Is “Doob” the story of Humayun Ahmed? Farooki clarifies after rumors spread
“Doob”, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki’s latest big screen venture has been on the radar since it was announced in March, most prominently because of its leading cast: Irrfan Khan, one of the most recognisable faces of world cinema right now, is not only starring it, but he was so impressed with the story that he is co-producing it. Kolkata-based newspaper Anandabazar reported on Friday that the film was based on the iconic Bangladeshi novelist Humayun Ahmed’s life, with Irrfan playing the role of the wordsmith. With the social media exploding with reaction over the news, The Daily Star got hold of Farooki on his official statement over the film.
“I have made a film where I told the story of a family, love, fallout and reunion. It’s not a Humayun Ahmed biopic. We have never claimed that. My protagonist’s name in the film is Javed Hasan,” Farooki tells me. But is it inspired from his life? I ask. “Most great stories are inspired by life in our surroundings, and we explain it in our way. Many of Humayun Ahmed’s stories are inspired from real incidents around him, from the Liberation War, and the middle class life. I have been inspired, too. Whether I was inspired from his life, and if so, to what extent and how I have interpreted it, you can tell after you see the film.”
Anandabazar also pinpointed that the other members of the central cast – Rokeya Prachi, Tisha and Kolkata’s Parno Mitra – have played the roles shadowing Gultekin Ahmed (Humayun’s first wife), Shila Ahmed (Humayun’s daughter) and Meher Afroz Shaon (Humayun’s second wife). When I asked about the parallels, the director refused to give away the character details, saying that he has just told the story of a Bangalee family’s emotions. “We grew up in Humayun Ahmed’s aura; his life, his happiness and struggles had affected all of us. Anyone can make a film inspired by that. If I made a factual biopic then the question of meeting his family and permissions would come. I did not do that. I am not even saying it is inspired by him. You have to go watch the film to see what it is.”
Farooki also cited a Facebook post by him on the same day where he spoke of his admiration for the author, and said Humayun’s widow Shaon was ‘misunderstanding’ him. He wanted Humayun Ahmed’s fans to be assured that he would never make someone a villain – even if they think the film is inspired from the author’s life.
About potential release dates, Farooki informed that the film is ready, with some final touch-ups pending. A private screening of the film was held at Irrfan’s house, he informed, adding that they are looking for a suitable date to release it in Bangladesh, India and North America/Australia/UK simultaneously, so the release date is yet to be decided.