. Each film leaves behind something - an image, a thought, a feeling - and that's what makes cinema so powerful and personal," he adds.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Cops, SDRF personnel to ensure safety of devotees attending Ambubachi Mela
Guwahati: As the city prepares to host the annual Ambubachi Mahayog, one of the largest spiritual congregations held at the Kamakhya temple, Assam Police on Monday announced a series of measures that will be put in place to ensure safety of the devotees. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Every year, the temple draws over 20 lakh pilgrims from different states and countries, with numbers steadily increasing in recent times. However, the Nilachal hill — where the temple is located — remains prone to landslides, having witnessed several such incidents in the past. The alternate route to the temple, which goes through Pandu college road, will also remain closed. City police commissioner Partha Sarathi Mahanta said in the landslide vulnerable zones, police officers and State Disaster Rescue Force (SDRF) personnel would be stationed to ensure the safety of devotees. Mahanta added that the road leading to the temple will remain accessible to devotees from 5 am to 6 am from June 22. He said entry would be prohibited beyond official hours for safety and crowd control. "The devotees will commence their pilgrimage on foot from the foothills, as vehicular movement will be restricted after a certain point. City traffic police has also planned specific routes to manage traffic," the commissioner added. He said security arrangements for this year's congregation have been strengthened compared to previous years. This is in view of the significant rise in the number of devotees, particularly over the last two years, when attendance crossed 22 to 24 lakh. "Every year, we see large groups of pilgrims arriving in clusters, often leading to chaos that inconveniences locals and others in the area. This time, we will ensure that such disruptions are avoided and the spiritual atmosphere of the Mahayog remains undisturbed," he added. For the four-day-long event, the gates of the sanctum santorum will be closed from 2.56 pm on June 22 to the morning hours of June 26. Mahanta added that no VVIP passes will be issued during the event, and for two days after the conclusion.
India Gazette
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Assamese short film 'Ansuni Chinkhe' receives warm reception at Cannes Marche du Film screening
Guwahati (Assam) [India], May 28 (ANI): 'Ansuni Chinkhe' (Unheard Whispers), a socially charged Assamese short film directed by Partha Sarathi Mahanta, Commissioner of Police, Guwahati, has made a significant mark on the global stage following its recent online screening at the prestigious Marche du Film, the business counterpart of the Cannes Film Festival. A deeply thought-provoking film with a powerful message, 'Ansuni Chinkhe' was showcased to an international audience of film professionals, critics, and distributors during the Marche du Film's online screening segment. Viewers and professionals praised the film for its artistic execution and the depth with which it handled socially pressing issues, particularly those affecting women and marginalised voices. Narrated by National Award-winning actress Seema Biswas, the film portrays the challenging yet powerful story of a young girl in India, shedding light on the obstacles she faces from birth through adulthood. The short film explores the inherent contradictions in Indian society, where women are revered as goddesses on one hand, yet subjected to brutal discrimination and violence on the other. Mahanta said the story begins even before birth, spotlighting the grim reality of female feticide. 'If a girl child survives and is born, she is often pushed into child marriage, her agency stripped away before she even reaches adolescence. Once married, her identity is dissolved into that of her husband's, whom she is expected to worship as her supreme deity. The physical, emotional, and psychological trauma that follows is heartbreakingly common, yet rarely acknowledged. However, Ansuni Chinkhe is not merely a narrative of suffering. The film not only depicts adversity but also aims to inspire change, serving as a cinematic expression of resistance and empowerment,' Mahanta said. He further said that the woman in the story reclaims her identity as Shakti--the divine embodiment of feminine power--and declares that silence is no longer an option. 'Her unheard whispers rise into a roar as she breaks the chains of oppression and asserts her rightful place in society,' he said. Ansuni Chinkhe's powerful message is magnified by the unique lens of Mahanta- a visionary storyteller who serves as the Chief of Assam Police's Special Task Force. As a law enforcement official with a deep understanding of the societal structures that perpetuate gender injustice, Mahanta brings a rare combination of empathy, authenticity, and insight to the film. Mahanta, who has previously been known for his contributions to public safety and policy reform, ventured into filmmaking as an extension of his commitment to social justice. With Ansuni Chinkhe, he channels his experiences on the front lines of crime and society into an evocative cinematic narrative that bridges art and activism. 'The film is a tribute to the countless women whose voices have been stifled for generations,' Mahanta said. Through 'Ansuni Chinkhe,' the makers aim to spark conversations, break silences, and contribute to a movement in which every woman reclaims her rightful place in society. Prior to its Cannes debut, Ansuni Chinkhe had already garnered critical acclaim on the national festival circuit. The film was honoured at the 17th Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF) 2025, where it won - Best Director: Dr. Partha Sarathi Mahanta, Best Actress: Seema Biswas. These awards were earned in a highly competitive edition of the festival, which received around 2,408 film entries from 88 countries, reinforcing the film's creative excellence and international relevance. The film's inclusion in the Marche du Film represents a noteworthy achievement for the team behind it and contributes to the growing global presence of Assamese-language cinema. At a time when regional Indian films are steadily gaining global attention, Ansuni Chinkhe stands out as a beacon of how storytelling rooted in local culture and language can have a universal impact. Mina Mahanta and Indrani Baruah, both passionate advocates for social storytelling, produced the film. Their collaboration with Mahanta has resulted in a cinematic piece that is as aesthetically rich as it is socially significant. In a world grappling with gender inequality and systemic violence against women, 'Ansuni Chinkhe' serves as both a mirror and a megaphone. It reflects the lived experiences of millions of women and amplifies the urgent need for cultural and legislative change. Through art, it dares to provoke, educate, and inspire. Following its screening at Cannes, the filmmakers are in discussions for wider digital distribution to ensure that 'Ansuni Chinkhe' reaches broader audiences both in India and abroad. The film team also plans to screen it in academic institutions, gender forums, and film societies to continue the important conversations it sparks. (ANI)
