Assamese cinema took center stage at the 22nd Third Eye Asian Film Festival, with Monjul Boruah’s Romantic Affairs emerging as one of the festival’s biggest winners. The film secured three major awards in the Indian Competition section including, Best Director for Boruah, Best Actress for Kasavi Sonkorison, and a Special Jury Award for actor Boloram Das.
Boruah, sharing the news on social media, wrote: “This is truly a team victory. My deepest thanks to every soul who brought this film to life. Honored and humbled.”
Assamese cinema’s presence was further strengthened by Sanjib Sabhapandit’s Ballad to the Winds, which won Best Film in the Indian Cinema category. The recognition of both films highlighted Assam’s growing influence in India’s independent film scene and reinforced the state’s reputation for producing thoughtful, emotionally resonant stories.
The festival also celebrated cinema from the broader Northeast. Tribeni Rai’s Shape of Momo won the newly introduced Best Directorial Debut Award, created to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of filmmaker V. Shantaram. Moreover, actress Gaumaya Gurung earned a Special Jury Award for her performance in the film.
Other notable winners included Rudrajit Roy for Pinger – The Cage and debut director Dr. Onkar Bhatkar for The Weight of Longing. In the contemporary Marathi film category, Sabar Bond won Best Film, with Rohan Kanawade taking Best Director. Marathi filmmaker Santosh Davkhar was also recognized for Gondal among other winners.
Organized in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Government of Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Film, Theatre and Cultural Development Corporation, and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), the festival continues to serve as a vital platform for Asian cinema. With Romantic Affairs already leading the charge, 2026 looks like another great year for Assamese cinema.
