Entertainment Desk:

Bangladeshi superstar Shakib Khan has praised director Adnan Al Rajeev and his short film “Ali”, after it earned a prestigious Special Mention at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, calling the achievement “a historic moment for Bangladesh.”

Taking to Facebook, Shakib shared a congratulatory photocard that quickly gained traction. In bold white text over the film’s artwork, his message read: “A historic moment for Bangladesh. Shabash! Adnan and team ‘Ali’.”

His heartfelt post sparked a wave of excitement among fans and film insiders alike. Director Adnan Al Rajeev, visibly moved, replied in the comments: “Thank you, Shakib Khan. We Love you.”

The recognition at Cannes marked a rare international honour for a Bangladeshi short film.

Directed by Adnan Al Rajeev and co-produced by Tanveer Hossain and Kristine De Leon, “Ali” was one of 11 films selected globally for the Short Film Competition. It screened on May 22 and was awarded a Special Mention at the festival’s closing ceremony.

“Ali” tells the story of a teenage boy in a coastal town who dares to defy societal norms by entering a singing contest. Beneath this simple premise lies a layered tale of identity, longing, and escape.