Exploring Grief and Memory in Assamese Film 'Taarikh'

A Reflection on Tragedy

Guwahati, July 25: The haunting memories of the serial bomb blasts that struck Assam on October 30, 2008, linger on, leaving deep emotional scars. Filmmaker Himjyoti Talukdar has drawn inspiration from these events for his new Assamese feature film, ‘Taarikh’.

This tragic day in Assam's history resulted in the loss of nearly 100 lives, with Guwahati being the most affected area. While many have moved forward, Himjyoti has chosen to delve into the sorrow and trauma that remain, aiming to depict the unvoiced human anguish rather than engage in political discourse.

“I was in New Delhi when the blasts occurred, but every visit home, especially during anniversaries or passing through Ganeshguri, would bring back those memories,” Himjyoti shared. “I could feel the pain etched on the faces of those who had lost loved ones. Life may continue, but for those families, the grief is everlasting. ‘Taarikh’ captures that silent suffering.”

The narrative centers around Durlov Dutta, a retired man in his 70s who tragically loses his only son in the blasts. Veteran actor Arun Nath portrays Durlov, a unique protagonist who remains silent throughout the film, not due to a speech impairment but because of his overwhelming grief.

“His silence is not a condition; it’s a manifestation of his sorrow,” Himjyoti explained. “Creating a character whose silence speaks volumes was a significant challenge for me.” Although Durlov's character is fictional, it embodies the quiet pain many individuals endure.

‘Taarikh’ marks Himjyoti’s return to directing after a seven-year hiatus following the success of his debut film ‘Calendar’ in 2018. This new project takes a more somber approach, focusing less on plot twists and more on the emotional depths of memory and mourning.

“This narrative is both personal and universal, addressing themes of time, loss, love, and memory—subjects often overlooked in our fast-paced lives. I waited years to direct again because I wanted to share a story that genuinely moved me,” he stated.

Produced by Arundhati Sarmah Baruah and Muktismaan Hazarika, with co-producers Angshuman Saikia, Jyotirmoyee Shree, and Trinayan Bora, the film is set to hit theaters on August 22. Prior to its release, ‘Taarikh’ has already gained recognition at various film festivals, including the 17th Habitat Film Festival in New Delhi and the 23rd Pune International Film Festival.

The official trailer was unveiled at an event in Guwahati on Wednesday.

During the event, Arun Nath commended the director’s sensitive storytelling. “Collaborating with Himjyoti reminded me of Bhabendra Nath Saikia. He possesses a quiet brilliance in his approach to storytelling. It was a rewarding experience,” he remarked.

In addition to Nath, the film features performances by Boloram Das, Swagata Bharali, Kula Kuldip, Jayanta Das, Sanjib Sarma, and Subhranil Bora.

The technical team includes Aniruddha Barua as the director of photography, Uddipta Kumar Bhattacharyya as the editor, Rani Dutta Baruah for costume design, Debajit Gayan for sound design and mixing, and music by Tarali Sarma, with the script co-written by Himjyoti Talukdar, Ankur Deka, and Adhiraj Kashyap.

‘Taarikh’ carries a poignant note as it is believed to feature the last screen appearance of the esteemed music composer Ramen Baruah, who went missing in July 2024.

“Ramen da had a cameo in ‘Taarikh’. We filmed his segment just months before his disappearance,” Himjyoti shared. “We have included a tribute in the film to honor his legacy. Deep down, we still hope for his return.”

Through ‘Taarikh’, Himjyoti Talukdar brings to light the stories we often forget, offering a heartfelt meditation on time, memory, and the silences we endure.