Selected for the Discovery section at the Toronto International Film Festival 2024, ‘Saba’ is an impressive debut feature by director Maksud Hossain. The film features a standout performance by Mehazabein Chowdhury as Saba, a 25-year-old woman facing societal challenges while caring for her paraplegic mother. The story reveals the struggles Saba endures, depicted through parallel storylines that add depth to her character.
This feminist film offers a fresh perspective on gender dynamics and personal agency. Co-writer Trilora Khan, along with Hossain, is praised for bravely sharing their personal experiences in the narrative. Saba is portrayed as a fully realized character with hopes, flaws, and desires, moving beyond stereotypes.
Rokeya Prachy plays Saba’s mother, Shirin, whose life is marked by hardship. Their mother-daughter relationship is central to the film's emotional impact. Mostofa Monowar, known for his festival performances, shines in a nuanced role as Ankur, providing depth to the film while allowing Chowdhury to take the spotlight. Chowdhury, in her silver screen debut, delivers a powerful performance filled with raw emotion. Her ability to convey complex feelings through subtle gestures makes Saba relatable and authentic, establishing her as a rising star in cinema.
The film's cinematography by Barakat Hossain Polash beautifully captures Saba's journey, enhancing the storytelling. Each setting, from lively urban scenes to intimate home spaces, supports the film’s emotional tone.
‘Saba’ concludes with a powerful emotional impact, leaving audiences reflecting on their own experiences with loss. This film is a significant addition to contemporary Bangladeshi cinema, marking a new chapter in storytelling.
