Actor Mostafizur Noor Imran has already earned recognition for his performances in Kaiser, Mohanagar, Rongila Kitab, Pheu, Gulmohor and Roid. Earlier this year, he made his directorial debut with the web content Jiner Bachcha. Now, he is returning with his second directorial project, Jadukor.
Imran said he wants to tell stories that appeal to him as a filmmaker, as suitable roles do not always come his way as an actor.
“Stories that have been occupying my thoughts for a long time are the ones I want to bring forward. I started working on the story of Jadukor even before my first project. It stayed with me from the first time I heard it. For various reasons, it was not made as my first project. Now I am bringing that long-unfinished story to audiences,” he said.
While Jiner Bachcha was a social horror story, Jadukor explores psychological horror. Imran said Hollywood films such as Now You See Me and The Prestige inspired him.
The story centres on a traditional village magician and explores psychological conflict through his rise from an ordinary man to a magician. At its heart, the story suggests that love is the greatest magic.
Imran said producing was more challenging than directing. However, he found the filmmaking process manageable apart from having to make decisions and handle a few difficult situations.
As a director, he wants to explore different genres but has a particular interest in horror. He believes the genre allows filmmakers to tell stories on multiple levels and address social issues through entertainment.
Imran has worked with directors including Ashfaque Nipun, Tanim Noor and Mezbaur Rahman Sumon. He said those experiences made his transition into directing easier. Among Bangladeshi filmmakers, he particularly admires Sumon, while Quentin Tarantino is his favourite international director.
Sharif Siraj plays the lead in Jadukor. To prepare for the role, he trained with magician SK Mithu, who regularly taught him different magic techniques.
“We had rehearsals for quite some time. Imran brought the story to me towards the end of a film shoot we were doing together. I liked it immediately, but I was not initially prepared for the role because it was challenging. Later, the director himself boosted my confidence,” Sharif said.
The team shot the project around Jahangirnagar University about two months ago. Rajib Hossain wrote the story and screenplay. Shawana, Anwar Haque and Rashid Harun also feature in the project.
Jadukor will be released on an OTT platform soon.
