Renowned Assamese filmmaker and critic Utpal Datta has been awarded the prestigious Swarna Kamal and ₹1,00,000 at the 71st National Film Awards, recognizing his enduring contribution to Indian cinema.
The honor adds to Datta’s long list of accolades, including a Special Jury Mention at the 54th National Film Awards and the Best Director title at the Assam State Film Awards for his short film Bohubritta.
A respected figure in India’s cinematic landscape, Utpal Datta has carved a multifaceted career as a filmmaker, critic, author, and educator. Currently serving as Dean of Performing Arts at Assam DownTown University, Datta is also a Programme Executive at All India Radio, Guwahati.
Known for his profound engagement with the aesthetics of cinema, Datta has published numerous books including Chalachitrar Rasaswadan (Film Appreciation), which was named Best Book on Cinema at the Assam State Film Awards 2019. His broader literary portfolio includes works like 24 Frames, The Last Signature of Mozart, Mantra Mugdha, and Aparupa Andaman.
Datta has also directed critically acclaimed short films such as By Lane 2 and Bohubritta, the latter earning him the Best Director title at the 2018 Assam State Film Awards. His films have been showcased at several international film festivals, underlining his cinematic sensibilities and commitment to storytelling rooted in Assamese culture.
In 2025, he was honored with the Amulya Manna Photography Award, further reflecting his wide-ranging artistic interests and contributions to visual culture.
The Swarna Kamal, awarded as part of India’s highest film honors, reaffirms Utpal Datta’s position as a key intellectual voice in regional and national cinema. It also signals growing national recognition for cinematic voices from the Northeast.
The awards were announced in New Delhi by jury chairpersons Ashutosh Gowariker and P. Sheshadri, along with officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Press Information Bureau.
