A film titled ‘Love 96’, directed by young filmmaker Evan Mollik, is set to hit cinemas across the country, exploring the immense popularity and enduring legacy of late Bangladeshi actor Salman Shah.
The film delves into the fervour, emotions and extraordinary devotion that Salman Shah inspired among his fans during the 1990s.
Salman Shah’s death anniversary falls on September 6, and the film is scheduled for nationwide release on Friday, September 4, two days before the anniversary. It received an uncut clearance from the Bangladesh Film Certification Board on May 10.
According to the filmmakers, members of the certification board also praised the film’s treatment and its portrayal of the 1990s.
Director Evan Mollik said there was nothing controversial in the film, noting that it received an uncut clearance as well as appreciation from the certification board. Rather, he said, the film captures the emotions and fervour of Salman Shah’s fans while revisiting the cultural landscape of the 1990s.
The film evokes the nostalgia of an era when people watched their favourite programmes on battery-powered black-and-white televisions, pooled money to rent VCRs for overnight movie screenings, collected viewcards and listened to songs on cassette players and radios. It was during this period that Salman Shah emerged as one of Dhallywood’s most beloved stars.
His sudden death in 1996 plunged the country into grief, with some devastated fans reportedly even taking their own lives. Against this backdrop, ‘Love 96’ centres on the life and emotional journey of an ardent Salman Shah fan.
Produced by Md Jasim Uddin under the banner of Raisa Films, the film marks the Dhallywood debut of the new lead pair, Arian Khan and Purnota.
The cast also includes Shiba Sanu, Sanjida Mila, Tamal Mahbub, Rebeka Rauf, Arman Khan, Priya, DJ Sohel, Rubel Rana and Simanta Khandaker.
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