Badhan’s ‘Rehana Maryam Noor’ submitted to censor board

Young Bangladeshi filmmaker Abdullah Mohammad Saad’s second feature ‘Rehana Maryam Noor’ has been submitted to the Bangladesh Film Censor Board for approval. Azmeri Haque Badhan, who plays the lead character in this film, has confirmed the news to The Business Post. 

“‘Rehana Maryam Noor’ was submitted to the censor board on Sunday, and the film is expected to get the clearance within 10 to 15 days”, Badhan said. 

The actress informed that after getting a green signal from the censor board, the film will see its release in the theatres by the end of October.  

‘Rehana Maryam Noor’ already earned international recognition at the 74th Cannes Film Festival this year. During its Cannes premiere, the film, which was part of the ‘Un Certain Regard’ section, received a standing ovation.

When asked what she expects from the audience of Bangladesh about the film, Badhan told The Business Post, “As an artiste, the film has impacted me deeply. I expect the audience to feel the essence of the film. I don’t know whether the audience would like my ‘Rehana Maryam Noor’, if not, as an actor I have no regret after doing this film. It has amplified my desire for acting more than before. In our country, these types of films are not being made that much. So, it will be a new experience for the audience to watch a film like this in the theatres that will create the suspense and suffocation at the same time.”

“I did the film for myself. I don’t expect all the people to love my film because everyone has their own thought process. I can’t satisfy everyone too. That’s my view about life. I wanted to explore myself in this film. I was very passionate about the film from the beginning, I gave my hundred percent. Now I want to leave everything up to the viewers,” she added. 

Recently, there has been speculation that Bollywood filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj has approached Badhan for his new film titled ‘Khufia’. Earlier, actresses Bidya Sinha Mim and Mehazabien Chowdhury from Bangladesh turned down the offer as they found the film’s plot represents Bangladesh inappropriately. 

“Actually, there is nothing to say about it right this moment. We have to go through various processes before finalising any script. If anything positive happens in this regard, I will definitely let you know. Before that, I don’t want to make any comment on the matter,” Badhan replied to a question about her involvement in the film. 

Alongside Badhan in the lead role, ‘Rehana Maryam Noor’ has an ensemble cast, including actors Saberi Alam, Afia Zahin, Kazi Sami Hasan, Afia Tabassum and Yasir Al Haque, among others.