The man behind anti-Jihadist movie – Leelakhela

Since he won National Award for his short-film named 'Ghani', actor-director Masum Aziz had to wait for years to finally find the right story for a full length feature film, with a strong message against religious extremism.

In an exclusive interview with Weekly Blitz, Masum Aziz gave several scoops and information on his next movie – Leelakhela, which will be simultaneously released in Bangladesh, United States, United Kingdom and UAE. Excerpts:

Q: Why you have chosen the story of Leelekhela for your next movie?

A: Internationally acclaimed problem is religious extremism and Jihad. There is no room for anyone to use religion for mere business or religious opportunities. The entire world is gradually going into the tight grips of the religious extremists, while the majority of the global population are simply watching it silently. I think it is high time for us, those opposing religious extremism to speak out. Cinema is the best tool of spreading the message against religious extremism as it will reach the hearts of people even at the grass root level of the societies. Moreover, we are trying to make best use of the word 'infotainment' to ultimately create awareness amongst people in rejecting religious extremism and Jihad through cultural activities.

I liked the story of this movie for a number of reasons. It gives a very real picture of the prevailing situation especially in the Muslim nations, where religious extremists and opportunists are spreading wings every day. The story also very successfully touches another important issue of childless couples – portraying their inner pain, agonies and how they face social and religious odds every day just for being childless.

Q: Why you initiated to start the movie at present time?

A: Because, politically, in Bangladesh, now we have an elected government, which also honestly opposes religious extremism. It also is an important partner in global effort of combating religious militancy, extremism and Jihad. Naturally, this is the best timing for a maker to initiate a powerful anti-Jihadist and anti religious extremism movie like Leelakhela.

Q: Are you making this film with grant from the government?

A: No! I personally believe that, with the hand-picked amount of money, given to a maker as grant for making good movies, is not enough at all, as the cost of production has greatly increased due to various reasons. So, I am making this film with the investment of Vibgyor Films, which is a Bangladeshi cine-production company, owned by like minded people, who also are against religious extremism.

I think, if the government wants to really patronize any good movie, they should allow projection of such movies without any amusement tax. In our neighboring India, good movies are always patronizes by the government with withdrawal of amusement tax. If Bangladeshi government will also consider this, it will encourage makers in coming forward in making good movies.

Q: Is there any cooperation from the government in making this movie?

A: There is no financial help from the government for this movie as I said, but I believe the government will accord moral support to this movie. Because, this movie is against religious extremism, which is very much in the political agenda of the present government. I am making this film as part of my own commitment to the nation.

Q: When Indian film 3-idiots, Tarey Zamin Paar, Slam Dog Billionaire etc went to International cinema halls as well went for large contests like Oscar, why Bangladeshi films are yet to reach to that level, though Bangla culture is considered to be one of the richest in the world?

A: After the independence of Bangladesh, unfortunately, especially after 1975, we had governments, either appeasing religious extremism or were mere dictators. They had no commitment for the nation as a whole or for the Bangla culture. On the other hand, for reaching such international audience and award contests, a movie with very strong message is extremely important. I do not want to compare Leelakhela with any of the movies you just mentioned, but, definitely, Leelakhela has its own credibility of attaining the attention of the international audience because of its strong story-line. I am not making the movie targeting any award. I am making this, to spread the message against religious extremism amongst the people in the world – more precisely, peace-loving masses.

Q: Would you say something about the actors in this movie and the songs you already recorded?

A: Well, I am truly trying my best to pick up best of the best when you talk about actors of this film. For example, I did not run after so-called 'box office hit' actors of commercial films. Rather I took Shimla [the main actress] for this movie, considering the track record of her career as an actress. She got National Award in Bangladesh as the best actress for her very first film. Naturally, it is evidently proved that she has the power to bearing the huge load of playing the key-character in Leelakhela. I can also mention here few more names like Syed Hassan Imam, Jayanta Chattapaddhay, Moutushi, Rownak, Lutfor Rahman George and Doly Johur, who are time-tested powerful actors. I know, this team is extremely powerful and hopefully we will be able to present the best ever Bangla movie to Bangladeshi and international audience.

Secondly, the songs of the movie are extremely powerful and I am sure, people will remember these songs for decades. Each of the song of Leelakhela contains very powerful lyrics, soothing tune and brilliant composition. On the other hand, singers like Andre Kishore, Monir Khan, S I Tutul have possibly given best performances of their career in these songs. I am truly grateful to the lyrist, music director and singers of this film for their brilliant work.

Q: You are yet to choose the hero of this movie. Is there any particular reason?

A: I wanted to cast popular Bangladeshi cine-star Ferdous in the main character to play the role with Shimla. As I said, Shimla is extremely powerful and talented actor, so, I really need a equally powerful actor to play the character of Shimla's husband in Leelakhela. But, due to his commitment with Kolkata films, He [Ferdous] was unable to sign in the film. Now I am considering a few names. Possibly, we will finalize the hero in a week. My team is contacting a few, including promising actor Nobel. But, things will become clear in a week.

Q: Would you like to say anything to the Bangladeshi and international audience?

A: Yes! We are making a world-class film and hopefully we will be able to finally attain the appreciation, admiration and love of the cine-spectators in my country and the world. I am especially thankful to Vibgyor Films, who are trying to do everything for making Leelakhela as the best of the best. They also are making another movie with Uttam Akash as the director. Uttam is a very popular film director in Bangladesh with several box-office-hit movies. He has extra-ordinary talent and zeal. I can already see a great team of good film makers in Vibgyor.

I wish them every success in each of their efforts, because, I have reason to believe that, Vibgyor Films will be able to present several good movies in the years to come. I will request people to listen to the songs of Leelakhela, encourage us, and finally stand with us in spreading the message of peace and raise voice against religious extremism.

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The man behind anti-Jihadist movie – Leelakhela

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