Mithila’s silver screen debut: Two films in two countries

Celebrated actress Rafiath Rashid Mithila recently made her silver screen debut in two countries on the same day. Anonno Mamun directorial "Omanush" in Bangladesh, co-starring with Nirab Hossain and Sauvik Kundu's "Ay Khuku Ay" in India, sharing the screen with Prosenjit Chatterjee.

Mithila is currently travelling to Tanzania for professional purposes, and missed the first showing of her projects. She shared her expectation, response and experience from working on the films with The Daily Star.

"I am excited as two of my projects have been released simultaneously, in two countries," said the actress. "However, I would have been happier if I could watch the premiere with my team."

Mithila's web project "Montu Pilot" has also recently released in Hoichoi, and the production is receiving a good response from audiences.

The actress shared that she will be returning by the end of this month. Upon asking which film she wishes to watch first, Mithila responded, "It will depend on which country I land in first," she said.

I am very proud of the team and our director for deciding to donate the revenue from the film's first week to the flood victims in Sylhet and Sunamganj. It is our responsibility as artistes.

While working on both films, Mithila garnered unique experiences from both the roles. "In 'Omanush' I played the role of a girl from the urban elite class, who was brought up in the USA and I spoke Bangla in an English accent," she says. "On the other hand, in 'Ay Khuku Ay', even though I have only a little screen time, I had to train myself on the mannerisms of a small town, lower middle-class mother."

According to Mithila, "Omanush" is a commercial film, intended for the mass audience, but its storyline makes the film unique from other commercial projects. "The entire film was shot inside a jungle, and it was quite challenging to adapt to shooting in that type of location," said Mithila. She also shared that she also liked Nirab's role and makeover for the film.

A lot of films have been releasing lately, mostly after the pandemic, and the artiste is hopeful about the film industry. "I think our film industry is being revived, as in a post-pandemic world there are a lot more films being released, which is a positive sign," she added.

"We have many talented directors and artistes who are working in both OTT and on the big screen."

Mithila is currently awaiting a few upcoming releases. She shared that the first lot of Gias Uddin Selim's directorial "Kajol Rekha" has already been shot, they are currently waiting for the film to be completed. "I have also signed up for a role in a children's film, funded by the government, around the same time. Titled 'Nitishastro', the movie is slated to be released in July. "Maya", another project, will be releasing soon in Kolkata, and "Jole Jole Tara" currently awaits to be released in Bangladesh.