Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW Vol. 5 Num 382 Fri. June 24, 2005       Culture Upcoming Ongkar to hit the silver screen Cultural Correspondent "I came very close to eminent writer Ahmed Chhofa in his last days. He gave me a written permission to make a movie based on his work Ongkar four years ago," says filmmaker Shahidul Islam Khokon. "I had intended to direct the film for quite a while, but it just hasn't been possible so far," he adds. However, he is finally directing Ongkar with a new title Bangla. Featuring popular actors Humayun Fareedi, Mahfuz Ahmed and Purnima, the shooting of the film will begin in August. Khokon is very enthusiastic about the film and he still on the lookout for an ancient zamindar's palace to give the film an authentic touch. About casting Mahfuz Ahmed and Purnima in two important roles, Khokon says, "He worked in my film Lal Shabuj based on a story of the Liberation War. He is committed to his medium. Purnima too has proved her mettle as an actress in mainstream films."