Mohammad Nuruzzaman’s “Mastul” drew a packed house at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on Monday (August 10), as part of the three-day film festival “Ekal Sekal”, with some audience members sitting on the stairs and floor after the auditorium reached capacity.

Film enthusiasts will have the chance to watch six acclaimed Bangladeshi films, including "Roid" and "Mastul", on the big screen free of charge as the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy hosts a three-day film festival next week.

After an impressive run on the international festival circuit, “Mastul”, starring Fazlur Rahman Babu, is finally set to meet Bangladeshi audiences. In conversation with The Daily Star, Nuruzzaman reflects on the deeply personal origins of the film and more.

Mohammad Nuruzzaman’s feature film “Mastul” opens in five modern cinemas across Dhaka and Narayanganj today (July 17).

National Award-winning actor Fazlur Rahman Babu believes his upcoming film “Mastul” will resonate deeply with audiences through its emotionally driven story and unconventional subject matter.

The 24th edition of the festival will run from September 1 to 16, where this Mohammad Nuruzzaman film will compete in the ‘Life Award’ category.

Bangladeshi film “Mastul” has won the Special Mention Award (Jury) from the Federation of Film Societies in Moscow.

Six-time National Award-winning actor Fazlur Rahman Babu is currently attending the Moscow International Film Festival, where his latest film “Mastul” has been officially selected for the main competition. Out of 11 films from around the world, “Mastul” is the only entry representing Bangladesh this year.

The narrative centres on Maqbool, a compassionate cook portrayed by Fazlur Rahman Babu, who befriends Noora, a young stowaway. Their bond challenges the ship's hierarchy, particularly with a power-hungry helmsman who suspects Maqbool of espionage. The film explores themes of trust, compassion, and the complexities of human relationships.​

The 47th Moscow International Film Festival is set to run from April 17 to April 24. This year, alongside "Mastul", 11 films from Russia, Korea, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Turkey, and other countries will compete for top honours.