[Watch Now] “Stop Piracy”, says Chanchal
Chanchal Chowdhury has been a renowned actor for quite some time, but the recent release of the unprecedented hit “Aynabaji” has put him in the spotlight. The movie has garnered immense popularity, including an award in USA’s Seattle, and is being shown in cinemas nationwide. Pirated copies of the film being leaked online and streamed on Facebook recently has added a dimension to the buzz surrounding the film, with arrests being made of a few culprits. In a video message released on his Facebook page today, Chanchal made a sincere plea to everyone to come together in preventing the film from being pirated and distributed. “Before its release, Aynabaji belonged to us. But now, it belongs to the entire country,” a sombre Chanchal is said saying. In the sincere message, he says the prosperity of the country’s film industry is in the people’s hands.
Chanchal also spoke to The Daily Star about the piracy issue, and other experiences with the film.
The film has been subjected to piracy; how do you view this matter?
Chanchal: It is quite a grave issue and I am immensely saddened. The people behind this must be stopped. The film is not available on YouTube anymore. To feel the essence of the film, one must watch it on the big screen, and pirated copies will not give the same experience. No artiste wants such a thing to happen.
Audiences are still flooding cinema halls to watch “Aynabaji.” How does this make you feel?
Chanchal: This brings me so much joy. It feels as though the entire country is going through a celebration! I feel this will continue in coming days. As an actor to have been involved with the film, I am elated.
What is the response you have personally got from fans?
Chanchal: I am in touch with my fans constantly though Facebook. Hundreds of people post comments and also send messages about the film. Many write about the hurdles they face while getting tickets, and many express their desires to watch the film a second time. It fills me with happiness to go through their messages and I am grateful towards Facebook for enabling this communication.
How has your experiences been in receiving the award at Seattle?
Chanchal: It was so much fun! On the night “Aynabaji” won the award, there was a dinner party where 300 guests attended. After watching the film the guests gathered around me at the party, fellow Bangladeshis and non Bengalis alike. They talked about how much they had enjoyed the film, and that is something I will always fondly remember.
Have you yourself watched the film in cimemas?
Chanchal: I have gone to see the film twice with my family, and thrice more with close friends. Whenever I walked into the hall, I have been appreciated so much by the viewers, it left me awestruck.
Why do you feel the movie has been so popular?
Chanchal: First of all, people want to watch good films, and I feel “Aynabaji” delivers in that respect. The film can be enjoyed by viewers from all backgrounds and nationalities, and caters to what the audience seeks in a good film. This is why it has been so popular.