For the first time in the history of Indian cinema, a full-length Sylheti language feature film, titled Mamoner Chithi (Mamon’s Letter), was released in Hailakandi.

The film was formally released at Hailakandi Rabindra Bhawan, drawing the presence of artists, academics, journalists and social activists. The event underlined the growing recognition of regional languages in mainstream cultural platforms.

About the Film

• Mamoner Chithi is a two-hour feature film made entirely in the Sylheti language.
• It is directed, produced and acted by Siddhartha Sinha, a resident of Janakibazar village in Hailakandi district.
• The film has been produced under the banner of SS Entertainment, Assam.
• It has received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification, making it eligible for public screening across India.
• English subtitles have been added to ensure accessibility for non-Sylheti audiences.

Why This Film Matters

• Sylheti, spoken across parts of southern Assam, Bangladesh and the global diaspora, has long remained under-represented in cinema.
• By choosing Sylheti as the primary medium, the film contributes to cultural preservation and language visibility.
• The initiative aligns with constitutional values under Article 29, which protects the rights of citizens to conserve distinct languages and cultures.
• It also reflects the spirit of cultural federalism, where India’s diversity is expressed through regional creativity.

Broader Significance

• Encourages regional filmmaking beyond dominant languages.
• Strengthens people-to-people cultural connections across borders, as Sylheti is spoken internationally.
• Demonstrates how cinema can act as a tool for language revitalisation and social awareness.

Exam Hook – 

Consider the following statements:

1. Sylheti is spoken in parts of Assam as well as outside India.
2. Certification by the Central Board of Film Certification is mandatory for public screening of films in India.
3. The Constitution of India prohibits the promotion of regional languages through cinema.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: 1 and 2 only

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