Damal

Damal

Director : Raihan Rafi
Writers : Faridur Reza SagarNazim Ud DaulaRaihan Rafi
Stars : Bidya Sinha SahaSiam AhmedSariful Razz

If there were a 'The most unfortunate film of the year' award, it would have certainly gone to the latest film Damal, directed by Raihan Rafi and produced by Impress Telefilms.

The film has all the elements of a successful blockbuster but failed to gain enough audience in the theatres.

 


Damal tells a fictional story from our Liberation War by taking inspiration from the Shadhin Bangla football team, which toured throughout India and played 16 friendly matches to raise international awareness and economic support for the freedom fighters.

 

It starts with the failure of the Women's National Football Team and how the team members are bullied in both the real and virtual world. The depressed footballers try to quit, but a visitor to the , who was the manager of the Shadhin Bangla football team, tells them the story of the Shadhin Bangla football team and inspires them.

The story then moves back to the 1960s and shows the lives of two Bengali footballers, Durjoy and Munna, and how the Shadhin Bangla Football Team was formed and fought with their football in 1971.


For Raihan Rafi, this is his magnum opus so far. He has outdone himself with Damal. The plot is dynamic and well-written; after Shaan and Operation Sundarban, Nazim Ud Daula has showcased his prowess in Damal as well.


The esteemed writer Faridur Reza Sagor has contributed to the screenplay, and it has enriched the story. The dialogues suit the ambience perfectly, and so does the background score.


Mayeen Uddin Rehman, who has composed the music for films like Dhaka Attack, Alatchakra, No Land's Man, Unoponchash Batash, Mission Extreme and Din the Day, has continued to shine in this film as well.

One of the film's plus points is its cinematography, which perfectly presents epicness through the lens. Sumon Sarker deserves praise for his work, especially for the colour grading that depicts the atmosphere of 1971 quite effectively.

The football scenes were shot beautifully, and the actors dedicated themselves to the game, which gave it more realism. The film's title track goes quite well, as does the song Ghurghur Poka by Momta. But the romantic songs feel quite misplaced and, thus, random and sudden.

Shariful Raj, as Munna, the football team's captain, has given it all for his performance. He has completely transformed into the 1960-1970 youth in his mannerisms and attitude, which has given the character much depth.