Tripura, 5 Dec 2025: A significant move toward strengthening Indigenous-language cinema in the Northeast was announced today at a press meet held at the Don Bosco School – Peace Centre in Agartala. The North East India Film and Distribution Company (NEIFDC) formally introduced the Kokborok-dubbed version of the acclaimed Bodo feature film KHANGKRAI, marking the first time a Bodo-language film has been professionally adapted into Kokborok.
Addressing the media, NEIFDC officials described the project as a “historic cultural bridge” connecting the Bodo and Tiprasa communities. They said the initiative is aimed not only at expanding cinematic reach but also at nurturing a collaborative creative environment across Northeast India.
A First in Indigenous Cinema
Directed by Sunswrang Khakhlary and produced by Dilip Kumar Boro, KHANGKRAI has been adapted into Kokborok with a new voice cast comprising some of Tripura’s leading Tiprasa artists. The team noted that extensive effort went into ensuring that the film retains its emotional depth while becoming culturally relatable to Kokborok-speaking audiences.
The adaptation is being viewed as a milestone for Kokborok cinema, which has long demanded more professionally produced content and stronger representation in mainstream film circuits.
Celebrating Local Talent
The Kokborok version features vocal performances by prominent Tiprasa artists including Da Shankar (Shankar Jamatia), Rumi Murasing, Manoj Debbarma, Aditya Debbarma, Ruma Debbarma, Kwlwngsmaiti Reang, Kaushik Murasing, Bina Debbarma, Santa Debbarma, and Bir Chandra Debbarma, among others. NEIFDC highlighted the involvement of young creatives as a sign of growing confidence within the region’s artistic community.
Officials said the collaboration showcases the diversity of Indigenous talent and demonstrates how multilingual filmmaking can offer new platforms for regional artists.
Cultural and Economic Significance
NEIFDC representatives emphasised that the project is part of a long-term strategy to build a sustainable film ecosystem in the Northeast. They said multilingual ventures like KHANGKRAI can help expand the market for regional films, attract investment, and create stable employment opportunities for filmmakers, voice actors, and technical workers.
The initiative is also expected to inspire more cross-community artistic partnerships, strengthen Kokborok’s visibility in cinema, and increase youth participation in the arts.
“Projects like this prove that Indigenous cinema can grow without compromising cultural identity,” an official remarked during the press interaction.
Broader Regional Impact
According to NEIFDC, the collaboration aims to encourage more multilingual film adaptations, widen the creative space available to Indigenous filmmakers, and build a more unified regional film economy. The organisation believes that such ventures can help the Northeast earn a stronger presence in the national cinematic landscape.
Trailer Launch Later Today
The Kokborok-dubbed trailer of KHANGKRAI will be officially launched at 3 PM at Aitorma, Agartala. NEIFDC expects the release to draw strong interest from both Kokborok and Bodo audiences, as well as from cultural organisations and film enthusiasts across the region.
