Raihan Rafi recently took to social media to vent his frustration regarding the censorship of his latest web film. Directed by himself, the new web film titled 'Omimangshito' faced obstacles from the censors, prompting Rafi to voice his protest on Facebook.
The Bangladesh Film Censorship Board has postponed the film's April 29 release date (BFCB). Allegations that the movie portrayed horrifying homicide incidents that actually involved two well-known Bangladeshi journalists served as the impetus for the decision.
Rafi, angered by the censorship of a high-quality production, penned a lengthy status on Facebook to express his discontent.
In his Facebook post on Thursday (April 25), Rafi vehemently protested against the censor board's decision, stating, "Reality must not be suppressed! The film must be allowed to be seen!"
Rafi further questioned the censor board's decision, asking, "Are we not allowed to depict a journalist couple's story in a movie?" He emphasized that while the film is fictional, any resemblance to real-life incidents should not hinder its release.
Expressing his frustration, Rafi highlighted the absurdity of censoring themes such as murder, rape, and kidnapping in cinema. He lamented the restrictions imposed by the censor board, sarcastically remarking, "We're all angels living in paradise, devoid of crime." The censor board's decision to block 'Omimangshito' was based on its perceived similarity to a real-life case pending in the High Court. Despite the passing of time, the unsolved murder of journalist couple Sagar-Runi continues to captivate the public's attention, adding to the controversy surrounding Rafi's film. Sagar Sarowar, news editor at private TV channel Maasranga, and Meherun Runi, a senior reporter at ATN Bangla, were killed in the early hours of February 11, 2012, at their rented flat in the capital's West Rajabazar. The couple's only child Mahir Sarowar Megh, only five at the time, was in the flat.
Renowned for his cinematic contributions, Rayhan Rafi is a director, screenwriter, and producer. After "Damal" was released in theatres in 2022, it was well-received by critics and viewers.