The Sri Lankan brand Kumarika has produced an advertisement for its Oil Control Face Wash in Bangladesh. Bangladeshi filmmaker Hasan Morshed made something special happen for Sri Lankan brand Kumarika. They did their first-ever ad in Bangladesh, and it’s quite a story. Tawheed Milton, the brain behind the tale, shared how it all came together. The ad can be viewed on YouTube.

What’s the story?

The ad tells the story of a city girl who, after completing her studies, makes a challenging decision to teach children in a school in the hills, symbolizing the new, confident, and courageous women of Bangladesh. Tawheed Milton, the idea guy from Gray Advertising, explained, Since it’s a beauty product, having beauty is a must. But what does beauty mean? Especially for girls? Beauty goes deep. Girls nowadays are different—they’re more confident and ready to take on challenges. This ad shows a girl finishing her studies and deciding to teach kids at a faraway school. It’s just one example. Girls today take on lots of challenges every day. That’s the new Bangladesh—the Bangladesh of the future.

Where did they shoot?

In the heart of the hills. The ad was shot in Bandarban, a hilly area, to reflect the product’s qualities and the theme of breaking free from traditional beauty standards. Hasan Morshed and Nehal Qureshi, the filmmakers, spent four days in Bandarban searching for the perfect spots. Then, they shot for three more days. They didn’t just get great shots; they also got a taste of their traditional food for those days. Hasan Morshed said, “Even though Bengali food was available, it wasn’t easy.”

Choosing the Model

They didn’t want a typical model. Gaosul Alam Shawon suggested picking someone who doesn’t look like a regular model. That’s because the product, story, and theme needed something different. Hasan Morshed said, “Missouri seemed perfect to us following Shaon Bhai’s advice. It has not yet become a common face.”

Facing Challenges

Shooting had its challenges, especially with the weather. Hasan Morshed shared how what they planned and what they got during shooting were quite different. Rain froze the water, and the mountain slope changed with the weather. But they didn’t give up. They faced different situations and kept going.

Community Kids Shine in the Ad Shoot

Adding an extra dose of charm to the ad shoot, 100 children living in the hills participated as school students. These children were students of different classes from several schools in the hills. To make it all happen smoothly, the team made sure to connect with the teachers and parents of these schools in advance, getting their permission for the kids to join in the shoot. Their participation added a touch of authenticity and community spirit to the entire production.

The Creative Ensemble

Behind the scenes, the advertisement was brought to life by Gray Advertising Bangladesh, with art director Pavel Rashed Khan and chief assistant director Sujan Sarkar contributing to the visual appeal. The musical composition by Emon Chowdhury and the sound by Ripon Nath, along with Farzana San’s costume design, added the finishing touches to this cinematic endeavor.

In conclusion, working with an international brand like Kumarika showcases the industry’s growth and the ability to compete on a global scale. The dedication and tireless effort put in by the team underscore the resilience and creative prowess of Bangladeshi professionals, proving that they can not only meet but exceed international standards. This achievement not only elevates the stature of Bangladeshi media but also sets a benchmark for future collaborations with renowned international brands, reflecting the industry’s continuous evolution and commitment to excellence.