The second feature film by Am Kathaler Chhuti director Mohammad Nuruzzaman, titled Mastul, is scheduled for release on July 17.
The filmmaker himself confirmed the news to Times of Bangladesh.
The film recently earned a Special Mention in the main competition section of the 47th Moscow International Film Festival. In their citation, the jury praised the film “for a humanistic view of everyday life.” Mastul also won the Best Artistic Contribution Award at the 18th Cheboksary International Film Festival in Russia and was nominated in the Best Humanitarian Film category at the 26th ImagineIndia International Film Festival in Spain.
The story revolves around Makbul, an ageing cook aboard an oil tanker, and Nura, a street child from the port area. Through their relationship, the film explores themes of isolation, affection, power struggles, and survival among people living and working along the river and port.
According to the director, the film was shot entirely on real locations, including busy cargo vessels and crowded fish markets, to preserve its authenticity. He added that, alongside professional actors, actual tanker crew members were also cast in the film.
Mastul is deeply rooted in the setting of Narayanganj, the director’s hometown and one of Bangladesh’s busiest river ports. Nuruzzaman said his familiarity with the location and its people helped shape the film’s narrative. His firsthand experiences inspired the portrayal of power dynamics, human resilience, and emotional bonds within the confined world of a vessel.
Five-time National Film Award-winning actor Fazlur Rahman Babu plays the role of Makbul. Other key cast members include Dipak Suman, Aminur Rahman Mukul, Arif Hasan and Sikdar Mukit.
The film is produced by Cinemaker, while its marketing and distribution are being handled by Tongghor Talkies. Mastul has received a U (Universal) certificate from the Bangladesh Film Certification Board, making it suitable for audiences of all ages.
