Moutushi Biswas returns with short film ‘Muktir Opare’

Once a familiar face in television acting and presenting, Moutushi Biswas has become largely irregular in screen work in recent years. She says she cannot even recall when she last acted in a television drama.

She remembers working in a short film by Bijon Imtiaz, though the exact time of that project no longer stands out. According to Moutushi, most of the stories she is offered now fail to interest her, which is why she often declines projects despite receiving proposals.

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However, she has recently completed shooting for a new short film titled “Muktir Opare”, directed by Afzal Hossain Munna.

Speaking on Friday afternoon, Moutushi said, “Most of the stories I see or get offered do not attract me. The last film I truly liked was ‘Delupi’. After watching it, I felt the director was honest to his work, and I called to share my thoughts. About ‘Muktir Opare’, I found the story very interesting. After hearing it, I felt this was something I could do. The words spoken in it felt like they should come from me. That is why I agreed to work in it. After shooting and editing, I have not seen the film yet, so I do not know its current condition.”

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Director Afzal Hossain Munna said “Muktir Opare” portrays the suffocating reality of urban life. The 12-minute short film tells the story of a young girl named Ayesha, played by child actor Zara, who longs for freedom beyond the concrete boundaries of city living. Moutushi Biswas plays Ayesha’s mother.

Munna also wrote the screenplay. The film features four child actors: Zara, Rashik, Rafi and Alvi. Shooting took place in Mirpur DOHS and Mirpur Journalists’ Colony.

According to the director, “Muktir Opare” will be sent to film festivals after February, and preparations for festival submissions are currently underway.

Moutushi Biswas is now based mainly in Khulna, travelling between Dhaka and Khulna as required. She has reduced her acting commitments and is focusing more on tourism-related work. Her family owns land in Khulna, where she is also involved in agricultural activities.