Feu: Powerful story, uneven execution

Set across two timelines—1979 and 2002— Sukorno Shahed Dhiman's Feu explores the lives of refugees in Dumurjhapi, a fictionalised version of Marichjhapi, an island in the Sundarbans marked by the tragic persecution of Bengali refugees.  

Following the Partition of 1947, many Dalit and lower-caste Hindu refugees migrated from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) to India. Forced into inhospitable refugee camps in Dandakaranya, they longed for a permanent home. 

In 1978, they settled in Marichjhapi, only to be violently evicted by the Indian government in early 1979 under the guise of biodiversity conservation. The refugees endured poisoned water, arson, mass killings, and sexual violence. 

The series was greenlit for release due to recent political shifts in Bangladesh. "Originally, we started working on this series in 2022, but there was hesitation in openly questioning Indian hegemony. Now, with fewer political barriers, we could finally bring this to audiences. Feu not only critiques Indian policies but also highlights the communal-level violence refugees endure," said director Sukorno Shahed Dhiman.

The story follows Sunil (played by Chanchal Chowdhury), a photographer associated with a church in Mongla, who frequently visits Dumurjhapi in 1979. He documents the refugees' suffering, sending photographs to a foreign journalist in hopes of international intervention. The 2002 timeline introduces Father Francisco, Sunil's penfriend, who arrives in Mongla with new revelations from the past. 

A good thriller builds up gradually, but while Feu delivers an intriguing first episode, the pacing falters afterwards. It often felt both rushed and sluggish, struggling to decide its narrative direction. However, the series did break new grounds as a historical thriller, a genre rarely shown on our OTT platforms.

The screenplay is especially striking in a powerful scene where Sunil, inside a church, challenges the oppression faced by refugees. He reflects, "Refugees, like a flock of sheep, wandered into the forest, believing nature would protect them. But without a homeland, they become mere livestock in another nation's humanitarian farm—kept only for the farmer's gain, silenced and unheard." This line poignantly encapsulates the ongoing struggles of refugees.

Another dramatic visual is the people of Dumurjhapi dancing in circles, wearing demonic masks. This motif, central to the show, symbolises the fear within them—a fear they attempt to mask with aggression.

The series introduces fresh talents like Tanvir Apurbo and Hossain Zibon while featuring seasoned actors such as Chanchal Chowdhury and Tariq Anam Khan. Mostafizur Noor Imran's portrayal of Marshall stands out, bringing depth and charisma to his role. The regional authenticity, dialect mastery, and intense fight sequences add to the realism.

 Moments of comic relief come from the friendship between Sohel (Hossain Zibon) and Danial (Tanvir Apurbo). Their banter includes memorable exchanges, like: 

"Sohel here, no fear," Sohel boasts.

"You are here, that's why I fear," Danial quips without hesitation.

Later, as they dig a grave, Sohel remarks, "Shouldn't you perform ablution before doing this?" only to be reminded, "I am a Christian, you idiot." 

Despite its potential narrative strength, Feu lost momentum towards the end. The lack of character motivation weakens the emotional impact, and the story peaks in the middle before fizzling out. Even the final cliffhanger elicits more of an "Oh," rather than an "Oh my god, what's next?" A better arrangement of sequences could have heightened the anticipation for a second season. 

The inconsistent transitions between the two timelines further challenge audience engagement. While the show feels better once viewers get accustomed to its rhythm, not all audiences have the patience to sit through slow builds; many decide based on the first two episodes.

Dhiman explained, "There has been much debate about the series' ending. I want to stress that we are approaching this as a story told in chapters rather than conventional seasons. While the ending might feel abrupt, the complete narrative will unfold across four chapters. Hopefully, audiences will experience the later climaxes where everything falls into place."

With improvements in pacing and depth, Feu has the potential to deliver a more compelling and emotionally resonant second chapter.

Feu is available for streaming on Chorki.