Is ‘Charulata’ film ‘Dhaka-1205’?: Producer accuses director breach of contract, financial irregularities

In 2024, director Raisul Islam Anik started shooting for a movie titled ‘Charulata’ starring Ashna Habib Bhabna and Rakib Hossain Evon. However, there was no news of the movie’s release.

Last year, Sadamata Entertainment bought the rights of ‘Charulata’. It had announced that ‘Charulata’ would see the light of day soon.

However, earlier this month, Sadamata Entertainment said that work of ‘Charulata’ has not progressed much due to various complications.

Therefore, the production company has decided to close the movie.

Now, they have started a movie titled ‘Dhaka-1205’ starring Bhabna and Evon, which is being made by Walid Ahmed.

Recently, Sadamata Entertainment filed a complaint against director Anik, saying that although money and support were provided for the movie ‘Charulata’, the director did not fully explain the work.

At one stage, the director himself expressed his inability to complete the project and withdrew from the movie by writing a letter to the Bangladesh Film Directors’ Association, accepting responsibility.

However, Anik has not taken any steps to resolve the financial loss or refund the money so far.

Regarding the production company’s allegations, Anik said at a press conference on Tuesday that he has given the film ‘Charulata’ a makeover.

Once some of the remaining dubbing work is completed, it will be released under the title ‘Dhaka-1205’.

After Anik’s comments, director Walid Ahmed and production company Sadamata Entertainment were angry.

They said that ‘Charulata’ and ‘Dhaka-1205’ are two different movies. After that, the producer started making allegations against Anik.

Executive producer of Sadamata Entertainment Imdadul Islam Zikran said, “Despite understanding the full amount due as per the contract, Anik did not explain the entire work to us.

He did not even give the full account. At one point he said he could no longer do it.

He resigned by writing a letter to the board of directors, accepting responsibility.

But there are still many problems. There are financial issues everywhere.

Even though he talks about solutions, he is not doing it. Not only that, he has not even paid the fees of Ashna Habib Bhabna and Rakib Hossain Evon.”

He also said, “How can he say that ‘Charulata’ is ‘Dhaka-1205’ when nothing is complete? — two completely different movies. It has been registered in the Directors’ Association as well.

On Friday, I will give an official statement on behalf of Sadamata Entertainment.

I want to give him time to resolve the problem. If nothing happens in the meantime, we will take legal action.”

When asked about the producer’s allegations, Raisul Islam Anik said, “‘Charulata’ will be released under a different title as ‘Dhaka-1205’, I knew that during the discussions with me.

Now, after my statement at the press conference, they may be changing their plan, that’s their business.

But I have completed the entire shooting of ‘Charulata’ and submitted it to them. There is a little dubbing left.

There are some financial complications. I am in regular contact with them about that. The remaining complications will also be resolved quickly.”

Regarding the outstanding remuneration of hero and heroine, the director said, “The word about Bhabna’s unpaid remuneration is not true.

However, Evon’s remuneration is pending. I have asked for some time for that.

This is our internal discussion. Now they are making that matter public. I feel like this is being done to humiliate me.”