'Ora Egaro Jon': The struggles of martyrs during the Liberation War
The arms and ammunition used in shooting for this movie were all real.
"Ora Egaro Jon," the first film on the Liberation War of Bangladesh, is a symbol of the struggles of the martyrs and their sacrifices. The film articulates the pride of independence and the contributions of women, on the silver screen, with authenticity.
Written by Al Masood and directed by Chashi Nazrul Islam, the film was released on August 13, 1972. The main cast of the film includes Khosru, Nantu, Murad, Baby Zaman, Shabana, Razzak, Khalil, Notun, Syed Hasan Imam, Sumita Devi, Rawshon Zamil, ATM Shamsuzzaman, among others. ATM Shamsuzzaman wrote the dialogue for the film.
Watch the movie "Ora Egaro Jon" here
Symbolism was used in many ways throughout the film. For example, the sound of six cannonballs fired is played in the backdrop of the title at the beginning. The sound of cannonballs are meant as symbol of the six-point demand.
The film was named "Ora Egaro Jon" because of the 11 sectors of the Liberation War and 11 movements against the Pakistani government.
The film also narrates the story of 11 brave freedom fighters and their struggles against the Pakistani occupation forces.
"Ora Egaro Jon" is a remarkable film for many reasons, it was not only the first feature length film on the Liberation War in an independent Bangladesh, the arms and ammunition used in shooting for this movie were all real.
The film depicts the darkness and struggles of young men who risked their lives for the freedom of the country.
Director Chashi Nazrul Islam brought out the best from each actor, specially from the lead actors who were freedom fighters in real life as well. Female characters in the film are represented eloquently. Both emerging and eminent actors gave powerful performances in the film.
The story of the film is told from the perspective of a young and passionate freedom fighter, played by Kamrul Alam Khan Khasru, who was a freedom fighter and a notable member of the Liberation Army.
During the nine-month long liberation war, atrocities of Pakistani army knew no bounds, which is portrayed in the film. Scenes of torture carried out by the Pakistani military feel very real. The mass killings on the night of March 25 and brutality inflicted on women have been highlighted in the film. The pain and agony of losing a fellow warrior is also portrayed in the film through cinematic language.
Most of the actors were young and with zero experience, yet the film remains one of the best films in the history of Bangladeshi cinema. Some of the shots and camera technique used in the films are advanced even for today.
The background score and music used in the film complement its story and emotional appeal. One of the songs, "Amay Ekti Khudiram Dao '' expresses the cry for freedom of Bangladeshis in 1971.
When the song, "Ek Shagor Rokter Binimoye" plays in the scene where Khasru carries the dead body of his beloved one, it reminds viewers of the sacrifices both men and women made to bring freedom.
Watch the music video of "Ek Shagor Rokter Binimoye" here
The drama film, based on the Bangladesh Liberation, has been selected for preservation by the Bangladesh Film Archive. This is a film to watch for the youngsters of Bangladesh to lift their spirits during the time of s national crisis. Celebrations of freedom in the free country shown in the film will always give us hope.