Saba was selected for the Discovery section at Toronto International Film Festival 2024
Applauding both the film and Mehazabein Chowdhury’s compelling performance, one viewer aptly noted that Saba might well be our Rosetta. Indeed, much like the acclaimed film, Saba explores the raw and gritty realities of its protagonist's struggles, offering a poignant look at resilience and survival. Yet, it stands out as a narrative that remains firmly rooted in its authenticity. Saba left a lasting impact on its audience, making it a significant addition to Bangladeshi contemporary cinema.
Selected for the Discovery section at Toronto International Film Festival 2024, Saba is a remarkable debut feature by Maksud Hossain that showcases Mehazabein Chowdhury's exceptional performance. The film follows Saba, a 25-year young woman navigating through societal hurdles and personal struggles. The narrative revealed the intricacies of her life against a backdrop of desperate attempts to keep her paraplegic mother alive. The story unfolds through parallel storylines that, while at times bleak, serve to deepen the viewer's understanding of Saba's character.
This feminist tale deftly avoids conventional gazes, instead offering a nuanced exploration of gender dynamics and personal agency. Co-writer Trilora Khan, alongside Maksud Hossain, deserves recognition for their courage in crafting a narrative so deeply intertwined with their personal struggles. The film challenges stereotypes, presenting Saba as a fully realized character with agency, desires, and flaws. The subtlety in the storytelling, paired with the powerful performances by film’s ensemble-- Rokeya Prachy, Mehazabien Chowdhury and Mostafa Monwar, elevated Saba beyond mere female representation, it is a compelling exploration of identity and survival.
Rokeya Prachy’s portrayal of Saba’s mother Shirin is the other side of the coin in Saba’s exploration of life. While Saba navigates the turbulence of youth, Shirin carries the weight of a life already marked by hardship and loss. She is a mother caught between her own deteriorating circumstances and the desperate efforts of her daughter to keep her alive. Her presence, though understated, made the mother-daughter dynamic central to the film’s emotional core.
Mostofa Monowar, already known for his commanding performances in lead roles across the festival circuit, takes on a more nuanced challenge in Saba as he steps into the role of Ankur. In this film, Monowar delivers a deeply resonant performance, allowing his quiet, nonchalant presence to add layers of complexity to his character. It’s particularly commendable how, as a seasoned actor, he gracefully steps back, creating the necessary space for his co-star to shine. Monowar's understated brilliance makes him a standout favorite.
Mehazabein Chowdhury in her silver screen debut, takes on the challenge with a raw intensity, fully immersing herself in the emotional and physical demands of the role. Chowdhury’s portrayal is both vulnerable and defiant, breathing life into Saba as a young woman grappling with profound internal and external conflicts. What sets Chowdhury apart is her ability to convey so much through subtle gestures and expressions, drawing the audience into Saba’s world with an authenticity that feels lived-in. She delivered a passionate performance that not only showcases her talent but also sets the stage for her as a rising force in contemporary cinema.
Barakat Hossain Polash’s masterful handheld cinematography vividly captured Saba's emotional landscape. His lens delicately traces Saba’s journey, allowing viewers to experience her pain as well as moments of quiet strength. The production design and costumes in Saba are integral to the film. From the vibrant, chaotic energy of urban settings to the more intimate, reflective domestic spaces, every location feels thoughtfully constructed to support the story’s emotional and visual tone. It’s a true cinematic pleasure to witness the seamless collaboration of the creative teams, elevating the film to a cohesive artistic achievement.
The last few minutes of the film was a powerful culmination of the emotional journey the film has taken its audience on. It was hard to find anyone who didn’t feel a lump in their throat. The emotions transcending the screen and reaching into the personal experiences of the audience, touching on their own encounters with loss. Saba at the end remains a narrative that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
