Three years ago, the Bangladeshi filmmaker Mejbaur Rahman Sumon made a striking debut with his first feature film, Hawa, which garnered widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally. The film’s success firmly established Sumon as a significant creative voice in contemporary Bangladeshi cinema. Building on this achievement, the director now returns with his eagerly anticipated second feature, Roid. Until recently, very little had been revealed about the project, leaving audiences in suspense.
On Tuesday, however, anticipation reached a fever pitch with the simultaneous release of the film’s official poster and trailer. Almost immediately, the trailer became the focal point of discussion across social and digital media, sparking excitement among cinema enthusiasts, actors, and critics alike. Many have praised its stunning visual aesthetics and the depth of its narrative, highlighting the sophistication and artistic ambition evident in each frame.
Significantly, Roid has been officially selected for the 55th edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam, competing in its prestigious main section, the Tiger Competition. This marks the first time a full-length Bangladeshi film has entered this elite category, a milestone hailed as a landmark for Bengali cinema on the global stage. The festival’s history includes early screenings of films by internationally celebrated directors such as Christopher Nolan and Bong Joon-ho, underscoring the prestige of this selection.
At the press conference, Sumon shared insight into the film’s narrative, stating, “Roid revolves around Sadu, his troubled wife, and the ancient palm tree by their home. The story reimagines a thousand-year-old legend through the lens of contemporary emotion. Every frame reflects the influence of SM Sultan’s rural Bangladeshi landscapes, merging tradition with cinematic artistry.”
Actor Chanchal Chowdhury, a long-time friend and collaborator, expressed his admiration: “Sumon has already placed Bangladesh on the international cinematic map with Hawa. Roid is a seamless marriage of life and art, and I am confident it will reach unprecedented heights.”
Film critics and enthusiasts have also shared their excitement. Redwan Rony described it as “brilliant—visual poetry with deeply compelling characters,” while Mahmud Didar called it “speechless, a magical testament to Bangladeshi cinema.” Many social media users echoed these sentiments, claiming, “Roid will blow the roof off—certainly a blockbuster in the making.”
With its release, the trailer and poster suggest that Roid will not only set new benchmarks in visual storytelling and performance but also chart a bold new course for Bangladeshi cinema on the international stage.