Samia Zaman Calls the Shots
Following the success of “Rani Kuthir Baki Itihash”, media personality and filmmaker Samia Zaman is currently busy with her latest venture, “Chheleti”. Shah Alam Shazu had the opportunity for a one on one with Samia, who agreed to provide a rundown on the progress of her new film, which is being shot at FDC.
The FDC gates were crowded with keen movie fans who jostled to get a glimpse of their favourite stars.
Just a couple of hundred yards from the main entrance was floor number 9, where “Chheleti” was being shot. Here one encountered the talented Koushik Shankar Das and Sarwar Bapi, the film's chief assistant director and first assistant director respectively. After exchanging greetings, Koushik said that the set was being prepped while the heroine was putting on her makeup.
Samia came up and welcomed this correspondent to the shoot. Talking about the movie, she said that the story was written by lyricist Zulfiqar Russel, while Ranjan Rabbani was in charge of art direction. Other crew members include Ibrar Tipu (music), Mukta (wardrobe) and Khayer (camera).
The cast of “Chheleti” has veterans like Razzak and Sharmili Ahmed as well as newbies like model Faria and child artiste Ankan, while many others from the Tokai Natyadal chip in. The slot for the hero however remains vacant, although initial arrangements have been made with Ferdous.
Samia said that 40 percent of the shooting had been completed at FDC. The team will soon travel to Tejgaon, Kamalapur, Uttara, Pubail and Comilla to finish the rest of the film.
There was an interval in the conversation, as Faria and Ankan stepped into the set with the crew ready to shoot the next scene. The cinematographer took his place behind the camera -- with six/seven crew members beside him; some holding lights, as another read the script out aloud. Samia instructed the actors to rehearse once before shooting.
After the final instructions, the camera started to roll -- but it needed three takes before the scene was okayed by Samia.
Meanwhile actor Faria let out that the film marked her debut on the silver screen and her character's name was Pori. Faria added that she was enjoying her work under the able director.
Child artiste Ankan also stepped forward and informed that he was portraying a character called Bichchhu who delivers some good laughs.
Faria went inside to get ready for the next shot. The assistant directors got together to discuss the next scene, while many others struck up an adda all around.
Samia revealed that it was her plan to do a children's film after “Rani Kuthhir Baki Itihash”. As the search for a good story went on, the script by Zulfiqar Russel came in, which she instantly liked. As plans surrounding the film began to unravel, an opportunity for a government grant surfaced and the director applied. She added that although she had talks with producers about making a children's film, they were uncertain about the commercial success of such movies.
Asked if the film had a serious plot, Samia said it was a movie that everyone could watch, though there were some emotional touches. Impress Telefilm, she said, was co-producing the film.
Comments