‘Shoroter Joba’ marks Kusum Sikder’s directorial debut

On January 14, 2025, at the main auditorium of the National Museum during the 23rd Dhaka International Film Festival, I watched Shoroter Joba, a film directed by popular television actress Kusum Sikder. This film marks Kusum Sikder’s debut as a director. She also wrote the story, screenplay, and dialogue for the film. Shoroter Joba was produced under the banner of Impress Telefilm Limited and Pahardanga Pictures, jointly by Kusum Sikder and Faridur Reza Sagar.

After nearly eight years away from the silver screen since her appearance in Goutam Ghose’s Shankhachil in 2016, Kusum Sikder returns with this psychological thriller. The film stars Kusum Sikder and Yash Rohan in the lead roles. It delves into the enigmatic psychological life of a woman, portraying her unfulfilled love and mental trauma caused by an unexpected death. In the somewhat horror-tinged narrative, Kusum Sikder delivers a commendable performance as Joba, while Yash Rohan shines as Shorot.

The cast also includes Shahidul Alam Sachchu, Jitu Ahsan, Nidra Neha, Naresh Bhuiyan, Mahmudul Islam Mithu, Ashok Byapari, and Hasnat Ripon, whose performances were equally noteworthy. Suman Dhar served as the film’s advisory director, with Khayer Khandakar’s cinematography adding visual depth. Khaiyyam Sanu Sandhi’s background score stood out, and Mahfuzul Haq Ashiq’s VFX editing was praiseworthy.

While some dialogues fell slightly short of expectations, the film’s locations were captivating. Nidra Neha’s portrayal of Beli was bold and memorable. In this psychological thriller, Kusum Sikder once again showcased her acting prowess through the character of Joba.

The film is an adaptation of Kusum Sikder’s short story Shoroter Joba from her 2017 book Ojagotik Chhaya. Its teaser was released on September 20, 2024, and the film premiered in theaters, including Star Cineplex and Jamuna Blockbuster, during Durga Puja on October 11, 2024. The movie is set to release on the OTT platform iScreen soon.

Warm congratulations and best wishes to Kusum Sikder for her directorial debut. Kudos to the entire team of Shoroter Joba. Long live Bangladeshi cinema. Long live the Dhaka International Film Festival.

Reza Ghatak: Fiction writer and filmmaker