The promotional campaign for the forthcoming feature film Roid, directed by Mejbaur Rahman Sumon, is set to gather momentum with a dedicated musical event at Jahangirnagar University. On 12 May, the Selim Al Deen Muktamancha will host a concert titled “Roid-er Gaan” (Songs of Roid). This strategic approach to film marketing mirrors the successful campaign previously employed by the director for his acclaimed 2022 film Hawa. Prior to the release of Hawa, the production team conducted a series of university-based concerts featuring hit tracks such as “Sada Sada Kala Kala” by Hashim Mahmud, “Atta Baje Deri Koris Na” by Basudeb Das Baul, and the titular track by the band Meghdol. These events were instrumental in ensuring the music achieved widespread domestic popularity ahead of the film’s theatrical debut.
The upcoming event at Jahangirnagar University is being organised by the Zahir Raihan Chalachitra Sangsad. The performance line-up includes several prominent musical acts, namely the band Meghdol, Bengal Symphony, Shohojia, and Sohag’s Frequency. Scheduled to commence at 6:30 pm, the concert will serve as a platform for the film’s cast and crew to engage with the audience. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear live renditions of the soundtrack, including a debut performance by Meghdol of their specific contribution to the film’s score.
Soundtrack and Musical Collaborations
To date, two official tracks from the Roid soundtrack have been released to the public. The first, titled “Roide Aila Ga Juraite”, features lyrics, composition, and vocals by Raju Ahmed Raju of the band Shohojia, with musical direction provided by Rashid Sharif Shoaib. Following this, on 7 May, the production team released “Mon Chara Ki Moner Manush Roy”, performed by the late Kanai Das Baul of West Bengal. Originally written by Matan Chand Gosain, this rendition features a contemporary musical arrangement by Emon Chowdhury. The inclusion of traditional folk elements alongside modern band music continues the director’s signature style of blending heritage with contemporary aesthetics.
Cinematic Narrative and International Recognition
The narrative of Roid centres on a character named Sadhu, his wife—who is described as mentally unstable—and a palm tree situated near their residence. Through this focused lens, the filmmaker explores themes reminiscent of the primordial story of Adam and Eve. The story was conceived by Mejbaur Rahman Sumon and Selina Banu Moni, while the screenplay is a collaborative effort involving Sumon, Zahin Faruk Amin, Siddique Ahmed, and Sukorno Shahed Dhiman.
The film features a notable cast, including Mostafizur Noor Imran, Nazifa Tushi, and Gazi Rakayet. Mostafizur Noor Imran is well-regarded for his roles in critically acclaimed projects like Sahash and the web series Kaiser, while Nazifa Tushi previously collaborated with the director as a lead in Hawa.
Roid has already achieved significant international exposure. In February 2024, the film had its international premiere at the prestigious International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) in the Netherlands. Following its festival circuit, the film is scheduled for a domestic theatrical release in Bangladesh during the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha holidays. This timing is strategically chosen to capitalise on the high cinema attendance typically seen during the festive period. As the “Roid-er Gaan” concert approaches, the production aims to replicate the cultural impact of its predecessor, establishing a strong musical identity for the film before it reaches the general public in national cinemas.