Pritilata resurrected in Tisha, Pori Moni
Two movies - “Bhalobasha Pritilata” and “Pritilata” – are working to bring the life of the famed female revolutionary on the silver screen
Shooting for two films on Pritilata Waddedar, the first female martyr of Bengal who took up arms against the British rule, is going on in full swing.
Nusrat Imrose Tisha is playing the lead role in one of the films named "Bhalobasha Pritilata" while Pori Moni will be seen in another film titled, "Pritilata." The directors expect to release the movies next year. The Business Standard takes a look at the two movies.
Bhalobasha Pritilata
Based on author Selina Hossain's novel "Bhalobasha Pritilata," the film is directed by Pradip Ghosh and has already received a government grant.
The whole movie is based on the biography. The film will revolve around Pritilata's life, her childhood, her evolving patriotism while studying at Bethune College.
The director told The Business Standard, "Different aspects of Pritilata's personal life will be depicted in the movie, alongside her revolutionary activities."
"It will create interest among women of this age about Bengali culture," he added.
Popular actor Tisha said she has not played such an important role in her long career.
"There are some characters that actors feel an immense urge to portray. Pritilata is that kind of a role for me. The opportunity to play such roles seldom comes. I am trying to depict the character with authenticity, as much as possible, and trying to transform myself into her character."
As a part of her preparation, Tisha spoke with Selina Hossain about the character and took suggestions on many subtle things, after she made the decision of working in the movie.
Pradip Ghosh told The Business Standard that they completed shooting of two sessions in Dhaka. Now the shooting is going on at the Dhaka Central Jail, where filming will take place for four days. Then the rest of the shoot will be done in Chattogram.
Bappa Majumdar is the music director of the film. Monoj Pramanik is depicting the character of revolutionary Ramkrishna Bishwas.
The director hopes to release the film towards the beginning of the next year.
Pritilata
Film-maker Rashid Polash announced this film four years ago. But due to different reasons, he could not begin filming. He has finally started shooting the film of late. Towards the end of October, he shot parts of the film in Uttara and Old Dhaka. Rest of the shooting will take place in several phases in Chattogram.
Golam Rabbani has developed the script and dialogue for the movie.
Popular singer Kabir Sumon has lent his voice to the songs of this movie. He sang the patriotic number, "Ekbar Bidai De Ma Ghure Ashi" in the film. Apart from Kabir Sumon, Sabbir Nasir has also lent his voice to songs in the film.
Rashid Polash said, "For a long time, I wasn't able to start the work of the movie. Now I feel happy. Pori Moni's acting is excellent in the film. The shooting for the rest of the film will begin this month in Chattogram. It will continue till February next year, in several phases. Then after completing post production work, the movie could be released towards the end of 2021."
Meanwhile, Pori Moni is very happy at getting the chance to work in the film. Though several actors auditioned for the lead role, finally, the director chose Pori Moni.
The popular actor told The Business Standard, "It is my great pleasure to play such a role. I am trying to portray the character flawlessly. All the members of the shooting unit are cooperative. I am grateful to them."
On May 5, 1911, Pritilata was born at Dholgram village in Chattogram's Patiya. She sustained a bullet injury after attacking Pahartali European Club in Chattogram on September 24 in 1932. She then consumed potassium cyanide to avoid arrest and died at the age of 21.