The official promotional campaign for Mohammad Nuruzzaman’s “Mastul” has begun with the release of its first official poster, exactly one month ahead of the film’s theatrical debut on July 17. The poster was designed by Dhruba Esh.

Speaking about the release, the director said the film had initially been scheduled to arrive in local cinemas earlier this year following its international festival run. The team had also secured clearance from the Bangladesh Film Certification Board. However, considering the overall circumstances and to further strengthen preparations for the release, the filmmakers decided to postpone the film’s theatrical debut.

“Mastul” revolves around an ageing cook aboard a fuel tanker and a street child from a port area. Through their relationship, the film explores the lives of marginalised people, isolation, affection, power struggles, and the fight for survival.

Set against the backdrop of Narayanganj—one of Bangladesh’s busiest river ports and the director’s hometown—the film stars Fazlur Rahman Babu, Deepak Suman, Aminur Rahman, and others.

The film was shot on location in busy shipping routes, river ports, and crowded fish markets. According to the director, alongside professional actors, real tanker crew members were also cast in the production.

“Mastul” received a Special Mention in the main competition section of the 47th Moscow International Film Festival. It later won the Best Artistic Contribution award at the 18th Cheboksary International Film Festival in Russia and was also nominated in the Best Humanitarian Film category at the 26th Imagineindia International Film Festival in Spain.