A section of Bangladeshi artistes and journalists protested the ongoing genocide in Gaza, Palestine by Israel through a silent demonstration during a special screening of the film 'Daagi' on Tuesday night in Dhaka.
The special event, held at Star Cineplex Uttara Centrepoint branch in the capital, featured participation from actors, musicians, filmmakers, producers, and media personnel who observed one minute of silence in solidarity with the global outcry against the violence in Palestine.
The global community observed a 'Global Strike' on April 7 in protest against the atrocities in Gaza.
The special screening 'Daagi' was planned in advance on the night.
It also served as a platform for protest from the attendees in support of the movement.
The screening was attended by Mahendra Soni, Chairman of SVF Alpha-i Entertainment Ltd, and Shahriar Shakil, Managing Director of the company and also the Producer of 'Daagi', alongside Chorki CEO Redoan Rony, 'Daagi' director Shihab Shaheen, and writers-journalists Sajjad Sharif and Anisul Hoque.
Prominent actors such as Tariq Anam Khan, Shahiduzzaman Selim, Gazi Rakayet, Intekhab Dinar, Bijori Barkatullah, Sumon Anwar, Sohel Mondol, Nabila and others alongside 'Daagi' cast and crew including Afran Nisho, Tama Mirza, Rashed Mamun Apu, A K Azad Setu, and others were among the attendees.
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Directors Sharaf Ahmed Jibon, Chayanika Chowdhury and Raihan Rafi, music director Sajid Sarkar, singer Masha Islam, popular dancer Hridy Sheikh and others also joined the screening.
Following the moment of silence, members of the 'Daagi' team addressed the audience before the screening began.
Popular director Raihan Rafi praised the film, calling it “a perfect film for family audiences.” Director Jibon remarked that 'Daagi' leaves a mark on the heart, adding that Afran Nisho was the perfect fit for the lead role.
Producer Shahreen Akter Sumi and director Mehedi Hasan Hridoy, known for this Eid's Shakib Khan-starrer major blockbuster film 'Borbaad', also attended and lauded 'Daagi'. Hridoy said, “It’s a beautifully told and well-crafted film. Shihab Shaheen bhai and Afran Nisho bhai are beyond our appraisal, and we thoroughly enjoyed it.”
'Daagi' is currently running in full houses at several theaters including Cineplex in Dhaka. Released during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, the film has drawn large crowds since day one.
Director Shihab Shaheen said that the audience response for the film has been highly positive so far, which is encouraging for the entire team. He also shared that he closely follows the feedback online and is thrilled to see packed shows of 'Daagi' across the country.
Mahendra Soni also hinted at more surprises from SVF Alpha-i Entertainment in the coming days, announcing that they will also release films outside of Eid festivities.