“No Dorai contains no elements against religious sentiments”
IN CONVERSATION WITH
TANEEM RAHMAN ANGSHU
A Supreme Court (SC) lawyer on Wednesday issued a legal notice against No Dorai, Bangladeshs first-ever surfing film, raising allegations of it hurting religious sentiments. The legal notice was served to the authorities concerned, including the makers of the film, asking them to take the necessary steps to cancel censor certificate and stop screening of the film.
No Dorai is the first film production of Star Cineplex and it was released on November 29.
The films director Taneem Rahman Angshu was among the five individuals to be served the legal notice.
In an exclusive conversation with DhakaLives Nazir Hossain yesterday, filmmaker Taneem Rahman Angshu expressed his views on the matter, spoke about peoples reactions to No Dorai, and hinted at his next venture.
The following are the excerpts of the interview:
Have you (director and producer of the film) received the legal notice?
I cannot confirm yet whether the notice has reached those concerned or not. I will need to speak with Star Cineplex about it. The last time I spoke with them, no such notice had been received. Subsequently, I got busy with other works. Im in Coxs Bazar now and busy with a film-related event. I have not had the time to follow up on the issue.
What steps will you be taking in this regard?
As an SC lawyer has sent a legal notice, we will respond following the legal procedure. Before doing so, however, we will try to resolve the issue out of court through mutual understanding.
As one of those who have been served the notice, what are your views on the matter?
We made the film maintaining all rules and regulations of the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation. The film also got approval from the censor board after fulfilling certain requirements. The film would not have received clearance if it was found to hurt religious sentiments. I would request the lawyer to watch the filmif he has not watched it yetto clear his confusion over the matter. I want to assure everyone that No Dorai contains no elements against religious sentiments.
Now that the film has hit the theatres, what reactions are you getting from viewers?
The film screening is going well. While we have received mixed reactions from different corners, most of the responses are positive so far. We are getting encouragement, love, and blessings from those who have watched the movie. Overall, we are happy with our endeavour and hope that people will appreciate the story. Even those who have misconceptions about the film are watching it now and expressing positive feedback on social media.
Do you have plans to increase the number of halls showing the film?
So far I know, a few more cinema halls will be screening No Dorai from Friday (today). The number of cinema halls will increase both within and outside Dhaka.
What is your next project?
I will mostly be working on film projects alongside other things. I hope to let you know about yet another new film venture within two or three months. l
Photo l courtesy
