The release of director Masud Hasan Ujjal's long awaited film, Unoponchash Batash, had been delayed because of the coronavirus outbreak. Initially scheduled to be released on March 13, the film will finally hit the theatres on Friday, October 23.
The film will mark the reopening of Star Cineplex, being the only new film playing in all of its branches, confirmed the director.
Ujjal told Dhaka Tribune Showtime that he isn't in favour of a wide release considering the pandemic.
"I didn't plan a big release now, as safety comes first," he said. "We will observe the response and the precautions the theatres are taking. I felt Star Cineplex is sincere in their preventive measures. I can't say the same about every theatre."
Also read: ‘Unoponchash Batash' releases first poster
He said people need a relief from their homebound lives and that he hopes his film can provide some sort of relief, injecting life back into desolate halls.
Being the first new Bangladeshi movie to be released in seven months can be a daunting prospect.
"Fortune favours the brave," the director quoted. "Someone had to lunge forward. Otherwise all new films would be sitting in shelves till at least next year, clogging up the pipeline of film releases."
Former member of progressive band Meghdol, Ujjal is lauded for being a true all-rounder. Besides directing, he also wrote the story, dialogues, song lyrics and screenplay for the film. He also executed the art direction, photography, music direction, and even the poster design.
Sharlin Farzana and Imtiaz Barshan are the lead actors of this Red October production.