Assam: After a seven-year hiatus, acclaimed filmmaker and Padma Bhushan awardee Jahnu Barua is making a comeback with his latest Assamese film, Heruwa Chanda (Lost Rhythm), scheduled for a theatrical release on January 2, 2026. Known for his socially conscious storytelling, Barua aims to engage the younger generation with a narrative that addresses contemporary societal challenges. Announcing the release in Jorhat, he visited an educational institute alongside members of the cast and technical crew to interact with students and explain the themes of the film. This outreach program sparked considerable enthusiasm, with students actively participating in discussions and showing keen interest in the subject matter.
A Film with Social Responsibility at Its Core
Speaking on the occasion, Jahnu Barua emphasized the social purpose behind the film. “I have made a film after many years. The film is based on the young generation, and I have made it keeping my social responsibility as a filmmaker in mind, so that I can contribute something to society,” he said. Reflecting on the challenges faced by contemporary youth, he added, “Society has declined in the present times, and the young generation has suffered a lot from it. Various questions arise in their minds, and they often fail to find answers. Through Heruwa Chanda, they may be able to find them.” Barua further explained that the film explores the metaphor of life’s rhythms: “When the rhythms of life are in sync, life appears beautiful. But when they go out of sync, various problems arise. Those problems will get an opportunity to be analysed through this film.”
Exploring Themes Through a Stellar Cast
The film features an ensemble cast including Joy Kashyap, Amrita Gogoi, Mayukh Sharma, Audrey Hatibarua, Sukanya Rajguru, and others. Actor Joy Kashyap, who plays a pivotal role, described working with Barua as a learning experience. “Jahnu Barua’s films always carry facets of social responsibility. This is my second film with him after Bhoga Khirikee. The title Heruwa Chanda means ‘lost rhythm’, and like his earlier films, this one too carries a strong social message,” he said. He expressed hope that audiences would respond positively to the film, reflecting on his previous success in Roi Roi Binale and sharing appreciation for co-actors, particularly Amrita Gogoi and musician Zubeen da, whom he called a blessing in his life.
Technical Excellence and Audience Engagement
The film’s technical crew includes Sumon Duwerah as cinematographer, Amrit Pritam in sound design, and Debajit Changmai handling sound mixing, ensuring a high-quality cinematic experience. During the outreach program, students were visibly engaged, asking questions about the film’s theme and its social relevance. With its January 2 release, Heruwa Chanda is expected to resonate strongly with viewers, particularly the youth, by highlighting the struggles of contemporary society while offering a narrative of introspection and understanding. Barua’s return to Assamese cinema with a socially driven story has created anticipation, reflecting his continued commitment to meaningful storytelling and the cultural fabric of Assam.
