First, it’s a story about a train journey. Plenty of films have been made globally about train journeys, and countless movies have shot portions on trains. Through a train story, a picture of the whole of Bangladesh emerges, as everyone from common people to ministers are passengers on a train.

SHAH ALAM SHAZU

Tanim Noor is a name currently echoing throughout the film industry. His directed film, Bonolota Express , is at the peak of audience demand. As of April 14, ticket sales have crossed seven crore BDT, and many are still struggling to find tickets. The film is also drawing significant interest from audiences abroad. Previously, he garnered acclaim for his film Utshob . The successful director spoke with The Daily Star.

Bonolota Express is a success in every aspect. What is the main secret behind such massive success?

I have always felt that a film doesn’t belong to just one person; it is the outcome of everyone’s collective effort. I give credit to everyone who was with me during the making, including the artistes, scriptwriters, cinematographers, and the entire team who gave 100% of their labour and love. They did the work out of passion. The credit isn’t mine alone; it belongs to everyone. Because everyone worked with such care, the audience is showing this much interest.

Why did you choose Humayun Ahmed’s novel Kichukkhon ?

I liked the novel Kichukkhon after reading it. There were two main reasons behind choosing it. First, it’s a story about a train journey. Plenty of films have been made globally about train journeys, and countless movies have shot portions on trains. Through a train story, a picture of the whole of Bangladesh emerges, as everyone from common people to ministers are passengers on a train. One day after Utshob , Shadhin suggested I work with Kichukkhon . I read the book afterward; perhaps I hadn’t read it before. Upon reading, I realized this novel has a lot of depth. That’s how, I started working on it.

Most of the artistes in Bonolota Express said it would surpass Utshob . What is your comment?

This happened because of the audience. It was possible for Bonolota Express to surpass Utshob only because of them. When a good film is made, the audience encourages us and comes to the theaters. The viewers of this country are eager for good stories and good cinema. They watched Utshob with interest, but they are watching Bonolota Express with even more enthusiasm. That is why this film has surpassed Utshob . We are grateful to the audience.

Countless people are watching Bonolota Express . Is there a particular memory that has left an impression on you?

There are many wonderful memories that have left a mark on my heart and will stay with me. Seeing audiences go to the halls in groups is a joy. It is a great achievement that 70–80-year-old viewers have come to the halls to see Bonolota Express . I am amazed to see everyone from 9-year-old children to elderly citizens in the theaters.

Have you thought about your next film?

I haven’t thought about it yet. Let more time pass, then I can say. However, I plan to move into production for a project that another director will helm.

Bonolota Express has been released abroad. What kind of response is it getting?

It’s getting a very good response abroad. It has been released in several countries, including North America and Australia. International audiences are watching with great interest. In North America, ticket sales have reached $322,000 so far. In Australia, it’s $100,000. These numbers will rise.

What is the gross collection of Bonolota Express in Bangladesh so far?

As of yesterday, it has crossed seven crore BDT. This is the gross collection. People are still not getting tickets. This is certainly happy news for us, and I hope it continues. I’d like to add one piece of information: if tickets worth ten crore BDT are sold in Bangladesh, we have to pay two crore 30 lakh BDT in taxes.

Shows are closed after evening. What do you think about this?

Night shows are closed, and we are suffering immensely because of it. Audiences can’t watch the film either. Theater plays and other cultural events are happening at night, but cinema shows are closed. This is putting us at a loss.