GUWAHATI: Juiphool, produced and directed by acclaimed Assamese filmmaker Jadumoni Dutta, has won the Rajat Kamal for Best Assamese Film at the 72nd National Film Awards, 2024, announced on Saturday, July 18.
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The film was recognised for its poignant portrayal of human relationships set against the backdrop of the conflict-ridden Assam–Nagaland border, bringing national recognition to Assamese cinema.
Juiphool tells the story of two mothers living in the border village of Naragaon, where prolonged tensions have transformed everyday life, forcing residents to remain vigilant through the night and rest during the day. The narrative follows Lakhimi, a pregnant Assamese widow, who forms a secret bond with Rengma, a Naga woman traumatised by repeated miscarriages.
As their friendship deepens, suspicion grows among the villagers, who begin plotting to expose Lakhimi's relationship. Running parallel to the main story is the Assamese folk tale Tula Aru Teja, narrated through Gita and her mother, themselves victims of violent border conflicts, adding another emotional layer to the film's exploration of identity, motherhood and humanity amid violence.
Jadumoni Dutta is a noted filmmaker, theatre personality and award-winning actor from Assam. His body of work includes films such as Agnisakshi, Paani and Jetuka Pator Dare. He previously received a National Award for CSR and Sustainability for the television series Kuwoli and has served as a jury member at several prestigious film festivals, including as a nominated member from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune.
The winners of the 72nd National Film Awards were announced during a press briefing at the National Media Centre in New Delhi on Saturday, recognising excellence across India's film industries.
Article 370 emerged as the Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam won the Best Actress award for her performance in the film. The Best Actor award was shared by Kartik Aaryan for Chandu Champion and Mammootty for Bramayugam.
Randeep Hooda received the Best Debut Director award for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar. Other films recognised this year included Kalki 2898 AD, Amaran, Pushpa: The Rule, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Stree 2, among others.