"Mukh o Mukhosh” (The Face and The Mask): A Pioneer in Bangladeshi Full-Length Cinema

The Bangladeshi film industry received a momentous ovation with the release of the very first Bangla movie in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). This cinematic milestone was produced by Iqbal Films and directed by Abdul Jabbar Khan.

SBS Desk

November 09, 2023

1 minute

249

ENTERTAINMENT

During a time when producing cinema in East Pakistan seemed insurmountable, Abdul Jabbar Khan boldly embraced the challenge of bringing the magic of cinema to this region. Despite numerous obstacles, his unwavering determination led him to create his own film. He achieved the seemingly impossible by sourcing low-budget equipment from Kolkata, including an old Imo camera and a Philips tape recorder for sound recording. The man who spearheaded the first-ever Bangla cinema was born in the Bengali year 7th Baishakh of 1322 (1916 AD) in Masadgoan village, Louhajang Upazila, Munshiganj district. His involvement in stage drama from a young age saw him portray roles such as Matir Ghar, Behula, Sohrab Rustom, and many others.

Inam Ahmed played the protagonist in this film, while director Abdul Jabbar Khan took on a secondary role. The film's heroine was Purnima Sen, and other notable characters included Nazma (Piari), Jahrat Ara, Ali Mansur, Rafiq, Nurul Anam Khan, Saifuddin, Bilkis Bari, and more.

The primary shooting locations encompassed Siddheswari, Tejgaon, Rajarbagh, Kamlapur, Lalmatia, Jinjira, and various places in Tongi. The film had a duration of 99 minutes (approximately 1 and a half hours) and was inaugurated on August 6, 1954, at the Shahbagh Hotel. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Governor General Iskandar Mirza. Iqbal Films handled its distribution, and the film's premiere was introduced by then-Governor Sher-e-Bangla A. K. Fazlul Huq at Rupmahal Cinema Hall.

The film itself is a classic drama that delves into social issues and is remembered for its exceptional performances and memorable songs. It garnered significant acclaim from the audience in East Pakistan, demonstrating the power of movies in challenging social norms and uniting people worldwide."