The much-anticipated film Rickshaw Girl, directed by Amitabh Reza Chowdhury, is set to release in theaters across the country on Friday, January 24. Ahead of its release, the first music video from the film, Kon Latai Uroba Ghuri (Which Spool Will Fly the Kite), premiered online on Monday via Half Stop Down.
The song serves as a tribute to Bangladesh’s iconic rickshaw art and the artists who create it. The film tells the story of Naima, a determined young girl who works as a rickshaw puller in Dhaka to support her family. Her journey takes an artistic turn when she discovers a workshop where she begins creating rickshaw paintings, ultimately fulfilling her dreams.
Although Kon Latai Uroba Ghuri is a song, it symbolizes Naima’s struggles and her prayers for success as she strives to achieve her aspirations.
In 2023, rickshaw art and rickshaws were inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, marking them as a unique and proud representation of Bangladesh on the global stage.
Based on Mitali Perkins’ novel of the same name, the film combines the imaginative world of rickshaw art with Naima’s artistic journey, portraying her talent and resilience in a deeply meaningful way. Director Amitabh Reza Chowdhury has creatively merged fiction with reality, highlighting the artistic brilliance of rickshaw art through Naima’s perspective.
Speaking about the music video, the film’s executive producer, Md. Asaduzzaman, said, “Rickshaw Girl will inspire children to dream big. Bangladeshi rickshaws are unlike any other in the world. Their vibrant, imaginative artwork is a symbol of pride for us as Bangladeshis. Through the first music video of the film, we wanted to honor this urban-folk tradition, technical skill, and creativity.”
He further added, “Due to advancements in digital printing, rickshaw art has almost disappeared. Through our film Rickshaw Girl, we are delighted to play a role in preserving this cultural heritage. We hope it touches the hearts of audiences worldwide as well as those in Naima’s own country.”
The lead role of Naima is portrayed by Novera Rahman, with supporting performances by Champa, Momena Chowdhury, Naresh Bhuiyan, Allen Shubhro, and others. Momena Chowdhury plays Naima’s mother, while Naresh Bhuiyan appears as her father.
