Reviews

As the name suggests, this Assamese film titled "Emuthi Puthi" is like a handful of emotions, with right puns and raw imaginations of some adventurous mind. The mythical elements of Assamese folklore, the dialect, the heterogeneity of culture and their flow, or the minimal romanticism of life beautifully filtered the purpose and endeavour of two polar opposite generation and everything inbetween. In one moment you seem to forget who you're with a hope of feeding on the devine 'puthi' symbolic of afterlife, and in another, the reality check of life was portrayed through the dynamic and ambitious YA character. Special appearances could have been highlighted with more depth of character, yet they served the purpose whenever they appeared. The fall of the climax was never anticipated yet happened, leading to a crisp end without suger coating much. For anyone who's willing to give up or seeking a purpose, should definitely watch this film at least once. Lastly, Amuthi Puthi also remarked the thin line which was almost wiped out, between storytelling and scriptwriting in regional cinema.

"Guwahati Diaries" is a contemporary Assamese film portraying ambitious life of Guwahatians. The film open up with stop motion like fast-paced shoot of glorious Guwahati city, and takes us on a journey of unexpected realisation of modern city life. Although the characters and affairs of the film are influenced by modernity, but somehow it lacked the depth while narrating the scene. The character of the musician played by Arghadeep Baruah, was seen striving for success, forgiveness and a personal identity. Likewise, the former stage-actor played by Urmila Mahanta, the housewife played by Barsha Rani Bishaya, and the corporate victim played by Naaz Sultana, somehow connected through thoughts and struggle of a male chauvinism. Stargazing the idea of a dream city and perspectives of the characters are hyped in few scenes, which left a grey spot in this vibrant display of lust, hope and ambition. Throughout the film, the character of Udy, played by Udayan Duarah kept igniting the flame of a common man with big goals, in a city like Guwahati. Wheres character of Ravi is crucial to understand the metamorphic human mind, that tends to seek ego in a relationship. This Assamese film could be differentiated from the rest with its culmination point, which seemed to start before interval. Guwahati Diaries attempted for an optimistic climax, with the rising suspense of societal dilemma and falling action of union and forgiveness between the characters. The film has also overexposed the usage of alcohol and/or cigarette, which reflects the dark side of mental agony or pressure. The symbolism of diaries is somehow brought up cleverly by the filmmaker, which makes it worth the watch.

Trigger Warnings for the film: Alcohol/Cigarette consumption, Suicidal, Domestic Violence, Inappropriate for children aged 13 or below.