After years of anticipation and setbacks, actress Tasnia Farin’s debut film Fatima is finally available on OTT platform Bongo, marking a major milestone in her acting career.
Fatima, the first-ever film featuring popular actress Tasnia Farin, began streaming on Bongo this Thursday, nearly eight years after its initial production began. Although the film was released in theaters on May 24 last year, this marks its first appearance on an OTT platform.
Produced and directed by Dhruba Hasan, Fatima tells the emotional story of a young woman’s struggle to rebuild her life in Dhaka after leaving her family behind. The film highlights how a single misstep can derail an entire life, delivering a powerful social message through its gripping narrative.
Initially titled Dahkal, the film was conceived in 2016 and began shooting in 2017. However, financial obstacles forced a halt in production after 70 percent of the footage was shot. The original script was a commercial action thriller set after 1971, but due to funding issues and actor dropouts, the story was rewritten. The female lead, originally named Suborna, evolved into the title character Fatima—signifying a shift toward a more intimate, character-driven drama.
Dhruba Hasan explained, “We retained the core message while reshaping the narrative. Although I had to scrap the initial footage—worth around Tk 70–80 lakh—we finally completed the film in 2023.”
The film was delayed for OTT release due to the political atmosphere following last year’s Student Against Discrimination movement and the fall of the ruling regime in July. “Though late, I’m glad OTT viewers can now see Fatima. That matters the most,” said the director.
Fatima premiered in theaters last year and even earned international acclaim, winning an award at Iran’s 42nd Fajr International Film Festival.
Reflecting on her journey, Farin said, “When I joined the project in 2016, I thought this film would mark my debut in the industry. But when it was shelved, I decided not to pursue films anymore. I focused on TV dramas instead. Returning to complete this film in 2023 was like reliving two different eras of my life.”
Besides Farin, the cast includes renowned names such as Pantha Kanai, Tariq Anam Khan, Yash Rohan, and Shahed Ali Sujon.
With its emotionally charged narrative and troubled yet triumphant production journey, Fatima not only marks the beginning of Farin’s cinematic career but also stands as a testament to artistic perseverance.
LND/BG
