India-Bangladesh joint venture 'Mujib: Ekti Jatir Rupokar’ released in Bangladesh today

 

Biswajit Mondal, Voice 9, Dhaka Bureau: The biographical film 'Mujib: Ekti Jatir Rupokar’ depicting the life of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation, was simultaneously released in 153 theaters across Bangladesh.

Renowned Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal directed this highly anticipated movie, featuring Arifin Shuvo in the role of the esteemed leader. This joint production between the governments of Bangladesh and India involved the participation of over two hundred actors from various countries.

The production company Jazz Multimedia was responsible for the release of 'Mujib: Shaper of a Nation'. In 2017, an agreement was signed between the governments of Bangladesh and India to create a film based on the life of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. 

The official announcement of the movie took place on March 18, 2018, with Bollywood producer Shyam Benegal confirmed as the producer and Atul Tiwari as the screenwriter. It was also revealed that the majority of the cast would be comprised of actors from Bangladesh.

The selection process for the artists involved auditions conducted over a period of two months in January and February 2020. Fifteen artists were auditioned for the role of Bangabandhu, with Arifin Shuvo ultimately chosen after undergoing five rounds of auditions, two in India and three in Bangladesh.

The shooting of 'Mujib: Ekti Jatir Rupokar’ commenced in 2021. The role of Bangabandhu was portrayed by two actors. Divya Jyoti played the character of the teenage boy, Bangabandhu's childhood nickname, while Arifin Shubo played the role of young Mujib until the last day of Bangabandhu's life in 1975. In the movie 'Mujib: Ekti Jatir Rupokar’, three actors played the role of Bangabandhu's wife, Sheikh Fajilatun Nesha Mujib. A child actor portrayed the character on screen until the age of 13, followed by Pharthana Fardeen Dighi, who played the role of a teenager (13–17 years old), and Nusrat Imroz Tisha, who played the character from then on.

Nusrat Faria played the role of Bangabandhu's daughter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, aged 19–35, while Sabila Noor played the role of Sheikh Rehana. Shahidul Alam Sacchu portrayed Shere Bangla AK. Fazlul Haque, Fazlur Rahman Babu played Khandkar Mushtaq, Raisul Islam Asad played Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, Riyaz played Tajuddin Ahmed, Chanchal Chowdhury played Bangabandhu's father, Sheikh Lutfur Rahman, Dilara Zaman played mother Saira Khatun, Tauqeer Ahmed played Hossain Shaheed Suhrawardy, and Zayed Khan played Tikka Khan.

The first poster for the movie was released on March 17, 2022, on the occasion of Bangabandhu's birth anniversary. The first video glimpse was released in May of the same year at the Cannes Film Festival, followed by the trailer for the movie in the commercial wing. Another trailer was released on October 1.

The movie 'Mujib' had its first premiere at the trade section of the 'Toronto International Film Festival' on September 13, before its release in the country. The film received clearance from the censors on July 31, and a special exhibition was arranged for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on October 12, the eve of the release.

The premiere was held at the Bangladesh Film Archive, attended by several ministers, state ministers, high-ranking officials of the government, actors, actresses, and related parties. Another premiere was held at the Star Cineplex in Mohakhali on the same evening. Apart from the actors in the movie, many people from the film industry were present.