At one point, I felt like I couldn’t do justice to ‘Damal’: Raihan Rafi
"Poran" famed director Raihan Rafi got emotional when talking about his struggle of making the much-anticipated sports-drama film, "Damal" at the sponsorship agreement signing ceremony between "Damal" and sports channel T-Sports and Bashundhara Kings. The event, titled "Team Damal Meets Team T-Sports" was held at Bashundhara city yesterday.
"I have been working on this film since 2018, and at some points, I felt like I couldn't do justice to it. As it is a periodic film and we are portraying 1971, we needed a lot of budget and research for that. I felt like giving up my dream. After all the struggles, now that it's all set for release, I feel very good," said Raihan Rafi at the press conference.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Raihan Rafi also thanked director Khijir Hayat Khan, who was the director of Bangladesh's first sports film "Jaago", which paved the way for filmmakers to work on films based on sports.
"Khijir Bhai was there with me every day on the shooting spot, helping me to direct the scenes of football matches. I don't think any other director will ever do that. We all are forever grateful to you," said Rafi.
"Damal" is based on a real-life football team that was formed in June 1971. The Shadhin Bangla Football Team played a total of 16 matches in different areas, raising around BDT 5 lakhs, which was donated to help fund our liberation war.
General Manager of T-Sports, Tasbirul Islam signed on behalf of T-Sports and Tauhidul Islam signed on behalf of Bashundhara Kings. Russell Mahmood, the lyricist of the film, signed on behalf of "Damal" at the signing ceremony.
The film has been conceptualised by the Managing Director of Impress Telefilm Ltd and Channel i, Faridur Reza Sagar. Nazim Ud Daula has paired up with the director for the screenplay of this production.
The cast – Siam Ahmed, Bidya Sinha Saha Mim, Rashed Mamun Apu, Sariful Razz, Shahnaz Sumi and Sumit, were present at the event along with the crew. They all talked about their experience of working in the film.
"I think through this film; the younger generation will know a lot about the history of the Bangladesh Football team and their contribution to the country. The film will transfer from generation to generation and we will live through it," said Siam Ahmed, who plays the role of the striker, Durjoy, in the film.
"Damal" is all set to release on October 28, in theaters.
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