Tanim Noor rekindles Eid nostalgia with Utshob

While rewatching Humayun Ahmed's popular TV drama 'Package Songbad' on YouTube last year, acclaimed filmmaker Tanim Noor was overcome with nostalgia, recalling a cherished Eid night when he watched the drama with his family. 

He fondly remembered those 1990s school days, when watching such family dramas on television together offered a unique experience of family bonding.

"That's when it struck me," Noor said. 

"It's possible to create something like that—something the whole family can enjoy together during Eid. A story whose humour speaks to everyone."

However, Noor—who has captivated audiences in recent years with web series like 'Kaiser', 'Money Honey', and 'Contract'—chose not to make his family-friendly Eid production for the small screen. This time, he set his sights on the silver screen.

The name 'Utshob' (Festival) may immediately bring to mind Rituparno Ghosh's timeless film of the same title. That film, set during Durga Puja, has long made many in Bangladesh wonder what an equivalent story might look like if set during Eid.

While Noor clarified that the naming was not a deliberate reference, the similarity goes beyond just the title. "The story of this film revolves around the day leading up to Eid festivities," he revealed.

What makes 'Utshob' even more intriguing is that it is an adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novella 'A Christmas Carol'—with not only the language but the entire cultural setting thoughtfully reimagined.

Last Eid, films like 'Borbaad', 'Daagi', and 'Jongli' drew large crowds. There's an equally exciting lineup this time as well. I believe we're on the cusp of creating yet another festive atmosphere for cinema lovers.

Tanim Noor, director

With a unique fusion of horror and comedy set against the backdrop of Eid celebrations, this film is unlike anything ever made in Bangladesh before. The screenplay was co-written by Tanim Noor, Ayman Asib Shadhin, Susmoy Sarkar, and Samiul Bhuiyan.

As a result, audiences more accustomed to high-octane action or gripping thrillers during the Eid season will now encounter a cinematic experience deeply rooted in the festive spirit of Eid itself.

And as the cherry on top, 'Utshob' features a veritable constellation of stars. 

The cast includes some of the most beloved names in Bangladeshi television and cinema—Chanchal Chowdhury, Zahid Hasan, Jaya Ahsan, Aupee Karim, Afsana Mimi, Tariq Anam Khan, Azad Abul Kalam, and Intekhab Dinar—coming together in what feels like a reunion of the golden era of Bangladeshi television. 

Representing the new generation are Sunerah Binte Kamal, Shommo Jyoti, and Sadia Ayman, adding fresh energy to this stellar ensemble.

Sketch: TBS

It goes without saying that Noor is immensely proud of assembling such a remarkable cast. 

"Actors involved in this film are incredibly talented," he said. "I've had the pleasure of working with almost all of them before, but bringing them together for an Eid film makes it especially meaningful."

The teaser for 'Utshob' has already caused a stir on social media, thanks to its clever meta-jokes woven into the dialogues. 

From Jaya Ahsan playfully poking fun at her iconic "Maaaroooww" line, to Aupee Karim delivering a cheeky quip about her long absence from the screen, and Chanchal Chowdhury exclaiming to Zahid Hasan, "Ki ashchorjo, lokta rege gelo keno!" ("Strange, why did the man get angry!")—the teaser has sparked a lot of buzz among fans.

"Those who've seen my earlier works know how much importance I place on dialogue," Noor stressed. "They need to be witty, sharp, and entertaining. We've prioritised that once again in Utshob."

With that in mind, Noor is confident that audiences will be thoroughly entertained when they watch 'Utshob' with their families this Eid. 

And his optimism goes beyond just his own film—this Eid-ul-Adha promises a vibrant cinematic season, with most of the releases generating strong anticipation, including 'Taandob', 'Insaaf', 'Tagar', 'Neel Chokro', 'Pinik' and 'Esha Murder'.  

"Last Eid, films like 'Borbaad', 'Daagi', and 'Jongli' drew large crowds," Noor said. "There's an equally exciting lineup this time as well. I believe we're on the cusp of creating yet another festive atmosphere for cinema lovers."

However, despite bringing a highly promising film to the big screen, one question continues to follow Tanim Noor from audiences in both Bangladesh and Kolkata: When will the second season of 'Kaiser' be released?

Ever since the first season began streaming on OTT platform Hoichoi in 2022, the question has been persistent.

Having heard it countless times, Noor couldn't help but laugh when asked again. "I can't say anything right now. But given the incredible love audiences have shown for 'Kaiser', it has to return."