Shyam Benegal receives standing ovation at the India Premiere of Mujib – The Making of a Nation

In a monumental collaboration under the Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement between the Republic of India and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the much-anticipated biographical epic, Mujib – The Making of a Nation, is set to grace screens. Directed by the legendary filmmaker, Shri Shyam Benegal, this film delves into the extraordinary life and legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a towering political figure in the birth of Bangladesh, and promises to be an unforgettable cinematic journey into history.

The screening saw the esteemed presence of director Shyam Benegal. Alongside him was the lead actor Arifin Shuvoo who plays Mujib in the film. The guests included Naseeruddin Shah, Aditi Rao Hydari, Rajit Kapur, Divya Dutta, Siddharth, Rahul Bhat, Varun Badola, Rajeshwari Sachdeva, Imaad Shah, action director Sham Kaushal, singer Shreya Ghoshal, music director Shantanu Moitra, Costume designer Pia Benegal among a few others.

The film is being hailed for its poignant storytelling and technical brilliance. While it primarily highlights Sheikh Mujib’s crucial role in Bangladesh’s fight for independence, it also skillfully interlaces the narrative of his deep devotion to his family. This narrative adeptly juxtaposes moments of joy, love, and warmth within Sheikh Mujib’s family against the tumultuous backdrop of a nation’s journey to independence, elevating it to a deeply touching human drama.

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Actor Arifin Shuvoo said “I reflect on the honour of playing Mujib, a realization of an actor’s dream. Being directed by the esteemed Shyam Benegal ji in this significant project was beyond words. I deeply appreciate the warmth I experienced during production in India. I hope I’ve done justice to the role and that audiences here connect deeply with Bangabandhu’s character, just as they did in our homeland..”

At the screening Actor Naseeruddin Shah said, “A very few film of Shyam ji doesn’t have me and this is one of them unfortunately because it was made in Bangla language. India Bangladesh have always had friendly relationships and it is very nice that a film has been made on Mujibur Rahman Sahab that depicts his life in true sense.”

“When I was growing up, I watched a retrospective of Shyam benegal’s films and since then I have been mesmerized by the world he creates. It’s an honour to be here today and witness his genius come alive again… I hope there will be many more. Always a fan girl.” Said, Aditi Rao Hydari.