Mejbaur Rahman Sumon's debut film "Hawa" was released on July 29, having already received a lot of hype even before it hit the theatres. The film features Chanchal Chowdhury, Nazifa Tushi, Sariful Islam Razz and Nasir Uddin Khan among many others.

Despite the film's roaring success, a certain group of audience on social media claimed that the film contains a similar plot to the Korean film "Sea Fog", while others argued it to have similarity with the 1985 film "Obhijan".

In a recent conversation with The Daily Star, the director opened up about the allegations which were raised about "Hawa".

Why do you think people are trying to connect "Hawa" with "Sea Fog" and "Obhijan"?

When a film creates hype, there are certain conspiracies that brews among some people. This is nothing new, we have witnessed this in the past. In fact, people are trying to mock me by giving me the tag of a tele-fiction director. They are forgetting the fact that television themes can easily fit into the molds of cinema.

Such allegations were raised earlier against films like "Aynabaji" and "Debi". People argued that "Debi's" story was not as it was in the book. I request everyone to watch "Hawa" before coming to a conclusion.

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What, according to your judgement, could be the reason behind this?

This is a common practice, many filmmakers who have come from small screens were targeted and slandered.

Most of the formula films in this region are copies and philosophically imitated. These films contain similar plots, revolving around love, a set of fightscenes, songs and a climax. However, no one claims anything against these movies for being copied. Since we are considered outsiders, we are judged for this.

Those who are raising their complaints, have not seen any of the films, because "Sea Fog's" plot is based on human trafficking. Just shooting in the middle of the sea doesn't make it a copy! "Hawa" is the story of our region, and it is an original film.

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Would it make you happier, if "Hawa" was released in more than 24 halls?

The condition of single screen theatres is not very good in our country. Yet, people are showing interest in my film, which might end up increasing the number of halls. As a filmmaker, I am elated. However, the way that people have started spreading false allegations, it might hamper the growth of the shows.

Interestingly, some of the crew members of "Hawa" told me that they have overheard people gossiping over the matter in a restaurant, where one of their fellow mates even protested.