MEGHMALLAR: Where silence speaks louder than words

Full-length feature film “Meghmallar” premiered on Tuesday evening at Star Cineplex in the capital. The film, written and directed by Zahidur Rahim Anjan, is the maiden production of Bengal Entertainment Limited and received a National Filmmaking Grant last year.

Set during the monsoon of 1971, “Maghmallar” -- based on Akhtaruzzaman Elias' short story “Raincoat”-- depicts the interplay between fear and courage, hope and despair.

On the opening evening, Finance Minister AMA Muhith was present as chief guest, while Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu inaugurated the premiere in the presence of distinguished guests, including the chairman of Bengal Foundation, Abul Khair.  

The film stars Shahiduzzaman Selim, Aparna, Jayanta Chattopadhyay, Mosharraf Karim, Aditi and child artiste Zara. The plot is set in a time when the nation had just begun armed struggles for liberation. A middle class family -- college lecturer Nurul Huda, his wife Asma, daughter Sudha and Asma's brother Mintu-- go through a life-altering experience when Mintu leaves family to join the Freedom Fighters.

The middle class existence of Huda, centres on his family and he even tries to pander to his pro-Pakistani colleagues to stay safe. However, the Pakistani Army catches him and takes him to their torture cell accusing Huda of assisting freedom fighters. After bearing torture by the military, an ordinary Huda imagines himself as a freedom fighter who does not hesitate to sacrifice his life for the country. All dilemma, confusion and fear of Huda go away in the epiphany when he utters “I know the whereabouts of them (freedom fighters) but won't tell a word. Joy Bangla, Joy Bangla!”

“Meghmallar” boasts beautiful landscapes captured in Indian cinematographer Shudhir Palsane's camerawork. Silence serves the purpose of words in the film and incessant rain, idylls, solitary railroad, uninhabited forests and use of imagery are aptly fitted to classical ragas used in the background score. Abhijit Basu, from Kolkata has done the music.

“Meghmallar” is quiet unconventional as a tale of war and instead of portraying violence, it depicts the close, personal story of a middle-class family that makes a difference.