Actors Chanchal Chowdhury and Farhana Mili, who played the ill-fated lovers Sonai and Pari in Giasuddin Selim’s 2009 film Monpura, are set to reunite on screen in the director’s upcoming film Rakhal, 17 years after the romantic tragedy was released.
Details about the film’s story, the characters and the rest of the cast have not yet been disclosed. However, according to sources close to the production, Chanchal has confirmed his dates for the shooting, which is expected to take place next year. Selim has begun preparations for the project.
There are also rumours that actress Pori Moni may join the cast, although no official confirmation has been made.
The proposed reunion comes shortly after Chanchal revisited memories of Monpura in a social media post, sharing photographs of himself and Farhana Mili with their respective families.
Reflecting on the film’s tragic ending, the actor recalled how audiences were moved by the separation of Sonai and Pari, Pari’s suicide and Sonai’s heartbreak. Their failure to reunite on screen left many viewers mourning the characters’ fate.
Chanchal noted that the actors’ real lives had taken a different course, with both having built families of their own.
“Sonai and Pari are now two individuals settled in their respective family lives. I am sharing photographs of their present-day reality, with evidence, before the public. Please keep them and their families in your prayers and blessings,” he wrote.
He also thanked audiences for continuing to remember the characters and acknowledged Selim for creating a story and characters that have remained close to viewers’ hearts.
Released on February 13, 2009, Monpura starred Chanchal as Sonai and Farhana Mili as Pari. Set in rural Bangladesh, the film became a major box-office success and earned lasting popularity for its emotional story, performances and music.
Its songs, including Nithua Pathare, Jao Pakhi Bolo Tare and Age Jodi Jantam Re Bondhu, remain popular among listeners. The film won five National Film Awards, including Best Film and Best Actor.
Monpura was Selim’s feature-film directorial debut. He later directed films including Swapnajaal and Paap Punyo.