Photo : Collected
Walid Ahmed’s directorial debut, 'Megher Kapat,' has recently been released in India under the SAPTA agreement. The movie also received three awards from a festival in India. In an interview with Rezaur Rahman Rizvi on behalf of The Daily Messenger, the filmmaker shared details about his movie 'Megher Kapat' and related issues. The following are excerpts from the interview:
The Daily Messenger: The movie ‘Megher Kapat’ was recently sent to India for screening under the SAPTA agreement. Could you please share more about it?
Walid Ahmed: Releasing Bangladeshi movies in India marks a new chapter for our cinema industry. We included subtitles in our movie during production to ensure that people from other language-speaking regions worldwide can enjoy it. This release provides an opportunity for people from different parts of Bengal to watch the movie. Even citizens of other Hindi or non-Bengali language backgrounds can understand it, thanks to the subtitles.
Messenger: Tell us about winning multiple awards for ‘Megher Kapat’ in India.
Walid: 'Megher Kapat' secured three awards in India this time, including the Best Foreign Film award at the prestigious Global Independent Film Festival of India. I also received the Best Director award. The Raj Kapoor Award was a particularly surprising achievement. While accepting this unique honour for our film in India, the audience kept chanting the name of Bangladesh repeatedly, making me feel proud.
Messenger: Since ‘Megher Kapat’ is your first released movie, how do you evaluate the movie?
Walid: Everything about the first movie was new and interesting. The audience appreciated the actors' performances, the story, the songs, and especially the location shots. The audience's feedback is crucial for those involved in making the film. I made an effort to listen to various opinions, which inspired my work. So far, the movie has received a positive response. However, personally, I feel there was much more to offer, which I will strive to deliver in the future.
Messenger: Nowadays, the audience is said to be averse to cinema halls. How do you see this in the case of your movie?
Walid: I believe the audience is returning to cinemas. Audiences always seek good movies and a pleasant atmosphere. Two of our Bangladeshi movies ran houseful for over a month during the last Eid. Along with focusing on story-based movies, we should improve the cinema hall environment. Political stability is also a significant factor. The political situation was tense during the release of ‘Megher Kapat,’ resulting in lower attendance than expected. Despite this, the response was good. For example, 'Megher Kapat' ran for three consecutive weeks with four shows per day at Jamuna Blockbuster Cinemas in the capital. The movie also crossed the fifth week outside Dhaka. The new pair and producer were well-received. Therefore, creating good movies, developing cinema halls, and ensuring political stability are crucial for saving the cinema industry.
Messenger: Tell us the story of your journey in the media.
Walid: I had a strong inclination towards music from childhood, learning from my father. I formed a band during school and started writing and composing songs. A mix album featuring my song was released from Laser Vision. Artist Rafat Rajeeb Bhai and radio personality Suman Bhai joined me in a private radio as RJ. Song and radio activities continued, and I practiced direction with the camera I bought. From producing short films, music videos, dramas, commercials to today's movies.
Messenger: What are your plans for the new year?
Walid: I plan to start working on two movies in 2024. I will begin any story by considering the time, budget, and schedule of the cast. The new movie will undoubtedly differ from the previous production. ‘Megher Kapat’ was one type of movie based on its required story. This time, it is a different story, so the making style will also be different. I enjoy incorporating technology, so the new movies will have more technological touches in post-production. If all goes well, I will announce the new movie very soon.
Messenger/Shahin
