Despite positive reviews and high ratings, 'ID' - Film on NRC Plight getting flat response in Silchar, Gold cancelling screenings

A few years ago, many residents of Assam faced significant challenges in their quest to get enrolled in the National Registrar of Citizens. Those without proper identity proof encountered more difficulties than others. Recently, filmmaker Deepak Das directed, wrote, and produced a film depicting the struggles of these individuals. The film, which took two years to complete, focuses on the importance of having proper documentation.

The narrative revolves around Rimpy, one of the 19 lakh-plus people in Assam considered defaulters in the 2019 NRC Final Draft. Facing the threat of arrest, Rimpy flees, but her challenges persist. Six months later, she encounters another complex situation. The film, presented in Bengali, received a commendable 9.7 rating on BookMyShow, with viewers appreciating the story, direction, and the film’s initiative.

Despite positive reviews, some expressed concerns about the Bengali language used in the film. In Silchar, the film received a modest response, falling short of the director’s expectations. According to Gold Cinema representatives, the turnout from Silchar was limited, and as per the Director’s statement, several screenings were canceled due to low audience interest.

Interestingly, the director noted that the film found more resonance within the Assamese community than among Bengalis, despite portraying the citizenship crisis faced by Bengalis. The discrepancy between positive reviews and ticket sales in Silchar prompted the director to emphasize the need for action beyond verbal discussions on the issue.

When questioned about potential backlash for addressing this controversial topic in Bengali, the director asserted that he faced no direct criticism. He highlighted the role of the censor board in approving films, stating that once cleared by the board, he had no reason to fear objections from any other entity.

The director clarified that the film presents both negative and positive aspects of the NRC issue in a neutral manner. He hopes more people would watch the film and understand the message.

A film possesses the enchanting ability to transcend the bounds of possibility, serving as a portal to realms of imagination and diverse realities. Movies are like magic; they can take us to amazing places and show us different lives. A film can make us dream of faraway lands, but it can also make us understand the difficulties people face. It has the power to inspire us to be better. When many people see a good movie, it can even change the outlook of the world about various things. Films are like windows to new possibilities, opening our eyes to various issues and making us think.

The film, titled “ID,” is currently screening at Gold Cinema in Silchar, with tickets available through both the theaters and the BookMyShow platform. The cast includes Bhranthi Medhi, Bhabesh Das, Pakija Begum, Archana Das, Sankar Kalita, Pratyush Baruah, Swapnaneel Hazarika, and Debojit Paul. Saikat Dev composed the music, and Gyan Gautam handled cinematography.