The return of RIAZ

Riaz, who once reigned over the film industry, has scarcely been seen on the silver screen over the last couple of years. But change is round the corner. He has turned in some fine performances on the small screen and signed up for a film recently.

In a recent conversation, the three-time national film award winner talked to The Daily Star about the vagaries of the celluloid world and the ups and downs of his career.

Do Bangladeshis have the craving to watch films?

Riaz: Our people are cine-lovers. Due to Youtube and satellite TV, we now have easy access to well-known movies.

Is the number of movie theatres on the wane?

Riaz: There used to be 800 movie halls but that figure is now down to 400. On the face of it, cinema halls are burgeoning. The truth is that they are drastically declining by the day.

Tell us about the films people watch in movie theatres?

Riaz: They are nothing but remakes of Hindi, Telugu and Tamil movies. People are fed up with this trend. We try to do remakes of Bollywood movies but the fact is that we lack their technical finesse.

What are the ingredients for a good film?

Riaz: A good script, an experienced filmmaker, cinematographer, costume designer, music director and finally a skilled film editor.

Is there a craze for digital movies?

Riaz: Due to this trend, anyone can become a director, film artiste, music director and scriptwriter overnight. In most of the cases this doesn't work. Take, for example, a TV director making a film that usually flops at the box office. Are such movies made for boring the audience?

What about the commercialisation of the media?

Riaz: Everyone concerned like directors, producers, artistes and owners of cinema halls are out to make a quick buck. For example, producers expect to rake in Taka 3 lakh after investing Taka 2 lakh in a movie.

Is there any hope left?

Riaz: A film is an important cultural platform for any country. The government should step in to boost the film industry. Secondly, it is a positive sign that TV channels are coming forward to make some good movies, though I must add that many are not up to the mark.

Can corporate houses play a role in film production?

Riaz: Definitely, they can take a lead from India where many big corporate houses have stepped into film production. As it is now an industry, it is high time to make films professionally where a director will research the plot while another will research the market.

You played the hero in many hit movies, so why did you take such a long break from the field?

Riaz: At one stage, I felt a social responsibility and wasn't fully satisfied by my work. There wasn't enough social commitment in filmdom. I am not after money so I left the film industry.

Do you think it was the right decision?

Riaz: Maybe not. But I need an experienced team and if I get one, I plan to make a film in the near future.

After a long hiatus, you will be seen on the silver screen again. What is your new film?

Riaz: “Sweetheart”, directed by Wazed Ali Sumon. I was keen to act in the film after the producer assured me that he had was doing a film with a difference.

You are now busy with TV plays?

Riaz: I'm now very busy shooting TV plays as my audience is keen to see me again.  Besides, I want to convey positive messages to the viewers through the dramas.