Mujib - Naissance d'une nation

I recently watched "Mujib: The Making of Nation," and I can't help but express my disappointment with what I witnessed. This film, which claims to tell the story of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's journey in shaping the nation of Bangladesh, falls short on several fronts and ultimately comes across as an over-glorified portrayal that fails to do justice to the historical narrative it aims to depict.

Over-Glorification: The film falls into the trap of over-glorifying its central character, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. While he was undoubtedly an influential figure in the history of Bangladesh, this movie practically deifies him, neglecting the complexities and controversies of his life and leadership. It paints an overly simplistic picture, making it difficult to engage with the character on a meaningful level.

Historical Inaccuracy: "Mujib: The Making of Nation" presents a highly sanitized and one-sided version of the events leading to the formation of Bangladesh. The historical inaccuracies and omissions in the narrative are glaring. It fails to acknowledge the contributions of other key figures and groups in the struggle for independence, thus distorting the complex reality of the era.

Lack of Depth: The film's shallow character development leaves much to be desired. It reduces the supporting characters to mere props, failing to explore their roles and motivations in any meaningful way. The lack of depth in their portrayals weakens the overall storytelling.

Absence of Nuance: What is most concerning is the absence of any nuanced discussion on the challenges and complexities that Bangladesh faced during its formation. The political, social, and economic issues that plagued the nation are brushed over, leaving the audience with an incomplete and unrealistic picture.

Missed Opportunities: Given the rich historical context and the potential for a profound exploration of the nation's birth, "Mujib: The Making of Nation" missed the opportunity to offer a more balanced and thought-provoking narrative. Instead, it opts for a simplistic and one-sided approach that does a disservice to the history it aims to portray.

Finally, "Mujib: The Making of Nation" is a disappointing attempt at capturing the complex and tumultuous history of Bangladesh's formation. While the film may appeal to those looking for a hagiographic account of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, it ultimately fails as a comprehensive and unbiased historical narrative, doing a disservice to the rich and intricate history of the nation.

Here's a review focusing on some of the criticisms surrounding Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's rule, though it's important to note that historical figures are complex and not easily defined by a single narrative.

"Mujib: The Making of a Nation" is a film that seeks to lionize Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, portraying him as an unquestionable hero of the Bangladeshi independence movement. While his leadership was undeniably important to the formation of Bangladesh, the film whitewashes many of the controversies and complexities surrounding his rule.

Rahman's economic policies, particularly his nationalization drives, are often cited as a major factor in Bangladesh's subsequent economic decline. Critics argue that these policies stifled private enterprise and led to widespread inefficiency and corruption. The film either ignores these criticisms outright or attempts to justify them within a broader narrative of nation-building.

Furthermore, the film downplays the growing authoritarianism of Rahman's regime in the years following independence. While it acknowledges some political unrest, it fails to delve into the increasing suppression of dissent and the erosion of democratic institutions. The assassination of opposition leaders and the suspension of elections are merely footnotes in the film's grand historical epic.

Finally, the film's portrayal of India's role in the Bangladesh Liberation War is problematic. While India's support was undoubtedly crucial, the film seems to minimize the strategic interests that motivated their intervention. This one-sided perspective ignores the complexities of the India-Bangladesh relationship and the potential long-term consequences of Indian influence in the region.

In conclusion, "Mujib: The Making of a Nation" is a deeply flawed attempt to craft a definitive biography of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. By ignoring or downplaying the controversies and complexities of his rule, the film ultimately undermines its own credibility. A more honest and nuanced portrayal of this historical figure is desperately needed.

Last night, I had the opportunity to watch the film "Mujib: The Making of a Nation" at Modhumita Cinema hall, a place I hadn't visited in nearly 25 years. My expectations were high because the movie had been in the making for almost two years, with a budget of 83 crore, and it was directed by the legendary 88-year-old filmmaker Shyam Benegal, who had previously directed the biopic "Netaji Shuvas Chandra Basu: The Forgotten Hero," which I had also seen. However, it's important to note that biopics, by their nature, often struggle to achieve 100 percent accuracy, and this challenge is even more pronounced in the case of iconic or conventional figures. That's why having a disclaimer at the beginning of such movies can help viewers better understand what they are about to watch.

As a movie enthusiast, I must recommend the film "Gandhi" if you haven't already seen it. In my opinion, it's one of the best biopics about a political figure, highly praised for its historical accuracy. It allows the audience to connect with the protagonist in a truly believable way. Another noteworthy biopic, directed by the famous Steven Spielberg, is "Lincoln." Unfortunately, "Mujib" falls short of these standards due to average acting, inconsistencies, and a lack of connection with the audience. Portraying a character as monumental as Mujib, who had numerous highs and lows in his life, is an incredibly difficult task. I also felt that the film focused more on Mujib's family life as a regular person than his political career, and other prominent characters didn't get enough screen time to truly shine.

Nonetheless, I did appreciate the first and last songs in the movie, and the color grading was well done.

As a nation of movie lovers, I hope that "Mujib" marks a promising beginning for the biopic genre, with the prospect of even better movies to come in the future. 👍

In Mujib: The Making of a Nation, viewers are taken on a journey through the life of a historical figure, but it's a journey filled with bumps and detours. The film's portrayal of history is riddled with inaccuracies, which may leave history enthusiasts disheartened. While the acting is serviceable, it doesn't quite leave a lasting impact, falling into the realm of 'average' at best.

One notable drawback is the choice of background music, which often fails to evoke the intended emotions, leaving a disconnect between the audience and the on-screen events. Costume design, too, falls short of expectations and could have been more meticulously executed.

Arefin Shuvo's dialogue delivery, on occasion, unintentionally injects humor into serious moments, breaking the immersion. Perhaps the most noteworthy concern is the apparent political bias in the narrative. It's clear that one side is disproportionately highlighted, potentially alienating a portion of the audience seeking a more balanced perspective.

In summary, 'Mujib: The Making of a Nation' is a film that stirs controversy with its historical inaccuracies, struggles to stand out in terms of acting, and falters in its production elements. While it has its moments, the overall experience warrants a modest rating of 5/10.

A particularly concerning aspect of "Mujib: The Making of a Nation" is the perception that it serves as a vehicle for political propaganda. The film's release coincides with a period of intense political scrutiny, with allegations of authoritarianism against the ruling government. Consequently, it's difficult not to view the film as a calculated attempt to reshape public opinion and to bolster the regime's legitimacy by presenting a more favorable depiction of a historically complex figure.

The film appears to selectively omit, embellish, and manipulate well-documented historical events to fit a particular narrative. This skewed depiction diminishes the historical accuracy that any film purporting to be a historical account should uphold.

Furthermore, the film's portrayal of events is biased. It focuses heavily on elements that align with a specific political narrative, while sidelining any aspects that might cast a less flattering light on the central character. This selective storytelling not only distorts historical reality but also deprives the audience of a more comprehensive understanding of the historical context.

In conclusion, "Mujib: The Making of a Nation" serves as a stark reminder of the need for a critical and independent media to evaluate the actions of those in power. It emphasizes the importance of approaching such films with a discerning eye, skepticism, and an understanding of their potential for political manipulation. It underscores the responsibility of filmmakers to uphold historical integrity when dealing with subjects of historical significance. While art has the power to shape collective memory, it should do so with the utmost respect for the truth and a commitment to responsible storytelling.