Did Biplob Hayder’s Bhoyal deserve the 18+ rating?

After the Bangladesh Board of Certification was established on September 22, the first film they reviewed was ‘Bhoyal’, directed by Biplob Hayder.

Since it was approved for theatrical release, the film has created a buzz in the entertainment industry, not only for its story, but also for its “18+” rating, similar to the PG 18 or R movies from other countries.

In an interview with The Business Standard, Hayder spoke about the process of making the film, the excitement surrounding its release and the fact that ‘Bhoyal’ is restricted to adult audiences.

This age restriction has led to debates about why younger audiences should be excluded and what aspects of the story make it unsuitable for them.

“If you ask me my opinion, I would say this movie is for everyone. You can even watch it with your family,” Hayder said, when asked to clarify.

“Perhaps the certification board felt that some scenes might not be suitable for younger audiences, especially those under 18. The content demands greater psychological maturity, which is why the age restriction was suggested” .

Many doubt the commercial success of ‘Bhoyal’, given that a significant portion of Bangladeshi viewers are young, and this is the first time that a Bangladeshi film has an age restriction.

Hayder addressed this, saying: “Viewers over 18 are still considered young. Success or failure – these are concepts tied to preconceived notions.”

When explaining his choice of story, Hayder shared that the central narrative focuses on the relationship between a father and daughter. He believes audiences will connect with the depiction of their bond, especially how deeply the daughter loves her father.

The release date of Bhoyal will coincide with actor Shakib Khan’s much-awaited commercial film ‘Dorod’, also slated for November.

Many see this as a risky decision as films that have gone head-to-head with Shakib Khan films in the past have struggled to keep up at the box office.

However, Hayder is not fazed. While he acknowledges that theater owners naturally gravitate towards Shakib’s films when they release, he believes that other films released along with Shakib’s have also performed well.

“The problem is not with the directors or their choice of release time, it’s with the investors and producers who think they can’t compete with Shakib’s films and get their investment back. This mindset has to change.” Hayder said.

He added, “The idea that only Shakib’s films can be profitable is outdated and simply not true. It is important to move beyond these old assumptions. My aim with this film is to present a compelling story. For me, success lies in the enjoyment of the viewers.”

Another of Hayder’s films ‘Ali’ is awaiting certification. It is a story centered on mute characters, an unusual subject in the mainstream industry which prefers commercial plots.

So why does Hayder, from the start of his career, lean towards thematic storytelling?

“Since I got into this field, I’ve been a bit romantic, a bit realistic. Everyone is fixated on the dance, the songs and the action. Everything that brings in money is labeled commercial. I’ve always felt more comfortable working. with life stories,” he replied.

Hayder began his career as a cinematographer in 1999, working in the entertainment industry of Bangladesh. In 2011, he switched to directing dramas, a craft he focused on until 2021.

When asked which role he enjoyed more, cinematographer or director, Hayder laughed and replied, “I love both roles. Then I had to align with the director’s vision and deliver the shots that wanted. Now I’m the director. That’s the only difference, but I find joy in both.”