'I Love Metro Rail' will bring the fragrance of love'

Popular actor and filmmaker Kachi Khondokar has grown up in an artistic environment in a suburb of Kushtia. His narratives often revisit the essence of rural life. Nearly twenty years ago, he produced his first play "Khasru+Mayna". Later on, he also delved into depicting the trials and tribulations of urban life in Dhaka through several plays. During Eid, his creation and direction of the drama "I Love Metro Rail" will be aired. He has discussed various aspects of his artistic journey with Views Bangladesh. Interviews were conducted by Kamrul Ahsan, Mahfuz Sardar, and Farzana Boby from Views Bangladesh.

Views Bangladesh: How are you doing?
Kochi Khandokar: Very well. There is no way but to be well.

Views Bangladesh: Why is there no way without being well?
Kochi Khandokar: To survive, one must thrive. Hence, there's no way but to be well.

Views Bangladesh: Is the drama you've created for Eid related to that approach as well?
Kochi Khandokar: Yes, my upcoming drama is "I Love Metro rail". Metro rail hasn't only relieved us from the curse of our daily commutes but has also blessed us with love. I reside in Shawrapara, Dhaka. Before Metro rail began, commuting was quite chaotic. Many were skeptical, thinking Metro rail wouldn't happen. It seemed impossible. There were just empty talks. But, Metro rail did start. Since its initiation, I've been commuting regularly. Since I shoot in Uttara, I smoothly commute from right in front of my house. Life has become much easier now. I now know when I'll head to Karwan Bazar and when I'll arrive Uttara.

Views Bangladesh: Could you briefly describe the story of "I Love Metro rail"?
Kachi Khandokar: All my plays deal with contemporary issues. For example, Carrom, Kobi, Khosru-Maina, Bicycle, Juta abishkar or series which have been made, FDC, Jealous, No Question No Answer etc. I wanted to capture my time in these dramas. During last Eid, I also created a drama titled "Ruchir Durbhiksha", which was also based on a contemporary issue. Playwright Mamunur Rashid has spoken extensively on this topic. Indeed, we are in a famine of taste. Before that, I created a drama titled "Akkhar Swakkhar" based on the language movement of Ekushey February. There's a tradition of lighting the auspicious lamp in all religions. However, people of all religions do not light the lamp together. Therefore, my idea emerged that language movement is such a matter through which our national consciousness has arisen irrespective of religion or caste. In Narail, I have established an organization where on 21st February, we light a hundred lamps in memory of the Language Martyrs. The main concept of the drama "Akkhar-Swakkhar" also revolves around spreading the message of this light. Considering a matter, many still cannot naturally embrace Bangladesh's liberation war and the language movement. Many people in Bangladesh cannot tolerate the development. They cannot tolerate progress. I believe those who cannot do so have a problem. So, I have observed that this time and pace are significant events. It is from this idea that the drama "I Love Metro rail" emerged. The main message of the drama is that before the inception of Metro rail, our Dhaka city was somewhat stagnant. Metro rail has brought a different kind of fragrance into our lives. Through a love story, I have tried to illustrate this. The story goes like this: Intu lives in Kazi Para, while Adhora resides in Poribagh. After falling in love, they face regular challenges. They long to meet in Shahbagh, at the movie theater, or in Charukola. However, Intu cannot manage time as he wishes. Their relationship faces difficulties and seems to be on the verge of breaking. It's precisely at that moment that Metro rail comes and saves their love.

Views Bangladesh: You mentioned that you are preparing for film production. How is the preparation going?
Kochi Khandokar: I have been thinking about making a film for a long time. I have now selected two stories. One is "My Dear Football" and the other is "Kobitar Maake Sroddha". Whichever one feels better, we will proceed with that one.

Views Bangladesh: Will you be applying for funding?
Kochi Khandokar: No, I will not apply for funding. I will do it my way.

Views Bangladesh: OTT platforms are quite popular now. Are you working with any OTT platforms?
Kochi Khandokar: Actually, OTT turned out differently than I initially thought. It became somewhat thriller-oriented, which doesn't quite match my style. I prefer working with original stories. As you all know, I have a penchant for rural-themed tales. However, there's a change coming on OTT platforms now. Many are contemplating original stories. I too am researching a story from that genre. The story is titled "Khasru Minus Mayna."

Views Bangladesh: When OTT entered the market, everyone hoped for something good. However, it ended up mostly in the thriller genre. Many are making negative comments about this. What's your opinion?
Kochi Khandokar: I wouldn't say I'm entirely negative about it. Each medium has its own approach. However, the reason for the criticism is undoubtedly the presence of various crises. But I don't want to discourage by calling it a crisis. I want the work to continue. Those who are acting on OTT platforms are receiving praise from all quarters. The reason is that they can perform with heart on OTT.
In a drama, you often need to shoot ten to fifteen scenes in a day, but on OTT platforms, it's often limited to just two to three sequences. As a result, professionalism is maintained. A lot of money there. They also get time to perform well. So, directors, actors and actresses can do their work with full attention.

Views Bangladesh: Another complaint is that on OTT platforms, only a few directors get the opportunity to work repeatedly.
Kochi Khandokar: Yes, there is a kind of syndicate in place. It happens. This is the case across all sectors in Bangladesh. Many competent individuals are overlooked, and opportunities are often monopolized by a select few.

Views Bangladesh: There are also some syndicates in the field of drama. A few specific actors and actresses dominate the scene, right?
Kochi Khandokar: This is being done by the television owners. They dictate specifically from television. If they take certain individuals, my dramas will be aired. If the channel say that the director will choose the actors and actresses and he will just see if the drama is good or not. That's how this syndicate will be broken.

Views Bangladesh: As an actor, you are quite well-known now. You have gained fame by producing dramas as well. Have you ever felt any difficulties while producing dramas?
Kochi Khandokar: I always feel difficulties. I say repeatedly that directorial media, instead of being in the hands of the director, has become artist media. When the artist became media, the whole thing became the opposite.

Views Bangladesh: Actor, playwright, producer: which identity do you feel most comfortable with?
Kochi Khandokar: I don't feel comfortable with the identity of an actor. If someone calls me a playwright or a producer, then I feel good. If someone recognizes me as a playwright, I understand that they have found my essence.

Views Bangladesh: Tell us about your artistic life. How did you get the touch of art in life?
Kochi Khandokar: It has been ingrained in me from my family. My father was a professional football player, he played as a goalkeeper. My mother regularly read books. Since childhood, I too have been immersed in a cultural environment.

Views Bangladesh: You were with the Vibradar team. Tell us something about Mostofa Sarwar Farooki.
Kochi Khandokar: As a playwright and director, the contribution in my life is by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki. There is no second person.