Debutant directors affected by pandemic delay
As most people in Bangladesh are in isolation due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, so is the entertainment industry. In fact, the announcements regarding delays in releases of the films and suspension of shoots came earlier than the official announcement from the government. Meanwhile, directors who just began their journey in the film industry were affected the most by this unexpected barrier.
Kaushik Sankar Das has completed shooting for only 25 percent of his debut directorial, Punch. Under the banner of Zero Hour Films, Mominul Haque, who incepted the story of Punch, is the producer of the film. The dialogue of the film is written by Kaushik himself. "It is very upsetting, as the team has worked really hard for the film," says the director, who is a well-known tele-fiction maker. The film, featuring Niloy Alamgir and Meghla Mukta in the lead roles, is an action movie that revolves around a national boxing champion and his life. The director wants to start the production of the film in full swing, after the situation is under control. "We have hired five specialised stunt directors from JAIKA Stunts Team, a stunt direction company based in Thailand.
Kaushik also shares that he has been staying at home and helping his family with household tasks. He also started working on two new scripts for his upcoming projects -- one of which is based on the book Manush Pichash, by Hemandra Kumar Roy, written in 1939.
Masud Hassan Ujjal's debut directorial film, Unoponchash Batash, was supposed to release on March 13. "Of course, a film is not more important than life itself. If we survive these critical times, we can make more films and keep our entertainment world alive," says Ujjal. "I am spending time making music, working on new scripts and helping the marginalised communities, who have been badly affected financially, due to this situation."
Bishwa Shundori, Chayanika Chowdhury's debut directorial, had its much anticipated release on March 27. However, due to the closure of the cinema halls and multiplexes, the film went into the 'postpone list'. "I would say that I am very happy that my film has been postponed," shares Chayanika. "I respect the decision taken by the Bangladesh Cholochitro Prodorshok Samiti, Film Producer Distributor Association and the government. We have to maintain all kinds of awareness to prevent this deadly disease." The Siam Ahmed and Pori Moni starrer is on the waiting list, alongside the other films. Chayanika Chowdhury is now giving time to her family, and taking care of their health. "Arun has come back from Dallas on March 26, so we are maintaining quarantine," she says. "At the moment. I am taking care of the family by making healthy food for them, and instructing my house help to maintain hygiene". Chayanika hopes that after the situation is under control Bishwa Shundori, will see an auspicious release.
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