Master (2026 film)
| Master | |
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| Directed by | Rezwan Shahriar Sumit |
| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Tuhin Tamijul |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Hao-Ting Shih |
Production companies |
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Release date |
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Running time | 126 minutes |
| Country | Bangladesh |
| Language | Bengali |
Master (Bengali: মাস্টার) is a 2026 Bangladeshi political drama film written and directed by Rezwan Shahriar Sumit. It stars Nasir Uddin Khan as a respected rural history teacher who enters local politics, alongside Azmeri Haque Badhon, Zakia Bari Mamo, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Sharif Siraj, and Tasnova Tamanna. The film examines the dynamics of local governance, bureaucratic friction, and political corruption in rural Bangladesh.
The film held its world premiere in February 2026 at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), where it won the Big Screen Award in the Big Screen Competition.[1]
Plot
In Mohonganj, a forested sub-district in rural Bangladesh, Jahir—known locally as "Master"—is an idealistic high school history teacher who campaigns on a progressive, anti-corruption platform for the position of Upazila Chairman. Supported by local youth, his campaign promises improved education, social welfare, and resistance against illegal logging. Jahir wins the election, but soon encounters opposition from local criminal networks and the former incumbent's associates.
As Chairman, Jahir navigates administrative responsibilities alongside Nanziba, an appointed Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) responsible for planning and budget allocation. Though initially aligned, their relationship grows strained as local political pressures mount. Jahir's principles waver when he is pressured to approve a development proposal to replace a slum area with a luxury hotel project. Facing escalating demands from political benefactors and local power brokers, Jahir gradually compromises his ideals to maintain authority.[2][3]
Cast
- Nasir Uddin Khan as Jahir ("Master")
- Azmeri Haque Badhon as Nanziba, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO)
- Zakia Bari Mamo as Jharna, Jahir's wife
- Fazlur Rahman Babu as local political figure
- Sharif Siraj as Ayub, Jahir's assistant
- Tasnova Tamanna
- Lutfar Rahman George
Production
Development
Director Rezwan Shahriar Sumit developed the concept for Master following the release of his debut feature film, The Salt in Our Waters (2020). Sumit stated that his conversations with coastal residents regarding siphoned disaster relief and local administrative corruption inspired a story focusing on systemic corruption and local governance in Bangladesh.[2]
The project received script development funding from the Hubert Bals Fund of the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) in December 2021, as well as support from France's CNC (Aide aux cinémas du monde).[4] It was also awarded a Bangladesh Government film grant for the 2022–2023 fiscal year.[5]
Filming and post-production
Principal photography took place on location in the Tangail District and Mymensingh Division, utilizing real local administrative facilities, professional actors and non-professional local residents from Tangail.[2]
Post-production work was completed in South Korea with support from the Busan Film Commission. Color grading, sound design, and audio mixing were conducted at studios in Seoul and Busan, including C47, Wavelab, and Busan Sound Stage. Sound design was handled by Han Mohwan and Bangladeshi sound editor Shoibo Talukder.[5] Ahead of its festival premiere, UK production company Kwanon Films joined the project as executive producers.[3]
Release
Master had its world premiere in February 2026 in the Big Screen Competition at the 55th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR).[6] In June 2026, the film was screened at the 73rd Sydney Film Festival.[7] It was subsequently selected for screening at the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF).
Reception
Critical response
Writing for Screen Daily, Lee Marshall praised Nasir Uddin Khan's central performance and called the film an "assured, slow-burn Bangladeshi drama" that portrays the corrupting influence of political power with clear fidelity.[3] Guy Lodge of Variety described it as a "compelling, political drama" offering an eye-opening perspective on institutional political structures.[8] Panos Kotzathanasis of Asian Movie Pulse noted that the film succeeds by focusing on the private domestic lives of public figures rather than public rallies, calling it a nuanced exploration of systemic corruption.[9]
Accolades
At the 2026 International Film Festival Rotterdam, Master won the VPRO Big Screen Award in the Big Screen Competition category, selected unanimously by the jury. The award included a €15,000 cash prize along with €15,000 in distribution support for Dutch theatrical release.[6]
References
- ↑ "Master". IFFR EN. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
- 1 2 3 Kotzathanasis, Panos (9 February 2026). "Rezwan Shahriar Sumit on "Master" — Power, Corruption, and the Private Life of a Leader". Asian Movie Pulse. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
- 1 2 3 Marshall, Lee (8 February 2026). "'Master' review: An idealistic politician is corrupted in assured, slow-burn Bangladeshi drama". Screen Daily. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
- ↑ Staff, Arts & Entertainment (15 December 2021). "Rezwan Shahriar Sumit's 'Master' receives international development support". The Daily Star. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
- 1 2 Staff, Arts & Entertainment (14 December 2025). "Bangladeshi film 'Master' completes post-production in South Korea". The Daily Star. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
- 1 2 Staff, Arts & Entertainment (7 February 2026). "Bangladesh's 'Master' wins award at Rotterdam Film Festival". The Daily Star. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
- ↑ "Master at the Sydney Film Festival: Rezwan Shahriar Sumit explores the complexities of political power". SBS Bangla. 3 June 2026. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
- ↑ "Master – Sydney Film Festival Program". Sydney Film Festival. 4 June 2026. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
- ↑ Kotzathanasis, Panos (10 February 2026). "Master (2026) by Rezwan Shahriar Sumit Film Review". Asian Movie Pulse. Retrieved 10 August 2026.