Eminent director Tanvir Mokammel is among the revolutionists, who introduced the trend of independent filmmaking in the country parallel to the mainstream film industry of the country. The director of five feature films and many documentaries has just finished the shooting and the major parts of post-production of his upcoming film ‘Jibondhuli.’ In an interview with Dhaka Tribune the director shared that the movie is set to release next month.
Did the film meet your expectation level? How was the performance of the actors?
It is very difficult to fulfill an artist’s desires. But “Jibondhuli”, as a film, is one rare exception which aesthetically remains most pleasant to me.
I had a dream team who did an excellent job in cinematography, art direction, sound direction and in other departments.
Regarding the actors and actresses, I think, Shatabdi Wadud, Wahida Mallik Joly, Jyotika Jyoti, Ramendu Majumder, Paresh Bhuiyan all excelled in their roles. Special mention has to be made about versatile actor Shatabdi Wadud who played the role of the main protagonist Jibondhuli. Shatabdi had to learn the art of playing “Dhaki” and had to perform some physical acting as well.
Tell us the story of Jibondhuli:
During the liberation war in 1971, Jibonkrishna Das, a poor Hindu lower-caste drummer, was eking out a living with his wife and two children.
When Pakistan army occupied Jibon’s village, Jibon along with others, tried to flee. On the way, members of his family were killed. Jibon survived, and after roaming around the war-ravaged countryside, finally returned to his native village which was then being ruled by the Razakars. The commander of the Razakars spared Jibon’s life on the condition that he had to play drum for his force. Jibon’s situation becomes very ironic.
What would be the major attractions of the film for audience?
Anything related to our liberation war in 1971 has a deep and profound appeal to the Bangladesh audience. That is my general experience with my previous liberation war films.
“Jibondhuli”, though a film on the liberation war, has a lyrical storyline and the film is very well shot in the right locations. Bengalees love lyricism and songs in a film. The film has five well visualised songs which I guess will have a special appeal to the audience here.
Besides, the film has a touch of the soil and the film has tried to see the war from the grassroot level, an angle, close to the heart of our people. Besides, there are five songs in the film which I feel have good reasons to attract the audience.