The Sadarghat of 1965 will return to the big screen in Janoar, a new film from Jaaz Multimedia that spans 25 years of history, from 1965 to 1990. The production house unveiled the film’s first official poster on Friday afternoon. Director Zahid Jewel is helming the project, which features around 150 performers, including four newcomers and several familiar, experienced actors.
The film’s central idea comes from Shah Alam Sarkar, who also developed the story and dialogues with Abdul Aziz. Jaaz Multimedia is producing the film.
According to the production house, work on the story began several years ago, with the team initially planning to start filming in 2021. However, the production had to be put on hold because the team could not arrange trained local dogs for the shoot. Domestic street dogs appear in nearly 70 per cent of the film’s scenes. Portraying their behaviour and relationship with people convincingly on screen became one of the production’s biggest challenges.
The team searched in several places for trained local dogs. At one point, Jaaz Multimedia announced on its social media page that it would offer a reward of Tk 1 lakh to anyone who could arrange 10 trained local dogs. The announcement drew responses, but the production team could not find dogs suitable for the film’s scenes.
After a long break, the project gained fresh momentum during the last Eid-ul-Azha, when the production house came in contact with young filmmaker Zahid Jewel. Jewel became interested in directing the film after hearing the story. Although the team considered casting established leading actors, the director preferred newcomers who would better suit the characters. The production house agreed with his approach.
The team then began searching for actors, refining the screenplay, developing songs and preparing for production. After nearly four months of searching, the makers selected the lead actors they felt suited the story.
A key part of Janoar takes place at the Sadarghat jetty in 1965. To recreate the period’s atmosphere, locations and scenes involving dogs, the production team used artificial intelligence (AI) and visual effects (VFX). According to Jaaz Multimedia, the actors performed their scenes against green screens. Real performers played the characters and recorded their own dialogue. The team then used technology to match their performances with the film’s period setting and surroundings.
The cast includes newcomers Saj and Abontika, along with Obonti, Nusrat, Alisha, Nader Chowdhury, Shiba Sanu, Joy, Nazmul, Shubhra Meraj, Raka Popy and Shah Alam Sarkar, among others.
Alongside the first official poster, Jaaz Multimedia has announced plans to introduce the film’s newcomer lead actors to audiences soon.
