Who Was Lachit Borphukan? Assam Govt in Talks With Aditya Dhar To Direct Biopic on Legendary Ahom Commander
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has approached filmmaker Aditya Dhar to direct a grand Hindi biopic on legendary 17th-century Ahom commander Lachit Borphukan. Revered for defeating the expanding Mughal forces in the historic 1671 Battle of Saraighat, Borphukan's military heroics are slated to be brought to a global audience under state backing.
The Assam state government has formally approached filmmaker Aditya Dhar to direct an upcoming historical biopic on the legendary 17th-century Ahom commander Lachit Borphukan. Announced by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the initiative aims to bring the iconic military leader’s extraordinary life and historic resistance against the Mughal Empire to a global Hindi-speaking audience. The initiative reflects the state’s broader ambition to highlight Assam’s national heritage through grand cinematic adaptations. Saif Ali Khan Hails Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’ as an Industry Game-Changer, Calls ‘Shararat’ Song ‘Revolutionary’.
Aditya Dhar to direct Lachit Borphukan Biopic?
During a Facebook Live session, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that discussions are underway with Aditya Dhar following the director's recent box-office success with the Dhurandhar franchise. Sarma noted that the director’s flair for mounting patriotic, high-scale narratives makes him an ideal candidate to helm the project.
"The movie Dhurandhar was a big hit. Aditya Dhar was the director and he is among the best-known names among his contemporaries," Sarma stated. "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."Â Sarma revealed that preliminary conversations with Dhar have been positive, with the director scheduled to visit Assam to discuss the script, budget, and visual vision.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Lachit Borphukan Biopic
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However, the Chief Minister emphasised that the state’s commitment to producing the film remains absolute regardless of who ultimately sits in the director's chair. "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," Sarma added. The announcement aligns with the Assam government’s 2026–27 Budget, which allocated targeted backing for major cinematic ventures chronicling historical icons, including Borphukan and freedom fighter Kushal Konwar.
Who was Lachit Borphukan?
Lachit Borphukan was a 17th-century military strategist and commander-in-chief (Borphukan) of the Ahom kingdom in present-day Assam. He remains one of Eastern India's most celebrated historical figures, renowned for defending the region against the expanding forces of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Aurangzeb. Borphukan’s military legacy culminated in the historic Battle of Saraighat in 1671, a naval battle fought on the Brahmaputra River.
Facing a significantly larger and better-equipped Mughal army commanded by Rajput General Ram Singh, Borphukan utilised river terrain, tactical intelligence, and naval warfare to turn the tide. Despite suffering from severe illness during the decisive phase of the conflict, Borphukan personally boarded a war vessel to rally his retreating troops, securing a victory that permanently halted Mughal expansion into Assam. Today, his bravery is commemorated annually across the state on Lachit Divas. Lachit Diwas 2024 Date: Who Is Lachit Borphukan? Know Significance of the Day That Marks the Birth Anniversary of the Valiant Warrior of Assam.
 What's Next for Aditya Dhar?
Aditya Dhar, who gained widespread acclaim for Uri: The Surgical Strike and the Dhurandhar series, has not yet officially announced his next project. While Dhar remains tight-lipped about his upcoming slate, industry reports indicate he is reviewing several high-concept scripts.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 20, 2026 11:15 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
