‘Patar Bashori’ producer responds to Sardar Bari damage allegations

Indie Reels, the production company behind Coke Studio Bangla’s “Patar Bashori” music video, has responded to allegations that the shoot caused damage to the historic Bara Sardar Bari at the Sonargaon Museum.

Shishir, co-producer of the music video, shared a statement from Indie Reels on Facebook addressing the controversy. The production company denied that its activities had caused any damage to the historic structure, saying the cracks and deterioration shown in recently circulated images had existed before the shoot.

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“Indie Reels has always believed in maintaining professionalism and the highest level of responsibility. Before working at any location, we obtain all necessary permissions and thoroughly assess its overall condition,” the statement read.

According to Indie Reels, Bara Sardar Bari was selected as a filming location for “Patar Bashori” with the intention of presenting the heritage site to Bangladeshi audiences from a new perspective.

The company said it had taken photographs and video footage of the entire site immediately before filming, considering the sensitive nature of the historic structure. The materials were documented so they could later be used to establish whether the production had caused any damage.

Indie Reels claimed it still possesses clear photographs and footage showing the site both before and after the shoot.

The statement further said representatives of the relevant authorities inspected the location before and throughout the production. After filming was completed, the site was handed back to the authorities.

According to Indie Reels, the Sonargaon Museum authorities subsequently issued the production company an official clearance stating that the shoot had caused no damage to the site’s heritage or infrastructure.

Addressing photographs of cracks and deterioration that have circulated amid the controversy, the company alleged that some reports had relied on incomplete or old images without verifying the information.

“The cracks or damage shown in the photographs existed before our shoot. We have clear evidence of this in our possession, and the Sonargaon Museum authorities are also fully aware of the matter,” the statement said.

Indie Reels urged those reporting on the controversy to contact the Sonargaon Museum authorities and verify the situation at the site before publishing information.

The statement comes amid controversy surrounding the filming of “Patar Bashori” at the historic property, following allegations that the production had damaged parts of the structure.