In an unprecedented move that signals a potentially transformative shift in the Bangladeshi film industry, 'Antarjal', the nation's first-ever cyber thriller, is set to premiere on the 8th of September, 2023. The decision to delay the release, originally planned for Eid, reflects a desire by the filmmakers to diversify the calendar of movie releases and foster a more sustainable cinematic ecosystem that is not solely centered around holiday seasons.
A move sparked by a conviction in the importance of the movie business being a year-long venture, the producers, and their distributor, accepted the financial loss linked with the delay. This bold step was undertaken to ensure cinema halls across Bangladesh remain thriving centers of entertainment throughout the year. The decision has already proven successful, with a surge in audience engagement and support for Eid movies this year.
'Antarjal' promises to be a cinematic experience like no other. Under the creative helm of director Dipankar Dipon, known for his prior successful ventures 'Dhaka Attack' and 'Operation Sundarbans', the movie is set to deliver a rich and immersive spectacle of visual effects, unfolding over an impressive big canvas.
The movie's production team, Motion People Studio Limited, along with producers Sadekul Arefin, Mohammad Ali Haider, and Shah Amir Khasru, have meticulously crafted the movie over a considerable duration, pouring considerable resources and creative energies into its production. The cast features three national award-winning actors - Siam Ahmed, Bidya Sinha Mim, and Sunerah Binte Kamal - who are accompanied by ABM Sumon, Masroor Anan Kito, Amit Sinha, Raonak Hasan, and Mohammad Ali Haider.
'Antarjal' offers not just a captivating narrative, but a feast for the senses. Monirul Islam Masum's cinematography, Samurai Maruf's art direction, and 4DGO BANGLADESH's visual effects come together to offer a unique viewing experience. Locations within Bangladesh and Thailand were chosen for filming, the latter being a first for any Bangladeshi movie.
Advanced technology features prominently in the film, with holographic characters, home appliance robots, security robots, robodrones, laser-protected prisons, and an extensive use of 3D animation technology. With close to 95 thousand frames of VFX used, 'Antarjal' stands as a trailblazer in Bangladesh's movie industry.
Despite the cutting-edge technology on display, the heart of 'Antarjal' remains its story. It aims to entertain while delving into themes of human relationships and modern-day hacking, with turns and twists aimed at captivating the tech-savvy generation. Complementing the narrative, is a rich musical score featuring compositions from popular Bangladeshi bands and composers like Imon Chowdhury, Chirkut, Appayrus, and Ashes.
With 'Antarjal', the film industry in Bangladesh ventures into a new era of filmmaking and film-watching. As we await this dream project's release, the team behind it hopes that this bold step will pave the way for a more vibrant and resilient Bangladeshi cinema culture, where films released outside of Eid also attain commercial success and contribute to a thriving movie industry.
