A still from Joonda Emaan Goonda

Guwahati, Aug. 24: When the film Joonda Emaan Goonda hits the screen on September 7, it will mark the introduction of a concept that is expected to change the fortunes of the Assamese film industry.

For the first time, Assamese filmdom is embracing digital technology that will enable distributors to release films in 18 halls across the state without having to send conventional prints.

A few cinema halls are already using digital technology to screen Hindi films, but Joonda Emaan Goonda will be the first Assamese film to be released in this manner.

A Mumbai-based company, UFO Moviez, has introduced the technology across India. The company converts films into digital format and sends it to theatres through satellite. The film is downloaded via a V-Sat device and screened with a digital projector.

The digital format produces better picture quality and sound than conventional prints.

“This new technology not only gives viewers more value for money but also helps us cut costs. The release of Joonda Emaan Goonda could be the beginning of the end for conventional cinema technology,” the producer of the film, Pranjal Kumar Bharali, said.

UFO Moviez invests around Rs 15 lakh on equipment for each theatre that chooses to go digital. The theatre owner is required to deposit Rs 2 lakh with the company and pay a nominal amount to the company for every show.

Since each conventional print costs a minimum of Rs 60,000, producers save that amount when they adopt UFO Moviez’s digital technology. “Making even 10 prints is a huge burden on the producer. The new system is, therefore, a big money-saver. The only investment that theatres have to make is on a receiver station.

According to industry estimates, all theatres that have gone digital will start breaking even in around two years’ time.

Assam’s film industry — from producers and directors to theatre owners — has long been in a financial muddle. Several theatres have shut down after incurring huge losses. Industry watchers believe Joonda Emaan Goonda, to be released simultaneously in four halls in Guwahati and most towns of the state, will be the turning point.

Directed by Chandra Mudoi, whose Suren Churor Putek was a blockbuster, Joonda Emaan Goonda has veteran Abdul Majid, Angoorlata and Vikram Rajkhowa in the main roles.

The film is also “Voice of India” Debojit Saha’s playback debut in Assamese cinema.