‘Mujib: The Making of a Nation’ is a very emotional film for me: Shyam Benegal

Eminent Indian filmmaker Shyam Bengal spoke about his biopic on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at an event in Mumbai. 

'Mujib: The Making of a Nation is a very emotional film for me. To bring Bangabandhu's towering life on reel is a tough task," he said. 

"We have portrayed his character in an uncompromising way. Mujib remained a great friend of India. We hope the poster connects with the audiences."

Benegal released the poster of the film at National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) in Mumbai on the occasion of the 102nd birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Speaking about collaborating with National Film Development Corporation of India and Bangladesh Film Development Corporation,  Benegal said "I am glad to be working on this feature film. It has always been a fruitful association working with NFDC since its inception and now collaborating with BFDC was a joyful experience."

Bangladeshi actor Arifin Shuvo, who plays the role of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, said "I'm fascinated to be playing the role of Bangabandhu. This is a dream come true."

"I am honoured to be a part of this iconic project and to be directed by the legend himself, Shyam Benegalji. No words to express how big this feature film is for me and for my nation. I felt the warmth and great hospitality during the production of the film in India. Hopeful that I have justified the role and the audiences will connect with me and love the film, the way they love Bangabandhu," he addes.

Managing Director, BFDC, Nuzhat Yeasmin, said "I'm overwhelmed to see the film seeing the light of the day. Mujib – The Making of a Nation is an emotion for us. On behalf of BFDC, I would like to extend my congratulations to our counterparts (NFDC) who have stood with us for making this dream a reality. Bangladesh is eagerly anticipating to watch Shyam Benegal Ji's version of Bangabandhu's biopic. He is a legendary filmmaker, greatly admired by all of us."

NFDC Managing Director Ravinder Bhakar said "Mujib – The Making of a Nation" would be a "landmark" film in NFDC's history. "Indeed, it is a pleasure associating with BFDC for an iconic film," he added.

India and Bangladesh had announced a biopic on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman during the commemoration of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu. 

The film was extensively shot in India and Bangladesh, abiding with all the health guidelines amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. The production of the film concluded in December last year.

Besides Arifin Shuvoo, the star cast of the film includes Nusrat Imrose Tisha, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Chanchal Chowdhury and  Nusraat Faria. The film is written by Atul Tiwari and Shama Zaidi.

Director of Photography is Akashdeep, editor Aseem Sinha and music is by Shantanu Moitra.

Art direction is by Vishnu Nishad, action director is Sham Kaushal, choreographer Masum Babul and costume designer Pia Benegal.