Jan. 21, 2011|Bangladesh|119 Min.|Not Rated
Genre: Bangla;Drama;History
Description: Confronting the harsh realities of history is never easy. In 1947, the Bengali peasantry and intellectuals led a movement to establish Pakistan. However, just over two decades later, in 1971, the Bengalis fought a bitter war to separate from the nation they once helped create. The complex aftermath of that conflict continues to weigh heavily on both countries.
The Bangladeshi film *Meherjaan* (2011) captures this painful reality with profound insight, portraying the gentle landscapes and cultural essence of Bangladesh through its cinematography, dialogue, and character development. At its core, the film explores the theme of “love thy enemy,” delving into the relationship between a Pakistani soldier and a Bengali woman. The director’s vision reflects a philosophical perspective, drawing inspiration from Gandhian and Biblical principles, emphasizing that true religion lies in befriending one’s enemy. Yet, amidst the brutal violence of 1971, where brother fought brother, racial hatred overshadowed any sense of unity.
The story centers on Meher, a young Bengali woman played by Shayna Amin, who falls in love with a Pakistani soldier portrayed by Omar Rahim. He deserts his unit during the war, and their love story unfolds against the backdrop of chaos and division. The film highlights Martin Luther King’s belief that love can transform an enemy into a friend. However, Meher’s fate is shaped by the turmoil of the times, and the lovers are ultimately torn apart. Parallel to Meher’s journey is the story of her cousin Neela, played by Reetu Abdus Sattar. Neela, a victim of rape by Pakistani soldiers, becomes a symbol of the war’s devastation—broken, bitter, and marked as a *birangona* (war heroine).
Cast director: Rubaiyat Hossain
Cast actor: Jaya Bachchan, Victor Banerjee, Rahim Omar, Humayun Faridi, Amin Shaina, Khairul Alam Sabuj, Sharmili Ahmed, Azad Abul Kalam, Reetu Abdus Sattar, Nasima Selim
Original name: মেহেরজান