Young filmmaker Tanmoy Surjo is set to bring his new feature film ‘Haangor’ to cinemas this Eid-ul-Fitr. The film stars Arnab Khan, Tahmina Athoi and Intekhab Dinar, alongside Nepali actor Pramod Agrahari in the lead role.
Surjo says the story of Haangor had been with him for a long time. He wanted to tell what he describes as a “larger-than-life” story, rooted in real conflicts that are often ignored. According to the director, cinema can be made from the smallest moments of everyday life, but Haangor focuses on deeper crises that silently shape people’s existence.
At its core, the film explores the harsh realities faced by people living in Bangladesh’s coastal regions. Beyond the struggle for daily survival, Surjo says the story also addresses the destructive impact of drugs on these communities.
Explaining the casting of Nepali actor Pramod Agrahari, Surjo said he needed a lead who would stand out immediately. He compared the character, named Shark, to a creature that can be recognised among hundreds in the sea. The director first met Agrahari in Nepal shortly after the pandemic and felt he had found the right face for the role.
Working with a foreign actor brought challenges, particularly the language barrier. Agrahari had to deliver dialogues in Bengali, a language he did not know. Surjo admitted the process was demanding but said they followed international working standards.
The actor learned Bengali systematically, while the director picked up some Hindi and Nepali to help with communication. Much of their interaction was in English, and a full Bengali version of the script was prepared for Agrahari. Surjo described the overall experience as positive.
With films starring major names such as Shakib Khan, Arifin Shuvo, Siam Ahmed and Shariful Raj set for release this Eid, Haangor faces stiff competition. Most of its cast and crew are relatively new. Surjo said the release decision ultimately rests with the producer, but from his perspective, Eid remains the best time to reach audiences.
The film features three songs composed by Adit Rahman. Alongside its local release, the makers plan to submit Haangor to international film festivals.
