Bangladeshi filmmaker Mohammad Nuruzzaman’s award-winning feature ‘Mastul’ has unveiled its first official poster ahead of its scheduled theatrical release on July 17, following a successful run at international film festivals.
The poster, released a month before the film’s domestic debut, has been designed by Dhruba Esh. The filmmaker said the release follows the completion of the film’s festival circuit screenings last year, after which plans were set in motion for a release early this year. He also noted that the Bangladesh Film Certification Board had granted screening approval last year.
‘Mastul’ has already received international recognition, including a Special Mention in the main competition at the 47th Moscow International Film Festival.
The film later 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 Imagine India International Film Festival in Spain.
The story centres on Makbul, an elderly cook working on an oil tanker, and Noora, a street child from a port area. Through their relationship, the film explores the lives of people connected to rivers and ports, touching on themes of isolation, affection, power struggles and survival.
To preserve authenticity, filming was carried out on location, including active ships, river ports and crowded fish markets. The director said the production also involved not only professional actors but also real workers from oil tankers.
Set against the backdrop of Narayanganj, the filmmaker’s hometown and one of Bangladesh’s busiest river ports, ‘Mastul’ features performances from Fazlur Rahman Babu, Deepak Suman, Aminur Rahman Mukul, Arif Hasan, Sikder Mukit, Shahjahan Shovon and Sifat Banyas, among others.
Cinematography was handled by Mohammad Arifuzzaman, with art direction by Hossain Lincoln. The music was composed by Chaitanya Rajbongshi, casting direction was led by Juboraj Shamim, and promotional song production was overseen by Labik Kamal Gaurob.
The film is produced by Cinemaker, with digital distribution and promotional support from Tong Ghar Talkies.
