Films made from Tagore’s tales

The tales that our Kabi Guru, Rabindranath Tagore weaved, be it long or short stories, are glorious in their own right. Even though the stories were written a while ago, they still maintain readability for today’s audience. Even though a plethora of tele-fictions exist that are based on his works, not too many film adaptations of his stories have been made in Bangladesh.

Chashi Nazrul Islam, one of the most renowned directors of Bangladesh, made two films following Rabindranath’s fictions. They are: Shasti and Shuva.

Shasti features Purnima, Riaz, Illias Kanchan and Champa among others. It is based on the very popular short story of the same name by the Kabi Guru. Directed in 2004, Riaz and Purnima’s chemistry was praised by critics and audience alike.

In 2006, Shuva was acknowledged for being a wonderfully crafted story about a young mute girl, also played by Purnima. The King of Dhalywood, Shakib Khan, played opposite Purnima in the film. Although both actors were lauded for their performance, Purnima’s work was among the best in the industry that year.

Kabuliwala, directed by the acclaimed Kazi Hayat, was an adaptation of one of Rabindranath’s most moving short story of the same name. In the film, legendary actor Manna played the ‘Kabuliwala’, while wonder-child Dighi played the little girl.

Obujh Bou, directed by Nargis Akhtar, was adapted from the story Shamapti by the Kabi Guru. Ferdous, Shakil Khan, Nipun and Babita were cast in the well-received film.

Besides the ones mentioned above, two films were made from Rabindranath’s stories, but he was never given credit. The films were inspired from Noukadubi and Khudito Pashan.