Flawed people can change, and I love showing that on-screen: Tanim Noor

Amid a wave of violence and full on action movies, director Tanim Noor is choosing a different path—one rooted in emotion, music, and stories that bring families back to theatres. After delivering “Utshob” last year, he returns this Eid-ul-Fitr with a new film inspired by Humayun Ahmed’s short story “Kichukkhon”, with a multi-starrer cast.

In a conversation ahead of the release, the director opened up about what drives him as a filmmaker and it’s clear that for him, cinema is as personal as it is creative.

“We recently had an event where we showcased the trailer on the big screen,” he shared. “We’ve already released the lyrical version of ‘Chaite Paro’ by Aurthohin, and more songs will follow. Audiences will get a new track on Chand Raat, and we’ll be visiting halls during Eid as well. We’re still planning the promotions, but I just want people to come in and have a really good time watching the film.”

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Music, in many ways, defines Tanim Noor’s storytelling. It’s not just a stylistic choice—it’s something deeply personal. From using “Oniket Prantor” by Artcell in “Contract” to bringing “Chaite Paro” into his latest film, he consistently weaves nostalgia and emotion through songs.

“Growing up with music from the ’80s and ’90s, I fell in love with band culture,” he said. “Those musicians were dreaming big, trying to reach global audiences, yet their songs still feel so close to us. Music is more than just sound—it’s emotion, it’s memory, it’s part of who we are. That’s why I always try to bring it into my work.”

That same emotional connection is what drew him to literature—particularly the works of Humayun Ahmed. For Tanim Noor, adapting “Kichukkhon” wasn’t just a creative decision, but a deeply personal one.

“I used to read a lot growing up—even newspapers—and at one point I wanted to become a journalist,” he said with a smile. “Humayun Ahmed’s writing always stayed with me. His characters are quirky, imperfect, yet incredibly relatable. ‘Kichukkhon’ felt special because of how beautifully all the characters are layered. I felt this is a story people will instantly connect with.”

In an industry where commercial success is often tied to action and spectacle, Tanim Noor stands firm in his own beliefs.

“I’m a very non-violent person, and I don’t enjoy showing violence on screen,” he said. “It goes against what I believe in. I’m more interested in telling stories about flawed people who grow and change. But that doesn’t mean I want to stay in one space—I do want to explore other genres, even horror. Audiences will see me experiment more in the future.”