"Buy me a sewing machine, and I'll set up a factory, just like actress Shabana"—a line filled with humor, yet echoing determination. The mixed traits define Maloti, the character played by Mehazabien Chowdhury in the trailer of "Priyo Maloti", which released on Saturday. Known for her versatile and brilliant performances in TV dramas and web series, Mehazabien is finally making her highly anticipated debut on the silver screen after 15 years in the industry.

The trailer introduces viewers to Maloti, an ordinary woman from a lower-middle-class family whose life shatters after a tragic fire. Mehazabien's portrayal of Maloti—a character full of dreams yet burdened by the harsh realities of life—marks a significant shift in her acting career. 

The film, set for release next week, depicts Maloti's fight for survival after losing her husband in a fire and failing to receive any government aid. Based on a true story, "Priyo Maloti" delves into the emotional and social struggles of a woman battling grief, poverty, and the system.

Directed by Shankha Dasgupta, who is also making his directorial debut, "Priyo Maloti" takes a raw, unsentimental look at these challenges. The film is produced by Frame Per Second and the OTT platform Chorki. Dasgupta said, "The story is inspired by true events. Just as truth is often harsh, various moments in the film are equally intense and challenging. Maloti's struggles are not hers alone—they reflect the shared struggles faced by many in this country."

The film's gritty realism is already earning it international acclaim. Screened at festivals including the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) and the International Film Festival of India, "Priyo Maloti" resonates far beyond its local context. Dasgupta's approach to storytelling highlights not just the struggles of one woman but also broader societal questions, as he asks, "Is a person's existence only defined by a death certificate or an autopsy report?"

The trailer also gives a glimpse of Maloti's personal life—a content, joy-filled existence with her husband, Palash Kumar Das, that comes to an abrupt and tragic end. From anniversary celebrations on a boat ride to tender moments of everyday life, the contrast between happiness and grief makes Maloti's story even more heart-wrenching. But it is her resilience in the face of tragedy, her battle against societal norms, in-laws, and religious constraints that takes center stage.

"Priyo Maloti" is set to hit theaters on December 20, marking a crucial milestone for Mehazabien as she transitions from the small screen to cinema. The film's lead cast includes acclaimed actors Azad Abul Kalam, Momena Chowdhury, Saim Bin Mujib, Rizvi Riju and Somu Chowdhury, who further elevate the film's emotional depth. Co-produced by Chorki, the film has already started drawing attention from international audiences.

Meanwhile, Mehazabien's other highly anticipated project, "Saba", directed by Maksud Hossain, is also awaiting release. Like "Priyo Maloti", Saba is based on real events and has been featured at numerous film festivals, including the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. As Mehazabien prepares to enter the realm of cinema with two films based on powerful true stories, her career is set to take a bold new direction.

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