The adage “the camera never lies” takes on a powerful meaning in the context of photojournalism. Capturing truth through the lens is a demanding responsibility, especially amidst social unrest. “Wide Angle,” an Assamese film based on the short story “Staff Photographeror Chobi” by Dr. Nagen Saikia delves into this very essence. Adapted for the modern audience, the film delves into the life of a photojournalist during the tumultuous Assam Movement of 1983.
Directed by the renowned music director Jayanta Nath, “Wide Angle” goes beyond the news headlines. It portrays the personal and ethical dilemmas faced by Dilip Bhagawati, an honest and dedicated photojournalist. As a pillar of press photography, Bhagawati grapples with professional pressures and the everyday struggles of a middle-class family man. His integrity is tested when faced with a moral dilemma at work, forcing him to choose between his conscience and the demands of his superiors.
The film weaves a human narrative amidst the backdrop of the historical movement. Bhagawati’s life takes a turn when a student leader, hunted by the police, seeks refuge with his family. This unexpected bond highlights the sacrifices made by ordinary citizens during the movement’s peak.
“Wide Angle” sheds light on a period that continues to resonate after 45 years. While the Assam Movement has been documented, the film promises a fresh perspective, particularly for the younger generation. It delves into the movement’s impact on individuals, exploring the psychological and social transformations it brought about.
This film marks a significant step forward for Assamese cinema. It tackles a relevant theme that has been under-represented in mainstream narratives. The anticipation is high to see how director Jayanta Nath portrays this sensitive story and how versatile actor Tapan Das embodies the protagonist’s unwavering spirit.
Besides Tapan Das, the cast of ‘Wide Angle’ includes Aparna Dutta Choudhury, Pabitra Baruah, Jolly Laskar, Dipankar Roy, Dhyani Mohan, Zubeen Garg, Geetawali Rajkumari, and Rajiv Goswami. Each actor brings their own unique talent to the film, and their performances help to bring the story of Assam’s turbulent time to life.
“Wide Angle” boasts a talented team. Pankajyoti Bhuyan’s script caters to modern sensibilities, while Suman Dowerah’s cinematography promises a visually immersive experience. Debojit Dutta’s editing hand, along with the contributions from artists, musicians, and technicians like Juri Rani Nath, Jayanta Nath (Music), Mrigen Borkotoky (Lyrics), Bichitra Bora & Manash Borthakur (Art Direction), Biswa Saikia (Makeup), Shubhayan Chandra (VFX), Sujit Karmakar (DI Colour), and Pallav Mahanta (Still Photography), ensure a well-crafted cinematic experience.
The film’s music, including the already popular songs “Joi Aai Axom” and “Purbobharoti,” adds another layer to the narrative, creating a sense of hope and resilience.
“Wide Angle” is poised to be a captivating exploration of a defining period in Assamese history, seen through the lens of a man who documented it all.