Guwahati, Oct. 5: Assamese film Aei Maatite, directed by former principal of Cotton University Sitanath Lahkar and based on witch-hunting in the state, is ready for commercial release in 31 cinemas across the state tomorrow. Lahkar also wrote the story, screenplay, dialogue and lyrics.

'The film is all set for release tomorrow. We are also planning to arrange special shows for people who have been affected by witch-hunting. We are trying to involve the district administration as it is a very sensitive issue,' assistant director Trideep Lahkar, son of the director, told The Telegraph.

Explaining the reason for making a film on such a sensitive issue, the director said: 'Witch-hunting, born out of superstition and all-round backwardness of people, gets the support of a small but powerful section of society with the help of sorcerers. It is an enemy of humanity and a stigma of civilisation and so it is a big challenge for us. Hundreds of people in Assam have lost their lives in the name of witch-hunting. It is the reason for choosing this issue as the subject of my first feature film, which hopefully will make people aware of the problem.'

Lahkar said: 'The massive response to three trailers and one teaser have boosted our morale. It is just overwhelming. It proves that people appreciate those stories which are real and can connect to them. Aei Maatite is a story of our own Assam. We hope that movie enthusiasts will appreciate our effort and come to the theatres to watch the filmAei Maatite .'

The movie, made under the banner of Angeekar Films, is an adaptation of Lahkar's famous stage play Tamasa on witch-hunting. It was shot in Joypur village, Rani, besides Guwahati, Dimoria, Panikhaiti, Mayong and Tezpur. Lahkar said the 'action-drama' film has some very critical scenes which were done with utmost care and precision.

The roles of some protagonists have been essayed by former inspector-general of police S.P. Kar and chief executive member of the Thengal Kachari Autonomous Council Kumud Kachari. AASU leader Lurinjyoti Gogoi, Absu leader Pramod Boro, SFI leader Nirangkush Nath and Satra Mukti leader Bittu Sonowal have also acted in the film.

'It has always been my endeavour to have newcomers in whatever projects I have carried out. Introducing fresh blood to any field enriches that particular segment in the long run. Aei Maatite is full of new faces; they are going to be valuable addition to Assamese cinema,' Lahkar added.

A Hyderabad-based NGO, Atmikha, said Aei Maatite was made in memory of its founder Narendra Dabholkar, who started a movement against superstitious acts like witch-hunting in Mumbai. That is why the film is being released tomorrow, Dabholkar's death anniversary.