Ahir Bhairav, the first Assamese film to be released this year, is refreshing in its unusual content and strong acting. Made by three-time National Award-winning director Shiva Prasad Thakur, it is also the first Assamese film to have been entirely shot in the UK. London-based Assamese physician Ranen Sarma produced the film.

Based on a short story by Pankaj Thakur, the film revolves around the lives of Prof. Ravik, his wife Manisha and daughter Nikita, both of whom suffers from schizophrenia. When Reuben, Nikita’s lover, comes to know about her ailment, he refuses to marry her but decides to stand by her.

The film is compact with no subplot to dilute the central theme. However, the scriptwriters — Bidyut Chakraborty and Pankaj Thakur — fail to make the character of Monisha convincing.

Chakraborty (as Ravik), has presented one of the most outstanding acting performances in the arena of Assamese cinema. Zerifa (as Nikita) and Purabi (as Monisha) were impressive. Mridula Barua (as Ravik’s elder sister) has re-affirmed her maturity.