After captivating audiences worldwide on the festival circuit and hosting a series of exclusive premieres across Bangladesh in 2024, ‘Barir Naam Shahana’ has finally arrived in cinemas nationwide today, experiencing the much-anticipated Bangladeshi theatrical release.
The debut feature from Bangladeshi-born British writer and filmmaker Leesa Gazi has already earned international acclaim for its layered storytelling, cultural depth and memorable performances. Having travelled through prominent festivals, it established itself as a powerful voice for Bangladeshi cinema on a global stage.
On the eve of its theatrical release, the cast and crew took to the streets of Dhaka, spreading joy and excitement by performing songs from the film.
The story of Barir Naam Shahana centres on Dipa, a character from Leesa’s 2011 novella first published in Prothom Alo. Set in a rural Bangladeshi town of the 1990s, it follows a young divorced woman navigating the heavy weight of social stigma and family honour. In choosing to chart her own course, Dipa embodies the courage to challenge convention and reclaim her identity.
Speaking to TIMES of Bangladesh about the film, Leesa said, “Nothing beats the feeling of coming home. In many ways, Dipa experiences that same sense of homecoming in the film. Watching the movie will help you understand just how profoundly important this return is for her.”
Fronted by Aanon Siddiqua in a compelling lead performance as Dipa, Barir Naam Shahaha’s ensemble cast features Lutfur Rahman George, Iresh Zaker, Kazi Ruma, Kamrunnahar Munni, Mugdhota Morshed Wriddhi, Amirul Haque Chowdhury, Naila Azad, Arif Islam, Naimur Rahman Apon and Jayanto Chattopadhyay; each bringing depth and authenticity to the film’s empowering narrative.
Reflecting on her role as Dipa, Aanon said, “Portraying Dipa has been a deeply profound experience for me, especially since I am not a trained actor. Barir Naam Shahana is my debut film and having the opportunity to be part of such a complex and powerful story is an extraordinary milestone in my life.”
Having already made rounds at international film festivals and exclusive premieres both home and abroad, the film carries high expectations.
Asked about its potential first-day performance, Leesa said, “In my style of storytelling, I tell stories about ordinary people, giving voice to lives that often go unnoticed. Most of my work centers on female perspectives and every character I create is designed for viewers to see themselves in their struggles and triumphs. In that way, the film becomes a celebration of the audience’s own experiences and existence.”
Adding to the sentiment, Aanon said, “Having my own people watch this film for the first time in theatres is a moment of immense pride for me. There’s nothing more rewarding than bringing a homegrown story to the audiences of my own country. For me, that achievement outweighs any global accolade.”
“My proudest moment with Barir Naam Shahana is seeing it finally on the big screen in Bangladesh. I can’t wait to experience the first show tomorrow at 11:00 am alongside the audience,” Leesa shared with excitement.
For Leesa, whose career spans theatre, literature and film, Barir Naam Shahana represents a personal milestone. Renowned for telling stories that bridge cultures and spotlight human resilience, she draws on both her Bangladeshi heritage and her formative years in the UK arts scene to shape this deeply rooted yet universally resonant film.
As a female director, Leesa has reached remarkable milestones with Barir Naam Shahana in an industry largely dominated by men.
Reflecting on her directorial journey so far, she said, “I don’t confine myself to gender labels as a director. My work stems from a genuine passion for filmmaking and storytelling. That said, it’s undeniable that this industry is heavily male-dominated, with female representation remaining statistically minimal. The response to my film so far has been so overwhelming that I’m truly at a loss for words.”
In 2023, Barir Naam Shahana was awarded the Gender Sensitivity Award at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, a recognition that underscored both its artistic merit and its social relevance.
Throughout 2024, Dhaka audiences experienced advance screenings that built steady anticipation for its full release. With the nationwide rollout now underway, the film is poised to connect with wider audiences at home, adding momentum to the growing global visibility of Bangladeshi cinema.
With its blend of intimate storytelling, striking performances, and cultural resonance, the film stands as not only a triumph for Leesa Gazi and Komola Collective but also as a landmark for Bangladeshi cinema, one that insiders believe could pave the way for more authentic local stories to thrive both at home and abroad.
