Bangladeshi director rues lack of viewers for 'Antardhan'

Award-winning Bangladeshi film director Syed Ohiduzzaman Diamond Friday rued lack of viewers for his latest offering "Antardhan" (The Disappearance) and said the film might not be a commercial success.

"I was pained to see the lack of viewers for my film 'Antardhan'," said Diamond about the movie which was screened Thursday at the 18th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF).

"Even at a film festival in Bangladesh, not many people wanted to watch my film. I am afraid it might not be a commercial success," said Diamond about "Antardhan", slated to release Nov 30.

The film, Diamond's third cinematic work, hinges on the rapid drying and impending desertification of the once-mighty Padma river.

"Padma has been a source of livelihood for thousands of people but now, it looks like a vast desert. Sands and sands alone stretch along both of its banks as far as the eye can see.

"It has only the memories of the past days. Some people still recall their sweet memories sitting by the river. They silently shed their tears. 'Antardhan' is a reflection on some past incidents. It raises a question to the people concerning a drop of water," said Diamond.

Diamond received the Bangladesh National Film Award for the Best Director and Best Scriptwriter for his Second film "Gangajatra" in 2009.

His debut movie "Nacholer Rani" (The Struggle) and subsequent project "Gangajatra" have screened at the KIFF earlier editions.