‘Border’ director to re-edit film at censor board’s objection

Bangladesh National Film Award-winning cinematographer, writer and director Saikat Nasir has decided to re-edit his upcoming film ‘Border’ as the Bangladesh Film Censor Board (BFCB) fount the movie “unsuitable for screening”.

“We received the official notification letter from the Censor Board on September 4. The letter was issued on September 1. They raised some concerns about the film as you all know. We have two options. Either, we appeal this decision within seven working days or re-edit the film according to the issues raised by the board within 30 working days,” Nasir told The Business Post on Thursday.

“I do not want to comment on the issues that were raised by the board. We will re-edit and re-submit the revised version of our film by October 1,” added Nasir.

‘Border’ had its censor screening on August 22 and the board declared it unsuitable for screening. The Deputy Director of the Censor Board, Mominul Haque told the press, “We have issued an official letter to the film last week. We have declared the film unsuitable for screening in theatres.”

Mominul also informed that the movie was not made according to the censor guidelines. “After viewing it, the board unanimously decided within a few days that the film was unfit for exhibition,” he added.

Mominul said the explanation letter issued by board pointed out a lot of minor inconsistencies in the film but focused to three main factors. “Firstly, paramilitary BGB or Border Guard Bangladesh, is responsible for the border security of Bangladesh. But the film shows that police is guarding our borders, which is inaccurate. Secondly, the film shows a godfather in the country’s Satkhira region, to whom the ministers and MPs are all hostages but no such situation exist in Bangladesh. Thirdly, the film ‘Border’ tarnishes the image of our neighbouring country India—which is against the Censor Board policy.”

According to the film’s distribution company Jaaz Multimedia, ‘Border’ is based on the border side region of Bangladesh and India. People, cattle and various goods cross legally through this border. Similarly, the smuggling of various goods including drugs also takes place within these borders. Several gangs and mafia groups are active over such smuggling. Various outbreaks of violence, setbacks and conflicts take place between them throughout the film. The film’s teaser was released on August 16 and was praised by netizens.

Bangladesh Film Censor Board was already facing criticism on social media over the long-time blockade of the movie ‘Shonibar Bikel’ directed by renowned director Mostofa Sarwar Farooki. Now, board has blocked another film ‘Border’, based on the life of the people living in the border areas of Bangladesh, which was set to be released on September 9.

‘Border’ stars Ashish Khandekar, AK Azad Shetu,Suman Farooq, Sanju John, Adhara Khan, Rashed Mamun Apu, Moumita Mou, Shaheen Mridha and many others. The film is produced by Maximum Entertainment.

The film’s director Saikat Nasir won the Bangladesh National Film Award for ‘Best Cinematography’ for the film