Janoar to recreate 1965 Sadarghat with AI, VFX

Jaaz Multimedia’s upcoming film Janoar, directed by Zahid Jewel, will recreate the Sadarghat of 1965 as it traces 25 years of history, from 1965 to 1990. The production house unveiled the film’s first official poster on Friday, October 30, announcing a cast of around 150 performers, including four newcomers and several established actors.

The film’s central idea came from Shah Alam Sarkar, who also developed the story and dialogues alongside Abdul Aziz. Jaaz Multimedia is producing the project.

According to the production house, work on the story began several years ago, with filming initially scheduled to start in 2021. However, production was delayed because the team could not arrange trained local dogs for the shoot. Street dogs feature in nearly 70 per cent of the film’s scenes, making it difficult to portray their behaviour and interactions with people convincingly.

The production team searched several locations for suitable dogs. Jaaz Multimedia even announced a reward of Tk 1 lakh for anyone who could arrange 10 trained local dogs. Although the announcement attracted responses, the team could not find dogs that met the film’s requirements.

The project regained momentum during the last Eid-ul-Azha, when the production house connected with young filmmaker Zahid Jewel. Interested in the story, Jewel agreed to direct the film. Although the team initially considered casting established leading actors, the director preferred newcomers whom he felt would better suit the characters. The production house supported his decision.

The makers then began searching for actors, refining the screenplay, developing songs and preparing for filming. After nearly four months of auditions and searches, they selected the lead performers.

A significant portion of Janoar is set around the Sadarghat jetty in 1965. To recreate the period setting, locations and scenes involving dogs, the production team used artificial intelligence (AI) and visual effects (VFX).

According to Jaaz Multimedia, the actors performed their scenes in front of green screens, with real performers portraying the characters and recording their own dialogue. The team then used technology to place those performances within the film’s historical setting and surroundings.

The cast includes newcomers Saj and Abontika, alongside Obonti, Nusrat, Alisha, Nader Chowdhury, Shiba Sanu, Joy, Nazmul, Shubhra Meraj, Raka Popy and Shah Alam Sarkar, among others.

Along with releasing the first official poster, Jaaz Multimedia said it would introduce the film’s newcomer lead actors to audiences soon.