Mumbai: Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal has unveiled a poster of his latest directorial "Mujib – The Making of a Nation," a biopic on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, known as the father of the nation in Bangladesh. The film is being made under an audio-visual co-production agreement between the Republic of India and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and it was extensively shot in India and Bangladesh.

Benegal released the poster at National Film Development Corp (NFDC) Mumbai, on the occasion of the 102nd birth anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Speaking about the film, the director said that it has been a tough task for him to bring Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s towering life on the screen. “'Mujib – The Making of a Nation' remains a very emotional film for me. To bring Bangabandhu’s towering life on the reel is a tough task. We have uncompromisingly portrayed his character. Mujib remained a great friend of India,” he shared.

“I am glad to be working on this feature film. It has always been a fruitful association working with NFDC since its inception and now collaborating with BFDC was a joyful experience,” he further said.

Written by Atul Tiwari and Shama Zaidi, the film features Arifin Shuvoo in the role of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The star cast includes Nusrat Imrose Tisha, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Chanchal Chowdhury, and Nusraat Faria. “Fascinated to be playing the role of Mujib. This is a dream come true. I am honoured to be a part of this iconic project, and to be directed by the legend himself, Shyam Benegal," said Shuvoo. "I felt the warmth and great hospitality during the production of the film in India. I hope that I have justified the role and the audiences will connect with me and love the film, the way they love Bangabandhu.”

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman provided the political leadership for the independence of Bangladesh in 1971. At the early stage of his political career, he met Mahatma Gandhi who was a great source of inspiration for him to empower the masses, and inspiration that remained throughout his life. The biopic celebrates Mujib’s life and takes viewers into the course of history to depict the great leader whose accomplishments live on.

“NFDC has pioneered films by legendary directors who are renowned the world over even today,” remarked NFDC managing director Ravinder Bhakar. “To be associated with Shyam Benegal ji once again for this project is a great pleasure for the Corporation. Mujib – The Making of a Nation shall be a landmark film in NFDC’s history. Indeed, it is a pleasure associating with BFDC for an iconic film.”

“I am overwhelmed to see the film witness the light of the day. 'Mujib – The Making of a Nation' is an emotion for us," commented BFDC MD Nuzhat Yeasmin. "On behalf of BFDC, I would like to extend my congratulations to our counterparts (NFDC) who have stood with us for making this dream a reality. Bangladesh is eagerly anticipating to watch Shyam Benegal Ji’s version of Bangabandhu’s biopic. He is a legendary filmmaker, greatly admired by all of us.”