Behind the gleaming towers and luxury of Dhaka’s most affluent neighbourhood lies a story of power, privilege and survival. Filmmaker Mohammad Iqbal’s upcoming political thriller Gulshaner Chameli promises to peel back that polished façade through a women-led story where justice, rather than a conventional male hero, drives the narrative.
The film centres on Chameli, a sex worker played by Indian actress Madhumita Sarcar in her Bangladeshi film debut. After becoming the target of powerful figures despite committing no crime, her struggle exposes the dark realities of politics, abuse of power and social injustice hidden beneath elite society. Standing beside her is a human rights lawyer portrayed by Azmeri Haque Badhan, who takes on a system stacked in favour of the influential.
According to the filmmakers, Gulshaner Chameli deliberately avoids the traditional male hero. Instead, the story remains firmly focused on its female protagonists, exploring both their strengths and flaws while unfolding through their fight against injustice.
Fresh from the international success of The Difficult Bride, which will compete in the Orizzonti section of this year’s Venice International Film Festival, Badhan confirmed to TIMES of Bangladesh that she will star in the film, although the official contract is expected to be signed during the first week of August.
She had earlier told the media that discussions were ongoing and that an official announcement was expected on 1 August.
“Yes, discussions are underway. I will probably play a human rights activist, meaning a lawyer,” she said.
When asked whether she had spoken to any lawyers or sex workers to better understand the depth of her character, Badhan said, “No, I did not have the opportunity to speak to lawyers or sex workers in that way. Although my experience with lawyers has not been very extensive, I have never had any negative impression of or unpleasant experience with them. Overall, I would say my experience has been positive.”
The actress said her own legal battle over the guardianship of her daughter had brought her into contact with many victims whose experiences would help shape the character.
“When I was fighting for my daughter’s guardianship, I had the opportunity to meet and speak with many victims. I hope those experiences will help me in this film. Besides that, my own experience of legal battles in my personal life will also help me portray this character,” she said.
Badhan added that she is drawing inspiration from prominent lawyer and human rights activist Sara Hossain while preparing for the role.
The actress also revealed that the way the project was presented to her played a significant role in her decision to join it.
According to Badhan, director Mohammad Iqbal told her, “Madam, you are the hero of our film.” She said the respect shown towards her as an artist, along with the remuneration offered, convinced her to accept the project.
The screenplay has been written by Abdullah Zahir Babu. Besides Madhumita and Badhan, the cast is expected to include Rozina, Amin Khan, Omar Sani and Ashish Khondker.
The film will be officially launched on 1 August, when the full cast and production details are expected to be announced. If all goes according to plan, filming will begin in Bangladesh in November or December, with the makers targeting an Eid release next year.
