Tripura makes history at 31st Kolkata International Film Festival with dual feature film selection

In a landmark moment for Tripura’s cinematic journey, two full-length feature films from the northeastern state have been officially selected for screening at the 31st Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), marking a historic breakthrough for the region’s creative voices on the national stage.

Two Films, One State, One Festival

* On November 07, 2025 Nandan 2 will host the screening of "Porobashi", directed by Monet Roy Saha, under the Linguistic Diversity category.

* On November 08, 2025 "Khaani", directed by Ploto Debbarma, will be showcased at Prachi Cinema in the Unheard India: Rare Language Films section. A second screening is scheduled for November 09, 2025 at Rabindra Okakura Bhavan.

Both films are rooted in Tripura’s cultural and linguistic landscape, and both directors are native sons of the state, bringing authentic voices and stories to the silver screen.

Monet Roy Saha: Sculptor turned Filmmaker

A graduate of Pune Film Institute and former faculty at Delhi University’s College of Art, Monet’s journey began in the sculpture department of Rabindra Bharati University.

Son of renowned sculptors Bipul Kanti Saha and Dipika Saha, Monet transitioned from visual arts to filmmaking, earning accolades for his short films and ad work, including a tourism film for Japan.

His film Porobashi is a 108-minute serious drama that explores the emotional isolation of a retired schoolteacher who migrated from Bangladesh to Tripura in 1965. The film culminates in a poignant return to the borderlands, symbolizing loss and unresolved identity.

Shot partly in Tripura and West Bengal’s Kamarpukur to depict the Indo-Bangladesh border, Porobashi is produced by Anil Chandra Debnath.

Ploto Debbarma: Doctor with a Cinematic Dream

A graduate of Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Ayurvedic College, Ploto began his career as a physician but found his calling in cinema.

Mentored informally by filmmaker Debarati Gupta, Ploto learned the craft hands-on and went on to create several short films including Graviva of Dreams, Love and Achar, and Samthiyo Family, which were featured in festivals across Brahmaputra, Manipur, and Mumbai.

His feature film Khaani is a comedy-thriller set in the fictional village of Khumpuimora, centered around the Tiprasa tribal community. The plot unfolds around a deserted police station and a mysterious discovery of human remains.

Despite technical challenges in Tripura’s film infrastructure, Ploto completed the film on a modest budget of Rs 1–10 lakh, with post-production support from Monet in Kolkata.

A Tale of Two Paths, One Destination

While Monet’s journey was shaped by formal training and artistic lineage, Ploto’s path was forged through passion and improvisation.

Both films are deeply embedded in Tripura’s geography and ethos. "Khaani" was shot entirely in Tripura, spanning locales like South-West Tripura, Sepahijala, and Gomati. "Porobashi" also features Tripura prominently, with additional scenes shot in West Bengal.

Voices from the Directors

Ploto Debbarma: “It feels like I was playing cricket in my neighborhood and suddenly found myself at Lord’s.”

Monet Roy Saha: “Porobashi is a tribute to those who remain unseen and unacknowledged in the folds of history.”

A New Chapter for Tripura 

This dual selection not only celebrates the artistic talent emerging from Tripura but also signals a growing recognition of regional voices and rare languages in Indian cinema. As KIFF opens its doors to these compelling narratives, Tripura steps confidently into the national cinematic spotlight.