Anwar Shahadat goes over a scene with Jayanta Chattopadhyay (centre) and Rokeya Prachi.Shooting for US-based Bangladeshi independent filmmaker Anwar Shahadat's debut full-length feature "Ustagarer Talika" (Circumciser's Tally) is near completion. The shooting began on March 2 in Nangalkote, Narayanganj and Kaikarten Bazar, Sonargaon.
The film narrates the valour of a circumciser, Motaleb Karigar, who saved many Hindus at his village during the Liberation War. Motaleb lied to the occupying Pakistani soldiers that there are no Hindus in his village as all of them converted to Islam during the riots of 1947. The officer in charge remarks that Motaleb's claim is "very interesting" and wants to see the tally of the Hindus who had converted.
Staying up the whole night, Motaleb and his wife Gul Bahar carefully devise a fake list of the names.
In sovereign Bangladesh, Motaleb's act of benevolence remains unrecognised until an NGO worker Nupur comes to the village conducting a research on the sacrifices and contributions of each citizen during the Liberation War. Nupur meets Motaleb -- now a decrepit old man. While reminiscing the war days, Motaleb sheds light on the ups and downs of his profession, his youth, his marriage and his profound love for his wife. Eventually, he opens a wooden box and brings out the list that saved many lives.
Shahadat is also the cinematographer and editor of the film. The film is in Bengali with English subtitles. The editing will be completed in the U.S. The director hopes to release the film towards the end of this year. Afifa Khanam and Shafiq Rahman are the executive producers of the film.
Jayanta Chattopadhyay plays the protagonist Motaleb Karigar. Rokeya Prachi plays the role of Nupur. The cast also includes Rani Sarkar, Sushma, Shoma and Babu.
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