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Sohel Rahman’s debut feature film explores the struggle against cancer
Published : Saturday, 14 November, 2026 at 7:23 PM
Observer Online Report
Collected Photo
Filmmaker Sohel Rahman has completed his first feature film, ‘Hawar Gaari’, (The Wind Car) portraying the struggles of working-class people in Dhaka and the unequal battle against cancer, alongside themes of love, hope and resilience.
The film is expected to be released early next year, with the date yet to be announced.
Produced under the banner of Vila Do Cinema Cinema, the film's final cut was completed in November following four months of editing in Portugal and Spain. It features Chitralekha Guha, Fazlul Haque, Ayman Shimla, Yashfa Tasnia Mallick, Omar Faruque, Tridha Paul Maan and Shobdo in leading roles.
The film draws inspiration from a deeply personal tragedy in the director's life. Just one month after their marriage, Sohel's wife, Dr Shamrina Tanha, was diagnosed with cancer. He spent nearly a year taking her from one hospital to another across Dhaka in an effort to save her life. She eventually succumbed to the disease in March this year.
Although the narrative echoes this painful chapter of the filmmaker's life, ‘Hawar Gaari’ also portrays the struggles faced by countless people in Dhaka. Its characters grapple with illness, hardship and the uncertainties of everyday life, yet continue to fight for survival with dignity and determination. Blending tears and laughter, the film explores how love and hope endure even in the face of adversity.
The film was developed and produced within a relatively short period and on a limited budget. The script, shooting locations, cast and crew were finalised in April and May, while filming was completed in Dhaka in June. Post-production began in July in Portugal and Spain, and the final cut was completed in November after four months of continuous work.
Most members of the production crew are the director's own students. Several established and emerging Bangladeshi artists joined the project willingly, while friends and well-wishers also extended their support.
Sohel wrote, directed, produced and edited the film. Sharafat Ali Shawkat served as director of photography, while Belgian-Portuguese graphic designer Mika Barreto designed its poster.
Film professionals in Bangladesh and abroad who have watched the final rough cut have described it as a powerful and emotionally engaging work, according to the filmmaker.
Sohel has dedicated ‘Hawar Gaari’ to his late wife. The film is also expected to contribute to cancer awareness and support the establishment of the Dr Shamrina Tanha Cancer Foundation in her memory.
The director hopes the film will enrich Bangladesh's film industry through its distinctive storytelling and independent production approach, while inspiring young filmmakers to pursue original creative work.
-AH
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, 01550707296
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]. [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], Online-email: [email protected]
