Munin Barua

Munin Barua (5 November 1946 – 7 April 2018) popularly known as Bhaimon Da was an Indian film director in Assamese cinema industry. Among his best-known films are Pita-Putro, Prabhati Pokhir Gaan, Hiya Diya Niya, Daag, Nayak and Bidhata. Barua is widely regarded in Assam to have been one of the directors who helped popularize and establish Assamese cinema outside the state, primarily elsewhere in India where other industries had historically dominated. In 2000, his film Hiya Diya Niya became a first 'blockbuster hit' in Assamese cinema, which helped to revive the Assamese film industry. His another film Dinabandhoo received National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Assamese in 2005. He died on 7 April 2018, at the age of 71 in Guwahati.

Early life Barua was born in 1946 at Khumtai in Golaghat district, Assam. His father late Hemendra Nath Barua was the mouzadar in Khumtai mouza and mother was Latika Barua. He was the youngest in his family.

Personal life He married Manjula Barua of Jorhat in December 1974. Manjula Barua is an actress as well as a costume designer in Assamese film industry. They have two children, Manas and Puja. Son Manas Barua is also a film director.

Career Munin Barua started his career in Assamese cinema as a scriptwriter and assistant director in mid 70's. He has written scripts for 21 films, which include Bowari, Ghar-Sansar, Sonmoina, Mon-Mandir, Sewali, Daag, Barood, Rong, Maya, Bidhata etc. He has worked as assistant director for Shiva Prasad Thakur's films Bowari, Ghar-Sansar and Sonmoina. Barua made his directorial debut jointly with Nipon Goswami in the 1987 movie Pratima . He has also written scripts in many plays of mobile theatres. Apart from movies Barua also directed television serials like - Papu Nikur Xongbad and Rudra (Telefilm).

Filmography Direction Title Year ProducerPratima 1987 Paresh DasPita Putro 1988 Amar Nath Tiwari, Vijay Narayan TiwariPahari Kanya 1990 Hills Cine Association, DiphuPrabhati Pokhir Gaan 1992 Amar Nath Tiwari, Vijay Narayan TiwariHiya Diya Niya 2000 Merry LaskarDaag 2001 Nilotpal ChoudhuryNayak 2001 Merry LaskarKanyadaan 2002 C.S. Narayan, Swaraj DasBidhata 2003 C.S. Narayan, Swaraj DasBarood 2003 Merry LaskarRong 2004 C.S. Narayan, Swaraj DasDinabandhu 2004 Krishna Roy, Gopal JalanRaamdhenu 2011 Pride East Entertainments Pvt. Ltd. Priyaar Priyo 2017 Abdul Mannan Faruk

Awards and achievements Films Year Category Nayak 2001-02 State Award for Best Director Barood 2003-04 Best film

Munin Barua was conferred Roopkar Award, instituted in memory of late film critic and editor Pabitra Kumar Deka, for the year 2013 for his contribution to the film and theatre industry of Assam.

In 2017, Barua received the Life Time Achievement Award 2017 from Prag Cine Awards for his immense contributions towards Assamese film industry.

In popular culture On 23 May 2025, a biopic titled Bhaimon Da, based on the journey of Munin Barua, was released in theatres across Assam and outside the state. It gained popularity among viewers and achieved a good box office collection.