It will be a first for Nimananda Das as well as the first film on Jadav Payeng, known as the Forest Man of India.

Though several documentaries on Payeng have been made by filmmakers across the globe, this will be the first attempt at a feature film on him.

Payeng got global attention around 10 years ago for single-handedly creating a forest in Majuli.

“I was interested when I learnt about Payeng’s efforts to create a forest. It’s an incredible story of a superman who loves earth and nature. So, I thought of depicting his story on reel as the world should know of his story,” said Das, who has worked with several projects as an assistant director, on Friday.

This is his first attempt as a filmmaker.

The film will be based on a novel, Roomyang, on the Forest Man, by Gobin Kumar Khaund. It will be called Roomyang, The Forest Man.

“I am working on the script based on the novel and we will start shooting at the earliest. We were planning to shoot from April but in view of the outbreak of coronavirus, it might be delayed a bit,” Das added. On Friday, Das announced the cast and crew for the film. Pabitra Rabha, known for his versatile acting and who has also worked in a few Bollywood films, will play the protagonist.

“I am extremely proud at being asked to play the role of Payeng, whom I admire immensely. At the same time, it’s a huge challenge. People know him here (Assam), as well as in India and other parts of the globe,” said Rabha, an alumnus of National School of Drama (NSD).

Seasoned video editor Kaju and acclaimed cinematographer Nahid Ahmed are also part of the project.

Payeng who nearly for 40 years kept planting trees on a stretch that is now a lush 1,360-acre forest, was recently honoured with the 128th Commonwealth Points of Light award.

This includes a certificate signed by Queen Elizabeth II, for his exceptional voluntary service to environmental conservation.

In 2015, he was honoured with Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in the country.