Bassbaba Sumon lends voice to ‘Andhar’

Songs by Saidus Salehin Sumon, widely known as Bassbaba Sumon of Aurthohin, are rarely permitted for use in films. 

However, he made an exception by allowing his song “Chaitey Paro Tumi” to be featured in the Eid-ul-Fitr release “Bonolota Express”. The reason, he said, was his admiration for director Tanim Noor.

It has now been revealed that Sumon’s music will also feature in the upcoming film “Andhar”, directed by Raihan Rafi. In a recent interview, the musician shared that, alongside older tracks, audiences will hear a new song in his voice in “Andhar”. He declined to provide further details for now, noting that the production company will disclose more information ahead of the film’s release.

Sumon is also directly connected to the film’s story. He co-wrote “Andhar” with Shakib Chowdhury and Adnan Adib Khan of Cryptic Fate. Speaking about the project, Sumon described it as a film of a different kind—one that blends horror with comic relief, action, thriller elements, and even touches of detective fiction. He added that such a genre combination has not been seen before in Bangladeshi cinema.

Sumon and Shakib Chowdhury have long been drawn to supernatural stories, having travelled across various parts of the country in search of such narratives. These experiences inspired the story of “Andhar”. The film boasts an ensemble cast including Siam Ahmed, Nazifa Tushi, Chanchal Chowdhury, Afsana Mimi, Gazi Rakayet, and Mostafa Monwar. Filming concluded last year, and the film, reportedly, is slated for a theatrical release later this Eid-ul-Azha.

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Meanwhile, following the release of “Bonolota Express”, “Chaitey Paro Tumi” has once again gained popularity. Cinema halls have seen audiences singing along to the track, a response that has delighted Sumon. “It is always gratifying when one’s work is recognised,” he said. “People are really enjoying the film, and it is receiving a strong response from audiences abroad as well. I feel proud to have been a part of it.”

He further added, “I usually prefer not to contribute songs to films. But when I received the offer for ‘Bonolota Express’, I agreed immediately, and there is a reason behind that. I was already familiar with Tanim Noor’s work. My children have watched ‘Utshob’, and I personally enjoyed his web series ‘Kaiser’.”