How ‘Mukh O Mukhosh’ Launched Bangladesh’s Film Industry

Image: Collected

Bangladesh’s cinematic journey officially began 70 years ago with the release of “Mukh O Mukhosh”, the country’s first full-length Bengali-language sound feature. Directed by Abdul Jabbar Khan, the film premiered on August 3, 1956, at Rupmahal Cinema Hall in Dhaka.

The premiere was attended by the then Governor of East Pakistan, Sher-e-Bangla A K Fazlul Huq.

The film originated from a challenge. In 1953, during a discussion on the prospects of filmmaking in East Pakistan, it was argued that the region’s humid climate made film production impossible. Abdul Jabbar Khan rejected the claim and vowed to prove otherwise by making a feature film himself.

Although Khan had no previous filmmaking experience, he adapted his own stage play “Dakat” into a screenplay. Production began using a second-hand Eyemo camera brought from Kolkata and a basic tape recorder.

A shortage of female performers led the production team to advertise in newspapers for actresses. Purnima Sengupta from Kolkata was eventually selected to play Kulsum, the female lead, while Khan himself portrayed the male protagonist, Afzal.

Shooting took place at several locations, including Kaliganj across the Buriganga River, Lalmatia, Tejgaon, Jinjira and the banks of the Turag River in Tongi. Filming was completed on October 30, 1955. The film was subsequently edited and printed at Shahnoor Studio in Lahore.

Despite the completion of the film, distributors in Dhaka were initially hesitant to release it. The Pakistan Film Trust and Pakistan Film Service eventually took responsibility for its distribution.

Besides its Dhaka premiere, “Mukh O Mukhosh” was released in Chattogram, Narayanganj and Khulna. The strong response from audiences demonstrated that feature filmmaking was possible in the region and opened the door to the development of the country’s film industry.

Samar Das composed the music for the film, while Mahbuba Hasnat and Abdul Alim performed the songs. The choreography was handled by Gawhar Jamil.