Guwahati: A weeklong successful run for a critically-acclaimed Assamese film Rainbow Fields or Xhoixobote Dhemalite in Calcutta's Nandan has revealed a stark comparison between audiences' resp-onses in Calcutta and Assam.

In Assam, the film opened to a tepid response though the film's story is set and based upon an episode in the state's political history that still evokes sharp questions.

Rainbow Fields, despite generating critical response and having received multiple accolades in the domestic and international film circuits, failed miserably in terms of audience acceptance or attendance from Assamese cine-goers. The film had a plot that drew parallels with the Nellie massacre and the Assam Agitation.

"The film was released in our theatres on Friday. In the first week it was doing quite well in terms of audience attendance. Though there was only one show the audience turnout was good," said Mahua Banerjee, the chief executive officer of Nandan.

Despite being the first Assamese film to have a commercial release in the US, the film was released somewhere around mid-January across Assam.

It ran barely for a week, with the film being out of theatres in a matter of five days even with a prime time slot being allotted, compared to a noon show in Nandan.

Though it is expected that audience turnout would be low, Nandan has extended a second week for Rainbow Fields.

"I am thrilled that Calcutta and its audience has not only packed the hall at Nandan but also extended the screening of the film. The film was released with absolutely no publicity at all. The film releases in Bangalore next week and I hope it gets the same response as it did in Calcutta," said Bidyut Kotoky.

During its less-than-a-week stint in Assamese theatre halls, the film was even unable to cover its print and publicity in spite of its poignant message about the effect of violence inflicted upon children in the name of sub-nationalism or jatiyodabadi.

"It is quite sad that a good film like this doesn't get audience acceptance in the very land where the story is based. It is baffling to understand what people in Assam would like to see," said Assamese actor Nipon Goswami.