Dhaka, Bangladesh – After a celebrated career in acting and literature, Shimul Khan, who made his Dhallywood debut in 2013 with Iftekhar Chowdhury’s Dehorokhi, is now stepping into filmmaking. Over the past decade, Khan has acted in more than 50 films, with 35 already released and over a dozen awaiting release.

In a surprising and exciting development, Khan is directing his first feature film, ‘Sada Monolith: The White Monolith’, marking his transition from actor and poet to filmmaker. The film’s launch was formalized on Tuesday, January 11, with Khan signing the official contract with the newly formed production company Mir Shahid Pictures. Present at the event were Mir Shahid, owner of the production house, and ATM Rakibul Bassar, serving as the executive producer.

A Long-Awaited Dream

Speaking about his transition into directing, Shimul Khan said:
“I had always envisioned directing films alongside acting, but I planned to start once I had matured as an actor. However, the pandemic accelerated my life path. I decided not to waste time and began immediately. I want to create immortal films based on my real-life stories.”

He acknowledged the support of his collaborators, adding:
“The past two years have been extremely challenging. I reached this stage through silent effort, patience, and dedication. I am indebted to producer Mir Shahid and executive producer ATM Rakibul Bassar. Without their trust, my journey as a filmmaker might have been delayed further.”

A Global Vision

Khan intends for The White Monolith to be submitted to top international film festivals worldwide. The film will have American distribution through Monkey Films Inc., and following the festival circuit, it will be released across cinemas, television, and digital platforms.

Regarding casting, Khan revealed that while details are being kept under wraps, he aims to feature a leading actress from contemporary Dhallywood along with a renowned theatre and television actor, hinting at a high-profile ensemble.

Filming Plans

Principal photography is scheduled to begin in March on a secluded island in the Bay of Bengal, with continuous and uninterrupted shooting until completion. Khan emphasized the film’s unique concept and his commitment to maintaining artistic integrity and international standards.

Executive Producer ATM Rakibul Bassar’s Role

As executive producer, ATM Rakibul Bassar, a veteran journalist, media entrepreneur, and youth advocate, is overseeing the project’s production, funding, and strategic international distribution plans. Bassar’s involvement underscores the growing collaboration between media professionals and filmmakers in Bangladesh, highlighting a new era of creative and cross-disciplinary projects.

Shimul Khan concluded:
“I aim to honor the trust placed in me by presenting Bangladesh with a remarkable film. This is my ultimate commitment as a first-time filmmaker, and I hope to inspire others in the industry through this journey.”