World Cup fever in TV plays

The football World Cup, dubbed the 'Greatest Show on Earth', begins on 14 June while the Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated two or three days later, depending on the moon. The World Cup is so big an occasion that it casts a spell on almost the whole country, while programmes marking the Eid continue for 7-10 days. The management of the television channels are now left in a dilemma of striking a balance between the two.

Dewan Shamsur Rakib, head of programmes at RTV, said they were making two dramas keeping the World Cup in mind. One of them is a single episode drama, which will be directed by Topu Khan and screened on the night before Eid. Another will be a seven-episode drama, which will be directed by Sazzad Sumon.

"We are keeping the World Cup in mind while making the plans, because both the occasions are special to the people," Rakib said.

A seven-episode drama named 'Fair Play' will be screened on Banglavision beginning on the day after Eid. The drama, directed by Abu Hayat Mahmud, will feature Zahid Hasan, Chanchal Chowdhury and Tisha, said Tarek Akand, the channel's programme in-charge. However, its shooting has not yet begun.

Channel i will showcase a 14-episode play named 'The Gold Cup'. Directed by Tarek Muhammad, the drama will feature 11 players of the national team besides two former footballers. Popular actor Mosharraf Karim is also expected to star in the project.

Children's channel Duronto will show a five-episode drama named 'Botol Voot'. Based on legendary writer Humayun Ahmed's book of the same name, the drama will be directed by Meher Afroz Shawon. The shooting of the drama, which has a nail-biting football match at some point, has already been finished.

Director SA Alik has made a telefim named 'Football Prem' which will be screened on ATN Bangla this Eid. Actor and director Kochi Khandakar will also make a play named 'My Dear Football', which will be screen after Eid.

A number of directors said they were trying to keep football in their plays. The channels are also planning different programmes based on football.

It looks like a boon in disguise for the audience, who will be able to enjoy some diversity in the dramas thanks to the World Cup.