‘Ekhane Rajnoitik Alap Joruri’ to release ahead of election

The film "Ekhane Rajnoitik Alap Joruri" is set to hit theatres on January 16, ahead of the national parliamentary election scheduled for February 12.

Drawing on Bangladesh's long political trajectory—from the Liberation War of 1971 and the mass uprising of 1990 to the recent student-led movement of 2024—the film revisits the country's sustained struggle for democracy through a cinematic lens.

Although initially slated for release towards the end of the year, the theatrical run was postponed at the last moment. The film traces the painful birth of Bengali nationhood, the bloody fight for independence, and decades of democratic resistance, culminating in contemporary political movements.

A press conference marking the release decision was held on the evening of December 21 at the VIP projection hall of the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC). The organisers announced that the film would be released in the new year instead of 2024.

Those present at the event included the film's director, producer, cast members, the managing director of the film corporation, and Tareq Akand, head of programmes at satellite television channel Bangla Vision.

The story is written and produced by Khalid Mahbub Turjo, while the film is directed by Ahmed Hasan Sunny. Speaking about his debut feature, Sunny said political discussion should not be treated as a taboo.

"The more politically aware people become, the more they learn to think about the country," he said. "For years, we have seen signs in hotels, buses, and restaurants reading 'political discussion is prohibited'. This film attempts to break that taboo."

The lead role is played by Imtiaz Barshon, with Azad Abul Kalam, A K Azad Setu, Keya Al Jannah, and Tanvir Apurba appearing in key roles. The film will be released nationwide on January 16.