In Conversation with Mirza Arif

“Astittwa” is the story of a common man’s struggle for his existence which is otherwise in trouble. “Astittwa” is directed by the debutant director Mirza Arif Hazarika. The release of the same is postponed due to the flood situation in Assam.

The Director had an exclusive interview where he seemed quite enthusiastic about his upcoming movie.

Q: When and how did you conceptualize “Astittwa”?

Astittwa was basically conceived in July 2017. Since then we are working on it. I have conceptualized it on Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s song, ‘Aami Oxomiya nohou dukhiya’. We all have been listening to this song since childhood, but as I said, ‘there’s always a right time.’ So, when I had actually gone into the depth of the song and analyzed it, this very concept emerged.

Q: From where did you get the inspiration for “Astittwa”?

Well, as I’ve already mentioned it, that I was inspired by Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s song. But again if I highlight another viewpoint then you can say Astittwa is a story about any common people. When you’ll see the characters, you’ll be able to compare them with the people around you. In fact, we all are just like the characters depicted in the movie. I’ve stayed in other parts of India and went abroad too; met a lot many people and it’s always a human nature to compare- the comparison between the people of that country and our native people, the lifestyle and so on. It makes us have an idea about how we are different from others, where are lacking behind and what we should do to develop ourselves. So, these things were in my mind since before. There are so many famous Assamese people living outside. They too have that wish to uplift Assam, take it forward and help the people living here. At times, we have discussions on these things that help us have an insight into the real picture as in, the problems that we are facing. There are some vague ideas that I had; everyone has some kind of idea of this sort, right?

Some, they express it, some do not (laughs). I’ll give you an instance; we do have to get together with our families or those small family meetings where we sit together and talk. Here, if you can relate, most of the time when the topic regarding our culture and traditions arise, we discuss it intensely. Similarly, in this movie, you’ll find the same thing and maybe find many similarities with our day-to-day discussions. These ideas and thoughts are inside you, inside me and everyone else but maybe remained unexpressed or ignored. When you’ll see the movie, you’ll be able to compare it with the song that I mentioned, ‘Aami Oxomiya nohou dukhiya,’ and understand today’s scenario. Bhupen Da has created this masterpiece so many years back and had shown us the future; that is why he is a legend. So you can say that the inspiration for this concept was my surroundings, the people around me, my mother, my brother, myself, or anyone else. It can also be the early morning newspaper.

Q: What is your view, if I ask how Astittwa will attract the public?

Actually, 50% of the answer is already given. People will be watching what they have been thinking and feeling. Certain wishes that are within us which never have been expressed or were brought into the light. So, the public will be seeing those inner voices of themselves portrayed on the silver screen. Of course, it is not possible to cover every corner of our emotion in a 90-120 minute movie, but we have focused on certain situations and played with them which everyone will be able to connect to their personal life. There are lots of things to be known and discussed. Hence, I can say that it portrays the feelings of each and every Assamese person and it is my belief that the people will be able to be ‘one’ with the movie.

Q: What are your future plans and projects?

Astittwa is my ‘debut’ movie. I’m working on this past 2 years. Yes, I’ve other concepts and ideas, too. But they aren’t materialized yet. I’ve been fully focused on this upcoming movie. Maybe after I come up with this, I’ll be able to tell you something regarding my other projects.

Q: It has been seen most of the time that the theatres are not able to give a convenient timing to the public to watch the Assamese/regional movies. So, do you think that the Government can take some initiative into this?

It is a big question for me. I don’t think I’m that expert in this field to comment on the matter. At present, there are so many legends in our industry. I’m no one in front of them. Maybe when I’ll make my identity in the industry, I’ll be able to understand these things better. I have been hearing this issue for long. But of course, I don’t know the reason behind it. I’ll have to analyze it before answering and I’m still a novice in the industry. This issue has been discussed by many of our distinguished people for a long time. But as far as I know, Film Policy is coming shortly and many more theatres are been planned. Just like the saying goes, ‘necessity is the mother of all inventions’, the same way we have identified the problems and along with the government, we came up with the solutions too. Hence, all the loopholes that we have been discussing are going to be solved and everything turns to be good. Moreover, the day isn’t far when the Assamese film industry will be at par with any other regional movie industry in our country. We have such gems in our industry who took our movies to the Oscars and brought National awards for the state. We have. Janu Da, Rima Baideo like eminent personalities with us. Hence, I think the Assamese film industry is in safe hands.

Q: Any message you would like to give?

In the end, I would like to say, remove all the negativities and let’s all be positive by making good and quality movies; our audience will eventually come because public needs entertainment as well as a message from our movies.