Entertainment Desk:

The upcoming Eid-ul-Azha film “Utshob”, directed by Tanim Noor, was officially announced at a press conference on May 13 at the Gulshan Shooting Club in Dhaka. The event also introduced the film’s star-studded cast.

Featuring a rare ensemble of artistes, “Utshob” stars Zahid Hasan, Jaya Ahsan, Aupee Karim, Chanchal Chowdhury, Afsana Mimi, Tariq Anam Khan, Azad Abul Kalam, Intekhab Dinar, Sunerah Binte Kamal, Soumya Jyoti, and Sadia Ayman, among others. Such a high-profile gathering of National Award-winning artistes in a single film is unprecedented in recent Bangladeshi cinema.

The announcement event saw a creative twist as the cast arrived wearing masks, unveiling their identities together on stage upon the director’s cue, much to the audience’s delight.

Director Tanim Noor shared that he wanted to make a film centred around Eid that families could enjoy together. “Utshob” is the result of that vision, brought to life through collaborative effort.

Actor Zahid Hasan expressed joy at reuniting with so many artistes for a single project. Afsana Mimi said, “The tagline—’Do not watch without your family’—truly moved me. We’ve longed for a film suitable for the whole family.”

Produced by Dope Productions with co-production support from Chorki, the film marks Dop’s first venture, made specifically for Eid. “This would not have been possible without everyone’s support,” said Dop’s Managing Director Krishnendu Chattopadhyay. “We also hope to release the film overseas while the festive mood lasts.”

Chorki CEO Redoan Rony remarked, “‘Utshob’ is a timely and much-needed film. Amid the current wave of cinema, a film that families can enjoy together—especially during Eid—is crucial.”

Azad Abul Kalam described the project as something once thought impossible. “Tanim Noor’s enthusiasm brought us all together,” he noted. Laughing Elephant, co-producer of the film, joined the project due to Noor’s determination, said the company’s head Sakib Fahad.

Chanchal Chowdhury shared, “Working on this film was pure joy. We now want to share that joy with everyone.” Aupee Karim added, “I couldn’t resist the chance to work with so many of my peers in one film. This generation hasn’t seen us together—so let ‘Utshob’ be their first.”

Intekhab Dinar said the film’s theme reminded him of his childhood. “Although I joined the cast later, I’m grateful to be part of a project with such gifted artistes.” Co-stars Sunerah Binte Kamal and Sadia Ayman also considered the opportunity to work with so many accomplished names as a major milestone.

The screenplay of “Utshob” was penned by Tanim Noor, Ayman Asib Shadhin, Susmoy Sarkar, and Shimul Haque. Rashed Zaman served as Director of Photography.

The event was also attended by Kazi Nowshaba, FS Nayeem, Syed Ahmed Shawki, Saleh Sobhan Auneem, Fatema Tuz Zohra Oyshee, among others.