‘Networker Baire’ is my dream project: Mizanur Rahman Aryan
Celebrated director Mizanur Rahman Aryan started his career in 2012 with tele-fictions. He went on to win over the audience with "Boro Chele" in 2017, which is one of the most viewed Bangladeshi television productions on YouTube till date. His recent Eid releases "Hello Shunchen"? and "Not Out" were also widely appreciated by viewers. Aryan's first film "Networker Baire", featuring Khairul Bashar, Nazia Haque Orsha, Tasnia Farin, Yash Rohan, Nazifa Tushi, Sariful Islam Razz, Jonayed, and Tasnuva Tisha, releases on the OTT platform Chorki today. In a candid chat with The Daily Star, the director talks about his expectations from the project, and more.
How did you come up with the concept for "Networker Baire"?
Being a director, I have always wanted to make a film. I have treasured the story of "Networker Baire" for years. It is my dream project. When I was approached by Chorki, I presented a different script to their Chief Operating Officer Redoan Rony, but as he knew about the story of "Networker Baire", he asked me to work on it instead. The film is inspired by a true incident, but the characters, their life stories, and the flow of events are created by us, in our own manner. "Networker Baire" is a story about love and friendship. As human beings, I feel that we are all incomplete without these two things in our lives.
"Networker Baire" is a multi-starrer film, featuring some of the most popular actors of today. How did you come up with this stellar cast?
I always wanted to have a cast that could capture the essence of four fresh graduates. I especially looked to cast actors who would realise the needs of each character's experiences, not just emotionally, but also in terms of physicality and gestures. It took us a while, but we eventually found faces that suited my requirements.
Most film directors look forward to a theatrical release, while you went for an online premiere. What motivated you to go for an OTT release for your first film?
Directors dream to hear a cheering crowd outside a movie theatre, while posters of their films hang on every wall of the hall. However, the coronavirus pandemic has forced us to think otherwise, and pick alternative ways. Nevertheless, I have no regrets. Chorki is now my cinema hall, and with an OTT release, I have prioritised the safety of my audience.
What challenges did you face while shooting for this film?
We shot the film in Dhaka, and in Cox's Bazar and St Martin's island, Chattogram. Outdoor shoots are always tough. Difficulties were added as we had to move with a vast cast and crew. We shot for the film for 17 days between December 2020 and January 2021, when there was no lockdown. Our locations were very crowded. Moreover, we had to take some water shots in the sea, which required expertise and patience. However, everything fell into place perfectly.
What are your upcoming ventures?
I started my career with television and I wish to keep working in that field. Alongside television productions, I have been busy with two other web films, which will be completed soon.
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