Run: Connecting Liberation War and Cricket
Sabyasachi Chakraborty plays a Pakistani Army major in the film.
It took about 2/3 minutes to process what we just saw. Acclaimed TV serial director and actor Afsana Mimi did a presentation at The Daily Star Centre last Tuesday. The subject: her first feature film. Based on what I saw, I'd definitely want to go to the theatre, buy a ticket and watch this film.
What is it called? “Run”, says Mimi.
Why “Run”? Mimi: “It's about cricket. More specifically, a young cricket team called 'Bengal Tigers'. Hence, 'Run'.”
What is it about? “It's an adaptation of Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal's 'Camp'. I wanted to make a TV play/serial on it, but when I approached Zafar Sir, he suggested that the story was better suited for the big screen. Those who have read 'Camp' know that it's a story of a freedom fighter. When we decided to make a film, we wanted to see it from another angle. Azad Abul Kalam adapted the story and connected the spirit of Liberation War to the nation's love for cricket. Both are sources of national pride and both represent the indomitable youth of Bangladesh,” she says.
“Run” is a big budget (around Tk 10 crore) film -- evident from the presentation; I noticed the art direction team constructing a whole building.
Afsana Mimi behind the camera, with cinematographer Anwar Hossain.
“We were location scouting, and could not find any school that looked like it was built in the '70s. Those fitting the description had other buildings around it, so that didn't work. Eventually, we found a location in Sylhet that we liked and decided to build the school from scratch. That wasn't enough though; we had to fix the road to the school. Ranjan Rabbani, our art director, is a miracle worker,” Mimi informs.
She adds: “We are all newbies; we have been working in the TV industry. This is also a learning process for us. We held workshops -- covering acting, cricket, Liberation War, Bangladeshi films -- conducted by Raisul Islam Asad, Khaled Mahmud Sujon and Suborna Mustafa.”
Highlights (without giving away much):
“Run” is a commercial film without a “heroine” or lead female role.
The cast includes seasoned actors Afzal Hossain, Suborna Mustafa, Azizul Hakim, Dolly Zahur and Meghna.
Renowned Indian actor Sabyasachi Chakraborty is playing a Pakistani Army major.
Internationally acclaimed photographer Anwar Hossain is the director of photography.
Tanveer Hossain Probal is the music director. The OST will feature songs by Pratul Mukhopadhyay and Shayan Chowdhury Arnob; the team is hopeful that James will record a track as well. Arnob is working on the background score.
The film will have English subtitles. Mimi intends to release a dubbed (English) version as well.
“Run” is being produced by Cinema House Ltd and will likely be released in December this year.
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