Romance meets violence in Borbaad: Director Mehedi Hasan Hridoy weighs in on his debut feature film

Mehedi Hasan Hridoy is currently one of the hottest names in Bangladesh's film industry. His latest project, 'Borbaad', is easily the most anticipated film of this Eid, featuring none other than Shakib Khan in the lead role.

The film's official poster has already created a buzz—Shakib is seen sitting on top of a Rolls Royce, gripping a blood-stained pistol while pressing a finger to his lips, as if demanding silence from the corpses before him. The intense visual has struck audiences, setting the stage for what looks like a gripping action thriller.

Adding to the excitement, a 20-second teaser dropped recently, showing Shakib Khan against a backdrop of burning skyscrapers. Shortly after, the song 'Didha', performed by Pritom Hasan and featuring Shakib and lead actress Idhika Paul, was released and quickly went viral. Alongside Shakib, the film also features industry veterans like Mamunur Rashid and Misha Sawdagar, making it a must-watch for action lovers.

For the past few years, Shakib Khan has been dominating Eid releases with blockbuster hits, and this year is no different. While several films are set to hit theatres, what makes Borbaad stand out? 

Director Hridoy summed it up simply— "Borbaad is a mix of romance and violence."

Ever since the release date was announced, anticipation for Borbaad has been skyrocketing. Veteran actor Misha Sawdagor even claimed that it has the potential to be one of the greatest films in Bangladesh's history. He specifically praised its use of advanced technology, stating that it surpasses anything seen in the country's cinema before.

However, some concerns remain—many local theatres still operate with outdated sound systems and limited technical facilities. This raises the question—will audiences be able to experience Borbaad as it was meant to be seen?

Addressing this issue, Hridoy assured, "We are preparing multiple formats of the film to ensure compatibility with different theatre setups, especially in smaller towns. The film will be presented in a way that aligns with the technical capabilities of each venue."

Reports indicate that Borbaad is a big-budget production, with extensive filming taking place in high-end locations across India. However, with Bangladeshi cinema primarily targeting Bangla-speaking audiences and a relatively small number of theatres in the country, many are wondering how such a large investment will be recouped—especially since releasing internationally can be costly.

Despite these concerns, director Mehedi Hasan Hridoy remains optimistic. 

"If the story is strong and the filmmaking is good, audiences will definitely come to theatres. The more people watch it on the big screen, the more successful the film will be. Our goal is to attract audiences through compelling storytelling," he stated.

Shakib Khan and Idhika Paul previously achieved great success with their romantic film Priyotoma, and now, with Borbaad being an action-packed thriller, fans are wondering if it will surpass their previous hit.

However, Hridoy is focused on his own vision and doesn't worry about comparisons. He said, "Priyotoma had its own story, and Borbaad has its own. We don't think about comparing them. We cast Idhika based on the story's needs. Ultimately, it's the audience's reaction that matters most."

Before stepping into film directing, Hridoy spent a decade working in TV dramas. Though he found success in television, he always dreamed of making the transition to cinema. Now, with Borbaad, his debut feature film, he's quickly gaining recognition, especially from Shakib Khan's fanbase, who are praising his work.

"I always had my sights set on filmmaking," he shared. "Even while directing dramas, I was preparing myself for cinema. I took the time to study and understand the craft. When I felt confident enough to take on a film, I made the move."

With Borbaad already making waves, Hridoy's transition from TV to the big screen seems to be a success.