Expectations were sky-high on the Parambrata Chatterjee and Bhabna starrer Bhoyonkor Sundor. The film, directed, produced and written by Animesh Aich, garnered a lot of criticism after it was released in major theatres in the country on 4th August. The trailer promised a lot, and the film included songs from renowned artists including Chirkutt, Tahsan and Elita. Why it that a film poised for almost 'certain' success is facing so much criticism online, that too in such a short span of time?

"Every film we make as directors are like our children", said Animesh Aich, the director of the film. "After a child is born, the people in the society try to accept it in a positive way. The critique comes after it grows up and starts being a burden." The director was understandably disappointed at some overreactions on social media. "I welcome any and all criticism on my film, as long as they have actually seen and tried to understand it. But it seems like anyone and everyone is joining in the bandwagon against it." It is to be noted that the director has relentlessly worked on the film for two years, slowly but steadily building up the project from ground up. Animesh's leap from television serials to film has been deemed commendable by many top figures in the industry. 

The film follows an unconventional story, which tackles different themes all throughout. The story of Muku (Parambrata) and Nayontara (Bhabna) is a love story riddled with adversities. The character of Nayontara is not one of a damsel-in-distress, which is difficult for Bangladeshi directors to digest. The role was difficult and woman-centric, but well embraced by the debutante actress Ashna Habib Bhabna.

"I gave all I could for the role of Nayontara", proclaimed Bhabna, "and got mostly positive reviews from the audience that viewed the movie. I am baffled by the negativity on social media; some have even resorted to commenting ludicrous things on my profile pictures. I am a human being, and like all other human beings I have emotions too, and people have to remember that." 

The negativity is astounding, but the positivity that comes from the artists and scholars are encouraging. A prominent dancer recently mentioned on Facebook, "I think people are more concerned with how Bhabna, a debutant actress, received such an important role with Kolkata's biggest actor. Bhabna, you did an amazing job and I am obsessed over Nayontara. You will have to suffer a lot if you are an actress, but you are only 22 years old and have a long way to go." Bhabna further added, "If you searched up honest reviews from Jaya Ahsan, Bonna Mirza, Manosh Chowdhury, Shazu Khadem, Shatabdi Vobo and other qualified people from the film and scholarly fraternity, you'll see a different picture." 

All the indicators suggest a simple fact; one just needs to see the film themselves before judging its competence. If "Bhoyonkor Sundor" was "Bhoyonkor Baaje", it probably would not have garnered full houses in a place like Jamuna Future Park on non-festival holidays.

By Sadi Mohammad Shahnewaz