After nearly seven years on the shelf, Symon Sadik and Mahiya Mahi’s romantic film ‘Anondo Osru’ is finally heading to cinemas on 13 November.
Director Mustafizur Rahman Manik announced the release date on Wednesday night by unveiling a poster designed by Sazzadul Sayem. The film completed shooting several years ago but remained unreleased despite finishing its censor and other formalities.
“All the work on the film, including censor clearance, was completed two years ago. It took another two years to find the right time for its release,” Manik said.
Abhi Kathachitra will distribute the film. The director hopes to release it in around 30 cinemas, including multiplexes and single-screen theatres.
Despite sharing its title with the 1997 film directed by Shibli Sadik and starring Salman Shah and Shabnoor, the new ‘Anondo Osru’ is not a remake.
Manik previously clarified that he had borrowed only the title from the older film, which remains a favourite among many viewers.
Manik, who has described himself as a fan of Salman Shah and Shabnur, said the two films have entirely different stories.
Written by Sudipto Saeed Khan, the new film centres on the romance between Farhad and Shiri. Symon plays Farhad, a calm, Baul-like character, while Mahi portrays Shiri, a lively and somewhat short-tempered village girl who constantly follows him.
Symon said the film tells a straightforward love story, although sadness and emotional hardship run throughout the narrative.
Ali Raj, Shahiduzzaman Selim, Joy Chowdhury, Sujata, Maruf Akib and Chikon Ali also feature in the cast. Selim plays the principal antagonist, marking his first appearance in such a role in a film directed by Manik.
Imon Saha and Shahriar Rafat composed the music, with lyrics by Sudip Kumar Dip, Abul Kashem Nipun and Rokon Uddin Setu.
Konal, Kishore and Rafat provided the vocals. The soundtrack includes a romantic number and a Baul-inspired song.
Filming began in Manikganj in 2018, followed by shoots in Dhaka, Gazipur and Kishoreganj. The final two songs were filmed in Nikli, Kishoreganj, in January 2020.
Manik has directed films including ‘Dui Noyoner Alo’, ‘Ma Amar Chokher Moni’, ‘Mon Chhuyechhe Mon’, ‘Kichhu Asha Kichhu Bhalobasha’ and ‘Emono To Prem Hoy’.
His earlier collaboration with Simon and Mahi, ‘Jannat’, was released in 2018 and won five National Film Awards, including Best Director.
Although ‘Anondo Osru’ was expected to be the pair’s second film together, audiences will finally get to see it on the big screen years after production began.
