Assamese Filmmaker Maharshi Tuhin Kashyap Wins 'Secret Program Fellini' Award in Italy

Assamese filmmaker Maharshi Tuhin Kashyap has won the prestigious 'Secret Program Fellini' Award at the 27th Lucania Film Festival in Pisticci, Basilicata, Italy, for his debut feature 'Kok Kok Kokoook'. The film is currently having its European premiere at the festival.

The award, named after legendary Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini, recognises films presented under the festival's Secret Program and celebrates Fellini's lasting contribution to world cinema. Acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf curated the programme and presented the award to Kashyap, adding particular significance to the recognition.

'Kok Kok Kokoook' began its international journey with its world premiere at the 30th Busan International Film Festival in 2025, where it was selected for the Vision–Asia section. It later travelled to the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) and the Dhaka International Film Festival before reaching Italy.

Made as Kashyap's graduation film at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), the Assamese-language feature follows Siken, a migrant chicken seller whose intense attachment to his RX100 motorcycle takes an increasingly surreal turn after the bike goes missing. His fear of being implicated in a false police case eventually leads to a bizarre transformation in which he becomes the motorcycle himself.

Through magical realism and surrealism, the film explores contemporary politics in Assam and India, while examining migration, marginalisation and questions of identity. Critics have also highlighted its unusual blend of social commentary and body horror.

Kashyap said receiving an award named after Fellini and presented by Makhmalbaf was a deeply inspiring moment. He expressed gratitude to his cast and crew, saying the recognition belonged to everyone involved in the film.

The filmmaker previously directed 'The Horse From Heaven', which was an official entry for the 2023 Academy Awards and won honours at several international festivals. His nonfiction film 'Flowers In A Hailstorm' premiered at Japan's Nara International Film Festival.