PHOTOS: ORCHID CHAKMA

SHAH ALAM SHAZU

Zakia Bari Mamo returns this Eid with Bonolota Express , stepping back into cinemas with a performance that is drawing a distinctly emotional response from audiences.

The National Film Award-winning actor, who first broke through with Daruchini Dwip , says the reception to her latest film has been immediate and deeply felt—something she has not witnessed in years.

“There has been so much excitement, so much joy, so much emotion around Bonolota Express —it’s beyond words,” she said. “Audiences are watching the film with deep interest. They are embracing it with immense love and praising the entire film. I’m truly grateful to them.”

In the film, Mamo plays Afia—a character she says has resonated on a personal level with viewers. The reactions, she notes, have gone beyond routine appreciation.

“I’ve seen audience members come up to me and break down in tears,” she said. “They’ve shared how much the character moved them. Some are crying, some are smiling. I haven’t witnessed such reactions in a long time. This kind of love is unforgettable. Ultimately, the audience is the soul of cinema.”

She credits much of that impact to the strength of the ensemble cast and the collaborative process behind the film.

“My co-artistes are all major stars—exceptionally talented performers,” she said. “It was a wonderful experience working with them. I’ve worked with most of them before, except Sariful Razz. Every single person gave their hundred per cent, with sincerity and dedication.”

Mamo is unequivocal when it comes to the film’s director, placing the weight of its success firmly on his shoulders.

“Tanim Noor is an incredibly talented director,” she said. “He has made this film based on Humayun Ahmed’s novel Kichukkhon . It’s a very well-crafted film. The writers who worked on the script have also shown great skill. Honestly, all the credit for Bonolota Express goes to Tanim Noor.”

For Mamo, the response also reflects a broader shift in audience expectations.

“Viewers want strong stories—and Bonolota Express has that,” she said.

She also points to her academic grounding in theatre as formative.

“I studied at Jahangirnagar University, where Selim Al Deen sir was my teacher,” she said. “I had the chance to learn so much from him as well.”

Looking beyond Eid, Mamo questions the industry’s reliance on festive release windows.

“Why should films only be released during Eid?” she said. “They should be released throughout the year. We have other festivals—Pahela Baishakh, among many others. If films are released around those occasions, it would be very positive. The key is to have releases year-round.”

Her next project, Master , is already building momentum ahead of its local release.

“ Master is a powerful story,” she said. “It recently won an award in the Netherlands and received strong appreciation. I hope it will be released very soon.”