No Dorai (Bengali: ন ডরাই) is a 2019 Bangladeshi drama film directed by Taneem Rahman Angshu. Set in Cox's Bazar, the story of No Dorai is based on the life of a young Bangladeshi girl, who defies society's norms to follow her dream of becoming a surfer.[3] It is the first Bangladeshi surfing film.[3] No Dorai literally means "not afraid" in Chittagonian dialect. It features Sunerah Binte Kamal and Sariful Razz in lead roles.[4][5][6]
| No Dorai | |
|---|---|
 Film Poster | |
| ন ডরাই | |
| Directed by | Taneem Rahman Angshu |
| Screenplay by | [1] |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Sumon Sarker |
Release date |
|
Running time | 150 min [2] |
| Country | Bangladesh |
| Languages | Bengali Chittagonian |
The film is Star Cineplex’s first venture into film production.[7] Prior to the release of the film, its soundtrack Jontrona sung by Mohon Sharif created hype about the film.[8][7] Star Cineplex’s No Dorai and Faridur Reza Sagar's Fagun Haway have jointly won the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Film of 2019.[9]
Cast
editThe film features mostly new actors and actresses.
- Sunerah Binte Kamal as Ayesha.
- Sariful Razz as Sohel.
- Sayed Babu as Amir.
- Wasim Sitar as Liakot.
- Josefine Lindegaard as Esther.
- Tommy Hindley as Mark.
- Nasir Uddin Khan as Ayesha's Husband
- Lenka Vomocilova as Cynthia
Plot
editSmall beach town resident Ayesha confronts social and familial oppositions to surf. She and Sohel, her best friend, are trained by a self-made surfer named Amir. Their unusual surfing enthusiasm gets international attention from various surfing communities and documentary filmmakers which in turn brings fund money along with jealousy, squabbles and power tussles. Sohel finds fame and glory through surfing. However, Ayesha's 'prohibited love' for it brings forced marriage and a life of misery to her. After his luxurious and reckless lifestyle in Dhaka, a derailed Sohel returns to Cox's Bazar where their mutual love for surfing reunites the two friends and brings new hope for surfing in the small beach town.[10]
Reception
editDespite the hype created prior to its release,[11] No Dorai received negative critical reception.[8] The film has been praised for its beautiful visual of Cox's Bazar and performance of newcomer cast. But the story has not been critically well received.[8][7]
Awards
editBangladesh National Film Award for Best Film of 2019.[9] National Film Award for Best Actress of 2019 for Sunerah Binte Kamal.
References
edit- ^ "Honest review of No Dorai: Less surfing, more melodrama". Dhaka Tribune. 29 November 2019.
- ^ "Star Cineplex Bangladesh | The First Multiplex Cinema Theater in Bangladesh".
- ^ a b "'No Dorai' to hit the shores on November 29". The Daily Star. 2019-11-18. Retrieved 2019-12-01.
- ^ শুক্রবারই আসছে ‘ন ডরাই’. Amader Shomoy (in Bengali). 26 November 2019. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
- ^ ছাড়পত্র পেয়েছে ‘ন ডরাই’, শুক্রবার মুক্তি. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). 26 November 2019. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
- ^ দুই নির্ভীকের 'ন ডরাই'. Samakal (in Bengali). 28 November 2019. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
- ^ a b c "No Dorai: A mess that fails to deliver on its promise". hifipublic.com. 2019-11-29. Retrieved 2019-12-01.
- ^ a b c "Honest review of No Dorai: Less surfing, more melodrama". Dhaka Tribune. 2019-11-29. Retrieved 2019-12-01.
- ^ a b ‘জাতীয় চলচ্চিত্র পুরস্কার ২০১৯’ জয়ী যারা. banglanews24.com (in Bengali). 3 December 2020. Retrieved 2020-12-03.
- ^ No Dorai (2019) - Plot - IMDb, retrieved 2023-12-03
- ^ "'No Dorai' trailer attracts audiences". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2019-12-01.