Assam: Film Appreciation on Cinemas (1990 to 2000) of Jahnu Barua released

After the release of the extremely well-received first book on the works of the renowned filmmaker of Assam, Jahnu Barua, Dr Juhi P Pathak now brings forth the second book of the trilogy – ‘Film Appreciation on Cinemas (1990 to 2000) of Jahnu Barua: Women, children, political and psychological perspectives’.

The book was released on November 29 on the occasion of the second foundation day of Altruist Centre for Research, Training, and Development (ACRTD), a research and skill development wing of Capt. Ayush Purusartha Foundation (CAPF).

Jahnu Barua is an Indian filmmaker of international repute. The research project considers 12 Assamese feature films of Jahnu Barua and excludes the Hindi Language feature films and other short films to which he contributed in a span of 32 years.

The entire research was conducted under a project of ACRTD. The Research Project made way for mammoth data that has been divided into three books. This book is the second in the trilogy.

“I am immensely pleased that the next volume of Dr. Juhi Pathak’s book on the comprehensive analysis on my films is being brought out. I congratulate her for the success on the endeavor and I am sure, the readers would find this volume as interesting and inspiring as the first one…”, quoted Shri Jahnu Barua on the release of the second volume of his works.

“It always makes a filmmaker happy when people discuss or write about film appreciation. I appreciate Dr. Juhi P. Pathak's work in bringing out… a comprehensive analysis on my films. This book will also be a handbook for film students to understand how to appreciate films from multiple dimensions not only from the perspective of cinema but also the rubrics of politics, economics, culture, and society apart from others that Dr. Juhi has tried to highlight through her exhaustive work… This book will go a long way in celebrating the rich customs and diverse culture of Assam.”, writes Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan Shri Jahnu Barua, Winner of 12 National Awards, in the Introduction of the Book.

In appreciation of her work, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of the State of Assam writes in a message for the book, “I am certain your love for your work and field of interests would act as a source of inspiration for the youths of the state. I take this opportunity to congratulate you for the first volume of your book on the works of National award-winning filmmaker Shri Jahnu Barua. I am certain the upcoming second volume on works of Shri Jahnu Barua would also make an interesting read and be well-received by all.”

"Everybody talks of Jahnu’s work – his cinema and the accolades he has received over the years. In fact, this book is about that!” is the introductory line by Arunaraje Patil, winner of five National Awards.

“I would like to congratulate Dr. Juhi P. Pathak for bringing out this book on the works of master filmmaker Jahnu Barua ji… This book by Dr. Juhi P. Pathak on Jahnu Barua ji is a timely and wonderful piece of work on a living legend,” reflected in a message from D.J. Narain, DG, Press Information Bureau, I&B Ministry.

“I want to congratulate Dr. Juhi P. Pathak for bringing out this wonderful series of books that deep dives into Jahnu Barua’s films. I convey my best wishes to Dr. Juhi… and hope that her sincere work becomes a huge success,” was a message from Dr. Samujjal Bhattacharjya, Chief Advisor, All Assam Students’ Union (AASU).

“I believe that doing what you are passionate about highlighting an important aspect of our State of Assam, is itself an act of patriotism. Dr. Pathak’s work is indeed reflecting her immense love towards her state and congratulate her for her endeavour which will surely go a long way in preserving and documenting the works of Shri Jahnu Barua,” said Bishnu Kharghoria, a national award winner for Hkhagoroloi Bohu Door.

“I congratulate Dr. Juhi P.  Pathak for her untiring effort in documentation of the work of the maestro Sri Jahnu Barua. The book series titled “Film Appreciation on Cinemas of Jahnu Barua” in three volumes will be a masterpiece and will contribute to a great extent in film literature as well as carry a valuable message to the young generation.” said Malaya Goswami, National Award Winner for Firingoti.

“I wish Dr Juhi P Pathak all the best in bringing out this series on the works of Jahnu Barua. I am sure it will help all cinema enthusiasts and students, “said veteran actress Mridula Baruah. Baruah has worked with the ace filmmaker in the film Bonami.

“Papori and Aparoopa– the two Assamese films with the veteran filmmaker Jahnu Batua in the 1980s were learning lessons for me as an actor, and also sowed the seeds of my becoming a filmmaker. The book series is a very vital and significant documentation of filmmaker Jahnu Baruah,” said veteran actor and director Gopi Desai.

In a message, popular Assamese actor Kopil Bora said, “I take this opportunity to compliment Dr Juhi P Pathak on taking this important initiative to bring out this book on the life and works of Jahnu Barua. The book would be of immense value in the world of cinema”.

The expected outcome of this book is to document and preserve Assamese culture but also help to understand the various facets of Assamese society in detail.

The book has brought out the macro-environmental factors like the representation of social, economic, political, and cultural aspects of Assamese society.

The objective of this book is to generate content on social and economic disparity and discrimination which will become a guiding tool for the policymakers to set the roadmap for change.

While films are a reflection of society, this attempt to document the message in Jahnu Barua’s films, which are largely focused on issues of human interest, will act as a ready reckoner for anybody who would aspire to delve into the intricacies of Assamese society, its people and culture.

The research will bring into focus the social, economic, political, cultural, and psychological dimensions and crucial issues related to it. It will help society at large understand the problems in a systematic way.

It will also preserve the Assamese culture for future generations. The research will be a curation of the work of the man Jahnu Barua and his message.

Dr Juhi P Pathak has received various Awards, Honours of Recognition, and Letters of Appreciation from eminent government bodies, research institutions both at national and international levels. She also received a Letter of Appreciation for her research-based books on the works of Shri Jahnu Barua from the Chief Minister of Assam, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and National Award-winning actors from North East India.

She has also received various awards and certificates of merit from various educational institutions for her academic excellence including the very prestigious ‘Anundoram Borooah Award’ awarded by the State Government of Assam and received multiple appreciations from National and International organizations including recognition from Former State Consultant of Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR) for contribution in the area of human rights and especially, Child Rights.

She has received the title of ‘Adamya: The Unconquerable’ by a reputed College under University of Mumbai, in March 2022. Dr Pathak has been conferred the 6th Edition Dr. Sarojini Naidu International Award for Working Women 2022. She received it in her capacity as an Educationist and her award had the citation that it was conferred “for the sincere contribution to the growth of the country” in October 2022.

This is the author’s fifth book after the success of 'Introduction to ‘Media Laws and Ethics' (1st Ed 2014, 2nd Ed 2017), 'Television Advertising Ethics and Human Rights' (1st Ed 2018), a co-authored third book co-authored book ‘Contemporary Media Discourses: Trends, Issues and Prospects’ (1st Ed 2021) along with the ‘Film Appreciation on Cinemas (1980 to 1990) of Jahnu Barua: Social, Economic, Political and Cultural Perspectives’ (1st Ed 2021).