Entertainment Desk | Dhaka
For most, a film is a source of entertainment, but for the cast and crew of ‘Ibrahim’, it is a symbol of resilience and survival. Directed and produced by Prince AR, this film was shaped during a time when the world stood still, making it a deeply emotional journey for everyone involved.
The Locked-Down Set
During the peak of the pandemic, the production of ‘Ibrahim’ adopted a “bubble” system. To prevent the spread of the virus, the set was literally locked down. Once anyone entered the set, they were not allowed to leave, fearing that external contact might endanger the entire team. After wrap-up, the production ensured everyone was dropped home safely in the middle of the night.
Creating Behind Masks
The set was a constant battle between safety and art. Crew members wore masks throughout the day, while actors only removed theirs moments before a shot, putting them back on immediately after. Despite the constant fear and the abundance of sanitizers and first-aid kits, the team pushed forward. When the government announced a nationwide lockdown, production was halted for an entire year before the final portions could be filmed.
Sacrificing Vision for Safety
Director Prince AR shared the creative pain of altering his vision. Due to safety concerns, many outdoor scenes were scrapped and rewritten for indoor sets.
“It is heartbreaking for a director to cut scenes written with so much love,” said Prince AR. “We had to move entire action sequences indoors and cancel outdoor shoots to keep our artists and crew safe.”
A Tale of Survival
The greatest triumph for the production was that, despite the high-risk environment, no team member fell seriously ill. After overcoming these immense hurdles, ‘Ibrahim’ received an uncut clearance from the Censor Board in 2022. Produced by CONTEXT G FILMS, the movie is now ready for its theatrical release, carrying with it the stories of struggle, fear, and ultimate victory.
