Internationally-acclaimed filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki's movie "Shonibar Bikel" (Saturday Afternoon) is finally expected to release in theatres across Bangladesh this November. The film, which has been struggling for clearance from the Bangladesh Film Censor Board for the past five years, is now set to reach the audience after a long wait.
The film faced many hurdles during the current Sheikh Hasina government, as it was initially denied clearance by the censor board. However, after an appeal by the film’s producer Abdul Aziz, the board has finally given the green light. Despite this, the board suggested several amendments, but the filmmakers are keen on keeping the original scenes. They plan to resubmit the movie to the censor board, aiming for final clearance without any further changes.
Jazz Multimedia chairman Abdul Aziz mentioned, "We don’t want to release the film now in the current situation of the country.
If everything goes well, the audience can watch 'Shonibar Bikel' in theatres in November."
The film features a stellar cast, including Zahid Hasan, Nusrat Imrose Tisha, Mamunur Rashid, Iresh Zaker, Intekhab Dinar, Nader Chowdhury, and Gousul Alam Shaon. It also stars Parambrata Chatterjee from India and Eyad Hourani from Palestine, adding an international flavor to the lineup.
Previously, "Shonibar Bikel" received clearance from the censor board in January last year. However, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting later reversed this decision, causing further delays. With the latest developments, the filmmakers are hopeful that there will be no more obstacles, and the audience can finally enjoy the much-awaited film in November.
