Two highly anticipated films are making their way to theatres across the country today, titled "Noya Manush," directed by Sohel Rana Boyati, and "Duniya," directed by Saif Chandan.

"Noya Manush", starring Rawnak Hasan and Moushumi Hamid, takes audiences into the heart of rural Bangladesh, telling the story of people living on the chars (river islands)–an often-overlooked community struggling with the effects of river erosion, displacement, and survival. 

Based on Hasanuzzaman's short story, "Bedonar Balu Chor," the film sheds light on the lives of those who migrate from one char to another, grappling with the challenges of adapting to new environments. 

The movie explores the emotions, conflicts, and resilience of these island communities, highlighting the tensions when new settlers arrive.

The film stars Rawnak Hasan, Moushumi Hamid, Ashish Khondokar, Jhuna Chowdhury, and Nilufar Wahid, all of whom bring their characters to life in this poignant story. The screenplay, written by Masum Reza, blends emotional depth with the raw realities of life on the river islands.

Director Boyati opened up about the challenges faced during the production, recalling how a major setback occurred in October 2022 when Cyclone Sitrang hit and destroyed their shooting set. 

"It was a massive challenge for us," Boyati said. "We had to rebuild the set and continue filming. But we are hopeful that 'Noya Manush' will resonate with the audience."

'Duniya': An eight-year-long journey to the big screen

Meanwhile, "Duniya" has a backstory all its own. Originally shot in 2016 under the title "Target", this film was stuck in post-production limbo for years. But now, after nearly a decade, it is finally releasing in theatres with a new title, "Duniya". 

Directed by Saif Chandan, the movie features a strong cast, including Anisur Rahman Milon, Nirab Hossain, Irene Sultana, and Misha Sawdagar.

Reflecting on the lengthy delay, Saif Chandan explained, "We used cutting-edge technology at the time, and the film has aged well. The reason for the delay is something only the production house can answer, but I'm excited that the audience will finally get to see it."

One of the lead actresses, Irene Sultana expressed her excitement, saying, "It's always special to see your work come to life on the big screen. Although it's been a long wait, I'm thrilled that audiences will finally be able to enjoy the film."

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