Assamese Director’s Debut Film ‘Kok Kok Kookkook’ Set to Premiere at Busan International Film Festival

Assamese filmmaker Maharshi Tuhin Kashyap has made a significant entry into the global cinematic arena with his debut feature film ‘Kok Kok Kookkook’, which has been selected for the 30th edition of the Busan International Film Festival in South Korea under the Vision Asia section. This selection highlights both the growing prominence of contemporary Assamese cinema and Kashyap’s unique storytelling approach that blends magic realism with social commentary. Produced by the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata, the film represents a culmination of Kashyap’s cinematic training and artistic vision.

‘Kok Kok Kookkook’ is described as a magic realist horror drama, a genre that allows Kashyap to explore both psychological depth and social realities. The narrative focuses on the lives of migrants in an urban environment, depicting their struggles for identity, dignity, and recognition against the backdrop of a gritty yet visually captivating cityscape. Through this framework, the film delves into the emotional, social, and existential challenges faced by marginalized populations while also emphasizing the tension between tradition and modernity.

Kashyap, previously recognized as a short filmmaker, has become known for his distinctive use of magic realism and poetic imagination, blending surreal narrative techniques with grounded social issues. In this debut feature, he brings forward a story that is both deeply personal and universally resonant, drawing on his own experiences in Guwahati, Assam. The film reflects his engagement with the cultural, social, and political landscapes of his hometown while addressing broader questions of identity, belonging, and human resilience.

In interviews, Kashyap dedicated the film to the people of Assam, noting their historic celebration of diversity, and expressed concern about changing societal attitudes: “This film is dedicated to the people of Assam, who once celebrated diversity without hesitation. I fear times and minds are changing.” He also hoped that the film would serve as a “testament of my existence, and of those who fight for identity every day,” signaling his commitment to socially engaged storytelling.

The development of the film was part of Kashyap’s final dissertation project at SRFTI, undertaken under the mentorship of filmmaker Dominic Sangma. This mentorship provided guidance and critical feedback, allowing Kashyap to refine his cinematic vision and strengthen the thematic depth of the story. His previous short films have already gained international acclaim, with screenings at various global festivals and the receipt of multiple awards, establishing him as a promising voice in the independent cinema landscape.

The world premiere of ‘Kok Kok Kookkook’ at Busan represents a significant milestone, not only for Kashyap personally but also for Assamese cinema as a whole. It demonstrates the increasing global recognition of regional Indian films and highlights the potential of Assamese filmmakers to engage with international audiences. The selection under the Vision Asia section of the festival underscores the film’s thematic relevance, narrative innovation, and cross-cultural appeal.

The film’s entry into Busan also marks a symbolic moment for contemporary Assamese cinema, reflecting its growth, experimentation, and increasing engagement with global cinematic discourses. Kashyap’s work exemplifies a new wave of Assamese filmmakers who are using regional stories to explore universal human experiences, employing innovative narrative strategies and stylistic approaches that resonate with audiences beyond India.

Overall, ‘Kok Kok Kookkook’ combines Kashyap’s poetic imagination, a deep engagement with social realities, and a sophisticated cinematic style to produce a feature film that is at once personal, socially resonant, and globally significant. Its recognition at the Busan International Film Festival sets a precedent for Assamese cinema and promises further opportunities for regional filmmakers to gain international visibility, thereby contributing to a richer, more diverse global cinematic landscape.

This milestone positions Maharshi Tuhin Kashyap as a key emerging filmmaker from Assam, one whose work not only honors local culture and issues but also addresses universal human concerns through a distinctive artistic lens, promising a bright future for both the director and the region’s film industry.