Trailer for Shyam Benegal’s Mujib: The Making Of A Nation released at Cannes; see video

The trailer for veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal’s upcoming Bengali film Mujib: The Making Of A Nation was released yesterday at the India Pavilion at Festival de Cannes.

The film is based on the life of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of independent Bangladesh and the man known as the Father of Bangladesh.

Actor Arifin Shuvoo has played the character of Sheikh Mujib, who was also known as Bangabandhu, while Nusrat Imrose Tisha has played his wife Sheikh Fazilatunnesa.

Mujib is a joint venture between India’s National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and Bangladesh's Film Development Corporation (FDC). According to the makers, the film has been made at a cost of Rs75 crore, which has been contributed by India and Bangladesh in the ratio 40:60. They also said that Shuvoo and Tisha charged just one taka each as fee for the film.

Apart from the cast and crew, India’s information and broadcasting minister Anurag Singh Thakur and his Bangladesh counterpart Dr Hasan Mahmud were present at the event. Benegal, who couldn’t be present at Cannes, released the trailer with a video message. 

In a statement, the director said, “The trailer is out and I hope audiences will appreciate it. It was an absolutely marvellous journey working for this film as I got an opportunity to work with artistes and technicians from both nations. And thankful to the ministries from India and Bangladesh for their overwhelming support.”

Benegal’s previous feature film Well Done Abba! was released way back in 2009. It starred Boman Irani and Minissha Lamba.

"Happy to have gotten a chance to play the titular character," Shuvoo said, “It’s an honour to play Bangabandhu and overjoyed after seeing the trailer. The emotions are high. Thankful to BFDC and NFDC and Shyam Benegal for choosing me for the role. I am sure audiences will love the trailer and support the film.”

His co-star Tisha added, “I am overwhelmed being part of this film. [The] trailer looks stunning and I am truly looking forward to watching the film. I’m sure each Bangladeshi from across the world will feel the emotion after watching the trailer.”

Mujib has been shot in India and Bangladesh. The film is expected to be ready for release by the end of December this year.