New Era for Boro–Kokborok Film Collaboration: Khangkrai Sets Foundation for a Wider Northeast Cinema Network

Agartala, Tripura — A groundbreaking idea is emerging for Boro-speaking and Kokborok-speaking communities in Northeast India as filmmakers explore new ways to expand their audience base and create a stronger regional film network. With the upcoming Kokborok release of the Bodo film Khangkrai, industry experts believe a new trend is about to begin—one that could transform the future of Indigenous-language cinema.

On Thursday, a press meet was held in Agartala where NEIFDC officially announced that the Kokborok version of Khangkrai will be released on 19 December at Town Hall, Agartala. This marks a highly anticipated moment for Tiprasa audiences and regional cinema enthusiasts.

A First-of-its-Kind Regional Collaboration

The North East India Film and Distribution Company (NEIFDC) has already made history by converting Khangkrai, a major Bodo-language feature film, into Kokborok—making it the first professionally dubbed Bodo-to-Kokborok film in history. The trailer, launched earlier at Aitorma, Agartala, received strong appreciation from both communities.

Filmmakers say this collaboration is more than just a dubbing project; it is a strategic move to expand the market for Indigenous films, which currently remains limited in both the Boro and Kokborok-speaking regions. By working together, creators believe they can build a larger combined audience and establish a stronger presence for Northeast cinema.

A Milestone for Indigenous Cinema

Directed by Sunswrang Khakhlary and produced by Dilip Kumar Boro, Khangkrai has been adapted into Kokborok with the goal of strengthening cross-cultural storytelling and nurturing a unified film ecosystem. Industry observers describe the initiative as a major turning point for regional cinema.

Strong Kokborok Cast & Voice Artists

The Kokborok version features an impressive lineup of Tiprasa voice artists, including:
Da Shankar, Rumi Murasing, Manoj Debbarma, Aditya Debbarma, Ruma Debbarma, Kwlwngsmaiti Reang, Kaushik Murasing, Bina Debbarma, Santa Debbarma, Bir Chandra Debbarma, and several others whose performances have added emotional depth and cultural authenticity to the adaptation.

Why Khangkrai Is Considered a Landmark Project

1.     First commercial Bodo-to-Kokborok dubbing:
A historic step that opens new cross-language cinematic pathways.

2.     Quality Indigenous storytelling:
Offering Kokborok audiences access to culturally rich and relatable content.

3.     Foundation for future filmmakers:
Encouraging more regional creators to produce multilingual cinema.

4.     Strengthening creative economy:
Helping build sustainable economic opportunities for local artists.

5.     Youth-led cultural momentum:
Young Tiprasa creatives played a key role, showcasing the rising passion for Indigenous-language films.

Cultural & Regional Impact

Khangkrai is being seen as more than just a film—it represents growing unity between the Bodo and Tiprasa communities. The project aims to:

·        Inspire future multilingual film collaborations

·        Strengthen Kokborok’s presence in mainstream cinema

·        Encourage more youth to join creative fields

·        Expand professional opportunities for Indigenous filmmakers

·        Support a sustainable and stable Northeast film economy

As excitement builds for its 19 December Kokborok release, many believe Khangkrai could mark the beginning of a new trend—one that brings Boro and Kokborok audiences closer and opens up a larger regional market for Northeast cinema.

By Choba Tripura