Diving in with the “Gohin Baluchor” team

Popular television director Badrul Anam Saud's first venture on the big screen is the upcoming film “Gohin Baluchor”. The government-grant winning film stars some of the biggest names in the industry, alongside three new faces on the silver screen. The film will see its countrywide release on October 20.

The Daily Star recently caught up with the director along with cast members Suborna Mustafa, Jeetu Ahsan, Shahadat Hossain and newcomers Tanvir, Moon and Neelanjona Neela. Excerpts:

What is it about “Gohin Baluchor” that will urge the audience into halls?

Badrul Anam Saud: “Gohin Baluchor” is primarily a love story. It is a story that we all can relate to. Its simplicity will be its biggest appeal, and that is what will bring them into the halls.

Suborna Mustafa: Like Saud said, it's a simple love story. And I too believe that is what people will find when they go to the halls. It a story about people from riverine areas, but there is a lot of love and romance involved.

What is the films target audience demographic?

Saud: From the city or from the village, everyone in this country is my target audience.

Suborna: Those who love good stories and appreciate good storytelling are our target audience.

What was your experience working in the film?

Suborna: Barisal's Dopdopia is my grandfather's hometown -- a place I had never visited before shooting for “Gohin Baluchor”. I saw my grandfather's grave for the first time. It has been an overwhelming experience. Shooting near and on Kirtankhola River, shooting in an area as visually stunning as Lahar Hat, all of it was so beautiful. It was a very emotional journey for me. We were there for around 40 days, and it was because of the support and help of the locals that we were able to get our work done well.

Saud: This work gave me experiences aplenty. There were seniors as well as many young people working with us. To have them wake up at three in the morning for make up call, and be at the shooting spot by five in the morning, with no internet and fast food, proves how much hard work everyone had done. To have so many people work so hard for the success of my film was the most worthwhile experience for me.

Jeetu: Barisal is a lovely place, and just being there was great. I played the role of antagonist Hanif Sikdar. I have played antagonist before, but not with so much effort and concentration. The time I spent playing Hanif and the time we spent together in Barisal, will always remain unforgettable.

Shahadat Hossain: I played the role of Mizan, a simple and naïve man. Saud has always blessed me with characters that I can make my own and work well with, and this is no different. I had a great experience in Barisal, and a greater experience being Mizan.

Tanvir: What was most important was that I learned a lot. I learned to row a boat, something I never thought I would. The atmosphere we were in gave me the most overwhelming feeling. I always felt like I was with my own family, just a different one.

Neelanjona Neela: It was a once in a lifetime experience, The gorgeous and clear blue sky was something I had never experienced in the hustle and bustle of Dhaka city. Especially when it was completely speckled with stars at night and we would lie down on our trawlers and watch.

Moon: This was the first time I was so close to a river. To stay for so long outside of home, to be able to watch sunrise with everyone, these were some of the best experiences.

What are your hopes for “Gohin Baluchor”?

Suborna: I am confident with “Gohin Baluchor”. When it comes to having hope, there are three people I must mention who worked very hard with this film from behind the camera: art director Uttam Guha, music director Emon Shaha, and choreographer Naziba Basher. Ours is a country of pristine villages, beautiful landscapes, blue sky and gorgeous rivers and our audience will find all of that in our film. They will find Bangladesh in our film.

Saud: It is my faith in the audience that puts my faith in my film. I know they go to halls when they get a good story, and I tried my best to give them just that.

Shahadat: I have high hopes for this film. I would like to make one request to audience: please do buy tickets and come to the halls. Not just for this film, for all films. Without your support, this industry will fall behind. Come and watch our films; we put a lot of effort behind them only for you. If you like it, tell us. If you don't like it, tell us. But do come and watch. This film is not for us, it is for you.

Neela: This is my first film, and it is very special to me. I have faith that people will come to watch us.

Moon: I know for a fact that “Gohin Baluchor” will be well-received.

Tanvir: My hopes are high about this film. Collectively, we have a done a good job.

Lastly, what message will the audience get from “Gohin Baluchor”?

Saud: There is no specific message. I made this film for the sake of art, and every viewer views art in their own perspective. Those who will look for a message will find one.

Suborna: Like Romeo and Juliet, like Laily and Majnu, we have the love story of Shujon and Parul. There is no specific issue that this film revolves around, it is purely about love. But what is guaranteed is that from the very first frame, to the last one- one will find the beauty of our land.