Assam govt approaches Aditya Dhar to make biopic on army general Lachit Barphukan

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has approached Dhurandhar director Aditya Dhar to direct a biopic on legendary Ahom general Lachit Borphukan. The CM said the film could introduce the Assamese hero's legacy to a global audience, with discussions already underway.

In Short

• Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma invited Aditya Dhar to direct Lachit Borphukan biopic
• Sarma praised Dhar's Dhurandhar success and expected global reach for the film
• Dhar to visit Assam in August for project discussions and creative planning

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has approached filmmaker Aditya Dhar to direct a biopic on legendary Ahom general Lachit Borphukan following the success of the Dhurandhar franchise. The Chief Minister said he believes the film could take the Assamese hero's legacy to a global audience and revealed that discussions with the director are already underway.

During a Facebook Live session on Thursday, Sarma confirmed that he had reached out to Dhar to discuss the ambitious project. Praising the filmmaker's recent success, he said, “The movie Dhurandhar was a big hit. Aditya Dhar was the director and he is among the best known names among his contemporaries,” as reported by PTI.

Explaining why he wants Dhar to direct the project, the Chief Minister said a large-scale Hindi film could introduce Lachit Borphukan's extraordinary story to audiences around the world.

“I think if our government can produce a film on Lachit Borphukan, we can make his heroics known globally. And, it will be a special achievement for us,” he said.

Sarma added that his initial conversation with the filmmaker had been positive and that Dhar is expected to visit Assam in August to continue discussions and explore the project's creative vision.

The Chief Minister, however, clarified that the government is determined to make the film regardless of who directs it.

“If Aditya Dhar is unable to direct the film, we will approach other directors. The objective is to ensure that a grand biopic on Lachit Borphukan is made,” he said.

The proposed biopic is part of the Assam government's larger effort to bring the state's historical heroes to the big screen. In its 2026-27 Budget, presented on July 10, the government announced plans to support films based on the lives of Lachit Borphukan and freedom fighter Kushal Konwar.

Who was Lachit Borphukan?

Lachit Borphukan is regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in Assamese history and remains a symbol of bravery, leadership and patriotism. As commander of the Ahom kingdom's army, he is best remembered for leading his forces to victory over the Mughal Empire in the historic Battle of Saraighat in 1671, preventing Mughal expansion into Assam.

Despite battling serious illness during the campaign, Lachit took charge of the battlefield and inspired his soldiers to fight on. His courage, determination and unwavering sense of duty have made him one of Assam's most celebrated historical figures. His legacy continues to be honoured every year through Lachit Divas, while his contribution to India's military history is recognised across the country.

Aditya Dhar is currently riding high on the success of Dhurandhar and its sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge. While fans are eager to know what the filmmaker will take up next, he has remained tight-lipped about his upcoming projects.

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