Bengali Beauty

Bengali Beauty (Bengali: বেঙ্গলি বিউটি, romanized: Bengoli Beauty) is a Bangladeshi period romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Rahsaan Noor. It stars Noor as a radio deejay and Mumtaheena Toya as a medical student, who fall in love in Dhaka during a politically turbulent 1975.[7]

Bengali Beauty
Theatrical release poster
Bengaliবাঙালি বিউটি
Directed byRahsaan Noor
Starring
Music byRusho Mahtab
CinematographyReghu Shanker
Production
company
Ziryab Films
Release date
  • 16 February 2018 (2018-02-16) (United States)
CountryBangladesh
LanguageBengali
English
Budget৳ unlimited (US$ 0.05 million)[1][2]
Box office৳180.5 Crores (US$21,327,428)[2][3][4][5][6]

Initially scheduled to release in Bangladesh on 9 February 2018, Bengali Beauty was banned by the Bangladesh Film Censor Board.[8][9] However, the film went on to release in the United States on 16 February 2018, and was praised for its screenplay, direction, music, and the performances of the lead actors, becoming the highest grossing Bengali language film of all-time at the United States Box Office.[10][11][12]

In June 2018, the Bangladesh Appeal Board overturned the Censor Board's ban, and the film released in Bangladesh on 12 October 2018.[1][8][9]

Bengali Beauty was a record-breaking commercial success, becoming the 1st Bengali language film in history to release in China, the United Kingdom, and the United States.[2][3][4][5][6][12]

Plot

In 1975 Dhaka, Moyna Iftekhar (Mumtaheena Toya), takes her studies as a medical student seriously. Her only escape being books and movies, Moyna idolises Sofia Loren. Her father, Brigadier General K.M. Iftekhar (Pijush Bandyopadhyay) in a conversation with a friend agrees to invite a family home to meet Moyna. After meeting Nadeem (Kazi Asif Rahman) and his family, Iftekhar and his wife Moshfeka (Naila Azad) agree to arrange Nadeem and Moyna's marriage. Moyna agrees to the proposal obediently.

An angsty Afzal Khan (Rahsaan Noor) returns to Bangladesh after having studied in the United States for four years. Using his father's connections, Afzal joins DJ Mita Rahman (Sarah Alam) as a DJ for the popular World Music program at Bangladesh Betar, much to the chagrin of the show's producer Rafel (Ashfique Rizwan). Afzal's presentation and radio play Bengali Beauty instantly become a hit with the youth of Dhaka, including Moyna.

Moyna's wedding date is set for 15 August, and her family merrily moves forward with wedding preparations. However, Moyna finds excuses and ways to sneak away to listen to Afzal and Mita's ever more popular radio show. At the library during one show, Moyna reflects on a photo of her and Afzal – taken years before, a picture similar to a scenario narrated by Afzal on the radio. Later that day, Moyna goes to donate supplies to a supply drive called by DJ Afzal and DJ Mita. And there amidst all the fans Bengali Babu and Bengali Beauty are reunited – Afzal and Moyna.

Soon thereafter, Afzal learns of Moyna's upcoming marriage. In a fit of frustration and rage, Afzal rants against the existing government and societal problems on air; leading promptly to his suspension. A gleeful Rafel takes Afzal's place next to DJ Mita on the World Music program. Moyna is devastated to hear the news of Afzal's suspension, not know what will happen to him. The people of Dhaka write to complain about Rafel's presentation and Mita pleads with the DG of Bangladesh Betar to bring Afzal back.

Afzal is reinstated and a more subdued version of his radio personality is back on air with Mita. Upon hearing Afzal back on the radio, Moyna calls Afzal and they make a plan to run away together and elope before Moyna's wedding the next day. However, their plans fall apart as Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is assassinated the very next morning. After sneaking through the streets of Dhaka, a devastated Afzal announces the news over the radio. Moyna listens and both weep at their lost hope of a future together.

One week later, Moyna listens as DJ Mita presents the World Music program solo. Mita talks about missing her friend Afzal, whom has left to continue his studies in the United States, and narrates her version of the ending of Bengali Beauty. A dream sequence unfolds in which the Moyna imagines what might have been had her relationship with Afzal continued. Mia sheds a tear as Mita completes her poignant narration.

Cast
  • Rahsaan Noor as Afzal Khan aka RJ Afzal.
  • Mumtaheena Toya as Moyna.
  • Sarah Alam as Mita Rahman aka RJ Mita.
  • Ashfique Rizwan as Rafel, producer of World Music.
  • Masum Basher as Siraj Haider Khan, Afzal's father and Editor of the Observer newspaper.
  • GM Shahidul Alam as Muzzaqir, Director General of Bangladesh Betar.
  • Naziba Basher as Tushi, Moyna's cousin.
  • Naila Azad as Moshfeka, Moyna's mother.
  • Pijush Bandyopadhyay as K.M. Iftekhar, Moyna's father and Brigadier General in Bangladesh Army.
  • Kazi Asif Rahman as Nadeem, Moyna's fiancé.
  • Aref Syed as Wasif Chowdhury, Afzal's friend.

Production

Development

Noor became inspired to write the script for Bengali Beauty one day after hearing Can't Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Vallie.[13] The setting of the film came to him from a film that had been offered to him before as well as a series of interviews with his aunt, actress Mita Rahman, whom used to be a DJ for the popular World Music program on Bangladesh Betar.[13] Bangladesh Betar and World Music are a central to the film's narrative.[14] The style and tone of the film was inspired by Hollywood Vietnam War movies such as Apocalypse Now, Good Morning Vietnam, and Full Metal Jacket as well as Bollywood classis such as Silsila and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.[15]

The film was first announced at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Nevada in May 2016 .[16] Ridy Sheikh was originally cast as Moyna, however, she was later replaced by Mumtaheena Toya.[10][17]

Filming

The principal photography commenced on 2 May 2017 and last for one month.[10][17] Bengali Beauty was shot on location at various iconic settings in Dhaka such as Bangladesh Betar, University of Dhaka, and Notre Dame College among others, as these locations remained without renovation since the 1970s and were authentic to the film's script.[18]

Reception

Box office

Bengali Beauty received the largest international theatrical release of any Bengali language film in history and its total worldwide gross of US$21,327,428 (BDT 180.5 Crores) make it the all-time highest grossing Bengali language film at the worldwide box office.[2][3][4][5][6][12]

Bengali Beauty became the first Bengali language movie to receive a theatrical release in the United States and United Kingdom. The film released on 16 February in USA's Regal Theaters and AMC Theatres and grossed US$546,000 at the box office.[9][11][12] The film released in the UK's Vue Cinemas and Cineworld Cinemas on 23 November and grossed UK£334,000 at the box office.[4][19] Additionally, the film earned BDT 6 lakhs in Bangladesh despite only receiving one show a day for one week at Dhaka's STAR Cineplex and Chittagong's Silver Screen in the film's 12 October Bangladesh release.[20]

On 3 May, Bengali Beauty became the first Bengali language movie to theatrically release in China; releasing under the Chinese title 金色的孟加拉 (pinyin: Jīnsè de mèngjiālā, "Golden Bengal".[6][21] Noor was honored at the China Fashion Awards on 30 June for the film having completed seven weeks in theaters in as many as 700 screens.[22][23] Bengali Beauty grossed US$20,356,783 (BDT 172.3 Crores) at the Chinese Box Office.[2][5]

Critical response

Critics praised the film's screenplay, direction, music, and the performances of Noor, Sarah Alam, and Ashfique Rizwan.[15][24][25] Faraz Hossain of Prothom Alo described Bengali Beauty as "a movie that touches the heart" and complimented its writing and direction.[26] He further stated, "Outside the traditional Bengali film, this film brings a different taste. There is no need to say this to anyone. The movie itself is saying this to the viewer."[26]

Smita Bannerjee of Brown Girl Magazine similarly lauded the filmmaking, stating "Bengali Beauty sweeps you away on waves of humor, heartbreak, and ravishing romance."[25] She went on to name it her favourite movie of the year, awarding the film four out of five stars.[25]

Sanjay Pati of Urban Asian described the film as "daring and beautiful", in addition to highlighting Noor and Alam's performances, stating, "The film comes alive when DJ Afzal (Noor) and DJ Mita (Sarah Alam) take the mic."[15] Despite being less enthusiastic about Toya's and Pijush Bandyopadhyay's performances, Pati nevertheless gave the film four out of five stars, declaring it "a welcome gift of vintage goods in a dazzling new package."[15]

Nice Noor of NTV documented audience response in Bangladesh with one audience member stating that "watching Bengali Beauty felt like watching a Hollywood movie. The making and direction were excellent. Rahsaan Noor's acting was the best." Another audience member remarked, "I watched a good Bangla movie after a long time. Rahsaan and Sarah [Alam's] acting was outstanding. Toya suited her character very well."[27]

Syed Rumman of NTV Europe praised the film, stating "In a word, Rahsaan Noor's talented entry is an extraordinary addition to Bengali cinema."[27]

Awards and Nominations
Awards Date of Ceremony Category Recipient and Nominee Result Ref
21st Meril Prothom Alo Awards 26 April 2018 Best Newcomer Mumtaheena Toya Nominated [28]
1st Bharat Bangladesh Film Awards 22 October 2019 Best Supporting Actress Sarah Alam Nominated [29]

Controversy

On 21 March 2018, the Bangladesh Film Censor Board banned the film from release in Bangladesh.[9] Among the reasons cited by the Censor Board were that the title of the film was unsuitable, Noor's portrayal of a disc jockey in the film was unsuitable, and the scene where Noor's character cries as he reads the news of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's assassination never happened in real life nor was it realistic that anyone would cry.[8][9]

Noor appealed against the Censor Board's decision, and on 5 June, the Appeal Committee overturned the Board's ban citing the freedom of speech and expression.[8]

On 5 October 2018, the film's distributor in Bangladesh, Jaaz Multimedia, failed to deliver on its promise to release Bengali Beauty as advertised.[30] [31] The film would ultimately go on to release the following week in STAR Cineplex in the nation's capital. This prompted the makers to avoid releasing the film in West Bengal as they were forewarned that they would face the same experience with the distributors there.[32]

References
  1. বাংলা সিনেমা 'বাঙ্গালী বিউটি' টিমের আড্ডা. Somoy Television (in Bengali) (সঙ্গে তারকা).
  2. "Die Before Death: A New Venture of Rahsaan". The Business Standard. 16 September 2019.
  3. "UK Premiere of Bengali Beauty". Channel S.
  4. "Bengali Beauty actor and director Rahsaan Noor". BBC.
  5. "Bengali Beauty enters 3rd week in China". Bangladesh Post. 19 May 2019.
  6. "Bengali Beauty to be first Bangladeshi film in China". The Daily Observer. 21 April 2019.
  7. "Rahsaan Noor Signs Three-Film Deal with Universal Group!". Urban Asian. 27 April 2016.
  8. সেন্সর সনদ পেলে 'বাঙ্গালী বিউটি'. Prothom Alo (in Bengali) (28 June 2018).
  9. "Rahsaan Noor wins appeal for 'Bengali Beauty'". The Daily Star. 30 June 2018.
  10. "Toya to be a Bengali Beauty". The Asian Age. 26 May 2017.
  11. "'Bengali Beauty' storms past Tk75 lakhs at the US Box Office". Dhaka Tribune. 23 February 2018.
  12. "Suburban Man Makes It Big in Dhallywood". NBC. 18 February 2018.
  13. "Shuvo Shondha Episode 4715". NTV.
  14. "Shomi Kaiser Hosts Private Screening of Bengali Beauty". The Daily Sun. 31 January 2018.
  15. Pati, Sanjay (4 March 2018). "Bengali Beauty Review: A Joyful Rebellion". Urban Asian.
  16. "Curse of the Kohinoor unveiled at CinemaCon 2016". Dhaka Tribune. Archived from the original on 14 September 2016. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  17. "Rahsaan Noor and Ridy Sheikh to be seen in Bengali Beauty". Dhaka Tribune. 28 March 2017.
  18. "Meet the producers behind 'Bengali Beauty'". Dhaka Tribune. 16 February 2018.
  19. Ahmed, Limon. লন্ডনে মুক্তি পাচ্ছে 'বেঙ্গলি বিউটি'. Jago News24 (in Bengali).
  20. বেঙ্গলি বিউটি. ATN News (in Bengali) (News Hour Xtra).
  21. "চীনে মুক্তি পাচ্ছে বাংলাদেশের ছবি" (in Bengali). Prothom Alo. 29 April 2019.
  22. "Rahsaan Noor Honored at China Fashion Awards". Viral Bhayani. 3 July 2019.
  23. "Bengali Beauty actor director Rahsaan Noor honored at China Fashion Awards". CN News Channel. 3 July 2019.
  24. 'বাঙালি বিউটি': মন ছুঁয়ে যাওয়া এক চলচ্চিত্র. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). 18 February 2018.
  25. Bannerjee, Smita (March 2018). "'Bengali Beauty': A Magical and Revolutionary Movie That Will Sweep You Off Your Feet". Brown Girl Magazine.
  26. 'বাঙালি বিউটি': মন ছুঁয়ে যাওয়া এক চলচ্চিত্র. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). 18 February 2018.
  27. Noor, Nice. "Bengali Beauty was like a Hollywood Movie". NTV.
  28. "Who wins what at Meril-Prothom Alo Awards". Prothom Alo. 27 April 2018.
  29. "Bharat Bangladesh Film Awards 2019: Tollywood, Dhallywood celebs wish for more collaboration". Dhaka Tribune. 22 October 2019.
  30. "News Hour Xtra - বেঙ্গলি বিউটি". ATN News. 5 October 2018.
  31. "বাংলা সিনেমা 'বাঙ্গালী বিউটি' টিমের আড্ডা". SOMOY TV. 4 October 2018.
  32. "Rahsaan Noor - Bengali Beauty". BBC Asian Network. 6 September 2020.
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