Razakar

RAZAKAR began as a deeply personal exploration of the theater experience, inspired by the feeling of being dictated to, marginalized, or overlooked—whether due to color, race, language, or identity. What started as an intimate reflection evolved into a universal narrative about control, blame, and the human struggle to define oneself against the weight of societal judgment.

Rooted in the political landscape leading up to the Bengal Separation of 1971, the film delves into the hardships of outcasts marginalized by language and dialects. At its core, RAZAKAR tells the story of a Bengali boy striving to prove his worth—a journey of self-acceptance and embracing identity.

Theater plays a pivotal role in the narrative—a space where language takes center stage and reflects the protagonist’s emotional journey. To bring this vision to life, I incorporated earthy, autumnal tones and long takes to evoke the raw, unfiltered essence of theater and transport audiences to 1968, capturing the socio-political climate of pre-separation Bengal.

The filmmaking process was not without its challenges. From losing a key actor on the final day to shooting the entire film in just two days due to logistical constraints, these obstacles pushed the team and me to adapt and innovate. These hurdles, however, led to some of the film’s most authentic and striking moments, embodying the spirit of resilience and creativity.

My hope is that RAZAKAR resonates with viewers, sparking conversations about identity, self-acceptance, and the courage to defy societal expectations. This film is more than just a project—it’s a reflection of my belief in storytelling’s power to provoke thought, foster empathy, and connect deeply with the human experience.