Entertainment Desk

In contemporary Bangladesh, if one were to list the most versatile actors, Chanchal Chowdhury and Mostafizur Noor Imran would undoubtedly top the list. When these two stars share the screen, it is natural for other supporting actors to fade into the background. And when a veteran like Tariq Anam Khan joins them, it becomes even more challenging for others to stand out.

However, two young actors – Tanvir Apurbo and Hossain Zibon – have defied expectations by making their mark in “Feu,” a recently released web series on the OTT platform Chorki.

Not only does “Feu” shine in its performances, but its storytelling and execution are also exceptional.

The series delves into a dark chapter of history while capturing the lives of people in the Sundarbans who rely on the forest for their livelihood.

THE STORY BEHIND ‘FEU’

Directed by Sukorno Shahed Dhiman, “Feu” is inspired by true events – specifically, the massacre of Marichjhapi. Marichjhapi is an island in the Sundarbans, located in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, and is tied to a tragic history of persecuted Bengalee refugees.

After the Partition of 1947, many Dalit and lower-caste Hindu refugees migrated from East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh) to India. A large number of them were placed in refugee camps in Dandakaranya, an area that was largely uninhabitable.

Over time, these refugees became pawns in Indian politics. In 1975, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Jyoti Basu promised to rehabilitate them if his party came to power. However, after the Left Front took control of West Bengal in 1977, they failed to keep their promise.

In March 1978, in search of a better future, countless refugees left Dandakaranya for West Bengal and eventually settled on Marichjhapi island. But under the pretext of preserving the biodiversity of the Sundarbans, the Indian government decided to evict them.

From January 1979, the refugees in Marichjhapi faced brutal oppression. Their drinking water was poisoned, their homes were set ablaze, and they were subjected to mass killings and sexual violence.

On May 16, 1979, the island was emptied of refugees. Official records state that only two people were killed, but independent sources estimate the death toll to be over 1,000.

Inspired by this tragic episode, “Feu” presents a fictionalized version of events, replacing Marichjhapi with “Dumurjhapi.” The web series unfolds in two parallel timelines: one in 1979 in Dumurjhapi and the other in 2002 in Mongla, an area adjacent to the Sundarbans in present-day Bagerhat.

The story follows Brother Sunil, who is associated with a church in Mongla and regularly visits Dumurjhapi in 1979. He documents the refugees’ plight and sends photographs to a foreign journalist to bring international attention to their suffering. Meanwhile, his close friend, Marshall, makes a living collecting honey in the Sundarbans but eventually gets involved in piracy, forming his own gang.

As the “Dumurjhapi massacre” unfolds, news of Sunil’s death reaches Mongla and he is later buried on the church premises. His son, Daniel, is raised at the Mongla church by Sunita, a former refugee who had converted to Christianity.

The plot takes a dramatic turn in 2002 when Father Francisco, a foreign pen-friend of Sunil, arrives in Mongla claiming that Sunil is still alive. Francisco even possesses a letter from Sunil asking for help. This revelation prompts Daniel and his friend Sohel to embark on a journey to uncover the truth about his father. In their search, they encounter Marshall. When Francisco has to leave, Daniel continues the search for his father alone.

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In “Feu,” Chanchal Chowdhury plays Sunil, while Mostafizur Noor Imran takes on the role of Marshall. Veteran actor Tariq Anam Khan portrays a key character named Kazi. The supporting cast also delivers commendable performances, with all actors showcasing fluency in regional dialects.

However, the most outstanding performances come from Tanvir Apurbo as Daniel and Hossain Zibon as Sohel. Their mastery of the dialect, emotional depth and on-screen chemistry bring a dynamic energy to the series. The friendship and banter between Daniel and Sohel also add an extra dimension to the narrative.

Beyond acting, “Feu” excels in cinematography, dialogue and overall atmosphere, earning a perfect score in execution. The director skillfully portrays the culture and lifestyle of the Sundarbans’ inhabitants while vividly depicting the refugees’ suffering.

That said, one area for improvement lies in the costume design for the 1978-79 timeline, which could have been more historically accurate. Despite this minor shortcoming, the dialogue remains compelling throughout.

With stellar performances, powerful storytelling and expert craftsmanship, “Feu” stands out as a remarkable web series. Director Sukorno Shahed Dhiman, along with screenwriters Romel Rahman and Siddiq Ahamed, deserve high praise for their work.

Now, all eyes are on the second season of “Feu,” as viewers eagerly await the resolution of Daniel’s quest to find his father and uncover the hidden geopolitical truths surrounding Sunil’s disappearance.