Mr. Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting India, Ambassador of India to the Republic of France H.E. Mr. Jawed Ashraf along with Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Republic of France H.E. Mr. Khondker Mohammad Talha were present at the occasion.
Cannes – Mujib – The Making of a Nation is an India-Bangladesh Co-Production on the life of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation of Bangladesh, under Audio Visual Co-Production Agreement between the Republic of India and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The film was extensively shot in India & Bangladesh, abiding by all the health guidelines amidst COVID-19 pandemic.
Mujib – The Making of a Nation is directed by Shri Shyam Benegal. The Co-production Agreement for the film “Bangabandhu” was signed on 14th January 2020 between two Executive Producers – National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), India and Film Development Corporation (FDC), Bangladesh. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Govt. of India and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Govt. of Bangladesh are producers of the film. The total budget of the film is over USD 10 million (INR 75 Crores) shared in the ratio of 40:60 by India and Bangladesh respectively. The film is a tribute to the great leader on his birth centennial and to mark the 50 years of Bangladesh’s formation. The release is delayed owing to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The entire shooting of the film “Bangabandhu” has been successfully completed spread in four schedules in India and Bangladesh. The film is expected to ready by the end of 2022.
The trailer of the film was released on 19 May at India Pavilion at Festival De Cannes 2022’s Marche du Film. The trailer can be seen on the official social media handles of NFDC India. The trailer showcases the glimpses of the film Mujib – The Making of a Nation, who was a man of indomitable energy and a great admiral.
The actors in the lead roles Arifin Shuvoo & Nusrat Imrose Tisha, for the love of the nation & the emotion named Mujib, have worked for free & have taken only 1 Bangladeshi Taka (0.011 USD) as a token amount. Mr Arifin Shuvoo’s has played the role of the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his life’s journey from early days to the Making of a Nation has been depicted in the film. Ms. Nusrat Imrose Tisha, plays the role of Sheikh Fazilatunnesa (Renu), the better half of Mujib, the film showcases her family, struggles, strength & her role in Mujib’s success as one of the greatest leaders in the World.
At the India Pavilion, the occasion was graced by the Hon’ble Minister of Information & Broadcasting, India Shri Anurag Singh Thakur and also by Hon’ble Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Bangladesh Dr Hasan Mahmud, including other prominent dignitaries from India & Bangladesh. The trailer was released & presented by Shri Shyam Benegal via video message. Further, both the Ministers spoke about the works carried out & efforts put in by the cast & crew to make this happen. The lead actors too spoke on the historic launch of Mujib’s trailer.
Mr Anurag Singh Thakur Hon’ble Minister of Information & Broadcasting India expressed “I would like to thank Cannes Film Festival for honouring India with Country of Focus in its 75th edition on India’s 75th year of Independence. We have witnessed an epic trailer of a historic leader (Mujib), it was with the energizing efforts of all the cast & crew from India & Bangladesh, including the government of both nations that despite the pandemic that this film was possible. The idea was conceived between PM Shri Narendra Modi and PM Sheikh Hasina. Hopeful, the film will garner the accolades world over.”
Dr Hasan Mahmud, Hon’ble Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Bangladesh said “I am indeed so proud to launch the trailer of this biopic today, at the esteemed Cannes Film Festival. This biopic directed by the legendary film maker Shri Shyam Benegal brilliantly portrays the dramatic life and legacy of the Father of the Nation BANGABANDHU Sheikh Mujibur Rahman while being true to reality”.
Mr. Shyam Benegal, Director said that, “The trailer is out and I hope the audiences will appreciate it. It was an absolutely marvellous journey working for this film as I got an opportunity to work with the artists & technicians from both the nations. And thankful to Ministries from India & Bangladesh for their overwhelming support.
Mr Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, India said "Overwhelmed to see the trailer, both the ministries from India & Bangladesh worked together with a single goal of making a biopic on one of the greatest leaders from the subcontinent. Wish all the cast & crew the best.”
Mr. Ravinder Bhakar, Managing Director, NFDC India, informed that “We are a step closer to bring out the film Mujib – The Making of a Nation. Both the Ministries (India & Bangladesh) have put in great efforts and the trailer reflects the sincere efforts of the cast & crew. On Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India being the Country of focus at Cannes, and the trailer launch at India Pavilion, all things have come together and hope the audiences will like the trailer & shower their blessings for the film.”
Ms Nuzhat Yeasmin, Managing Director, FDC, Bangladesh shared that “I am really happy and proud to be a part of this trailer launch program. Mr Shyam Benegal, the legendary Film Director, has honestly depicted the lives and deeds of the Bangabandhu in the Biopic. The artists and the crew members have given their best performance. The people of the world in general and Bangladeshis’ in particular will have the opportunity to know the selfless leader, Bangabandhu, and his uncompromising struggle to achieve our independence. I urge everyone to witness the Biopic when it is released and help materialize ‘Golden Bangladesh’ as was dreamt by the Father of the Nation. I thank NFDC, director and all crew members for their respective laudable roles and contributions. I thank all for your kind presence and cooperation!”
Mr. Arifin Shuvoo, Actor said- “Its’s an honour to play Bangabandhu and overjoyed after seeing the trailer. The emotions are high, thankful to BFDC & NFDC and Shyam Benegal for choosing me for the role. I am sure the audiences will love the trailer and support the film.”
Ms Nusrat Imrose Tisha, Actor, informed that “I am overwhelmed being part of this film. Trailer looks stunning & 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.”
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