SD Rubel’s reel return 

SD Rubel, though best recognised for his musical career, also holds a significant presence as an actor and director. While his primary focus remains on music throughout the year, he often ventures into acting and film direction. 

Recently, he returned to directing with a new film titled 'Neel Akashe Pakhi Ure'. In addition to directing, he is also playing a key role in the movie. In a recent conversation, he shared insights into this project and his experiences.

During the early days of Ramadan, Rubel, along with his cast and crew, traveled to Bandarban in the Chattogram Hill Tracts to begin filming. As this was his second directorial project, the first being the film 'Briddhashram', the remote and challenging environment made him slightly apprehensive. 

However, he noted that the collective effort and teamwork helped the production run smoothly despite the obstacles. After wrapping up the first phase of filming, Rubel returned to Dhaka, feeling satisfied with the progress. 

Reflecting on the shoot, Rubel shared his motivation behind choosing Bandarban.

"It's a natural paradise, and I wanted its beauty to be part of my film," he commented.  

He further explained that taking a 50-member team to such a distant and costly location for 12 days was part of his vision to produce a meaningful film that could earn national recognition.

"My aim is to entertain audiences while ensuring high standards." 

The film is being made with government funding, a category that often faces challenges in drawing interest from cinema halls, leading to a negative public perception since most government-funded films haven't resonated with the audience. Despite this, Rubel is hopeful about his film's reception. 

"Many government-funded films have actually done well, gained acceptance, and were appreciated by audiences," he shared. 

However, he believes that relying solely on grant money isn't enough. 

"You can't make a good film with just the grant money. Additional investment is necessary," he added. 

Bangladesh's film industry is facing a steady decline, with many theatres closing due to a shortage of new releases. This raises concerns about where new films will be screened and how producers will recover their investments. Addressing the issue, Rubel emphasised the need for government action.

"If the story or visuals don't appeal to audiences, they won't watch it—no matter how it's funded. We, as cultural workers, have long demanded a cinema hall in every upazila," he said. He stressed that if policymakers ignore public entertainment, "society will become deprived and uncultured." 

According to Rubel, "Culture enlightens people, helps them grow, and improves well-being." Rubel expressed disappointment, stating, "Since independence, every government has failed in this area."

It is often believed that early promotion of a specific element of a film, such as a song or trailer, can boost audience interest. For instance, if a song becomes popular before the film's release, it often leads to higher footfall in theatre. However, such instances have become rare, leading to a decline in audience enthusiasm. 

Addressing this,  Rubel said, "Viewers are somewhat frustrated because we're unable to create a strong impact through the film's story, dialogues, or music." He acknowledged that while some films are exceptions, a broader solution is needed. 

"Support must come from the state level," he said, adding, "It's not possible for a single organisation or group to sustain this." Rubel emphasised that cultural growth depends on government patronage. 

"Talented artistes need to be encouraged and supported. If that doesn't happen, we may fall behind in our creative dreams," he warned.

Responding to the issue of piracy, Rubel condemned illegal uploads, saying, "Those who do this are wrongdoers. They are harming the country and damaging our cultural landscape. Such acts must be strictly dealt with."

As for future plans, Rubel shared that he plans to release two songs this Eid, both of which he composed himself.