File picture of late Bhabendranath Saikia inspecting an exhibition of rare photographs at Lalit Kala Bhavan, Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra, in the city

April 22: Bhabendra Nath Saikia’s short story Joutuk will be captured on the celluloid.

Noted film director Munin Baruah announced this at a press conference in the city today. Saikia, the doyen of modern Assamese cinema and literature, passed away on August 14 last year.

“In 1986, when mobile theatre group Abahan staged a play based on this story named Dinabondhu, it received a huge public response all over the state. So we hope that our proposed venture will also be appreciated by the film-lovers,” Munin Baruah said.

The proposed film will be produced by Krishna Roy while the music score will be done by popular singer Zubeen Garg.

Garg has promised not to take any remuneration for the project as a mark of respect to the cultural icon.

The movie will have a couple of songs, composed by Saikia. The shooting of the film will start from May 1 against a rural backdrop at Pathsala in Barpeta district.

The lead role of Dinabondhu will be played by popular actor Tapan Das and the role of Dinabondhu’s wife will be played by Prastuti Parashar. Nishita Goswami and Gayatri Mahanta will also be seen in the film.

Tapan Das said he was very excited about his role because he thinks that the character holds relevance in today’s Assamese society. Das will be playing a double role in the film, both of father and son.

Munin Baruah has directed 11 films, including blockbusters like Hiya Diya Niya, Daag and Barood.

Priti Saikia, widow of Bhabendra Nath Saikia, said if made well, the film could earn international acclaim.