The word feu typically refers to a jackal, but in a special context, it means a jackal that howls to signal the presence of a tiger. The term is also used to describe someone cunning or a follower. Additionally, feyulaga refers to persistently following and harassing someone.
The Chorki original series Feu draws its name from these layered meanings. On January 16, Chorki released the teaser for the series on its Facebook page.
The teaser features a conversation:
“O Sunilda, who are the Feu?”
The reply comes: “Agents. Government spies.”
Director Sukarna Shahed Dhiman shared that the term Feu holds profound relevance throughout the story, even in its political backdrop. He explained, “When fear and terror become part of daily life, Feu can symbolize that too.” The series primarily revolves around living through such terror and overcoming it, making Feu the most fitting title.”
The teaser for Feu revealed the cast and its release date. The web series is set to premiere on Chorki at 12:01 AM on January 30.
The series stars Chanchal Chowdhury, Tariq Anam Khan, Tanveer Apu, Mostafizur Noor Imran, Hossain Jibon, Rizvi Riju, A.K. Azad Setu, Father Joya, Tahmina Othoi, and Bablu Bose.
Tariq Anam Khan plays the character of Kazi, a powerful figure in the community involved in politics. He explained, “Kazi has influence everywhere, though he prefers not to show it openly.”
Tariq Anam Khan shared that he was born and raised in the Khulna region but had never visited the Sundarbans before. This was his first experience shooting deep in the forest. He said, “Since it’s my region, I was comfortable with the local dialect. Some conversations stayed with me. People came up to me saying, ‘Oh my! It’s been so long since we saw you! We used to walk five miles to watch you on TV. Allah! Can I touch you just once?’ Those heartfelt words in simple language touched me deeply.”
Chanchal Chowdhury plays the role of Sunil, a photographer who captures significant historical moments with his camera. He noted, “The series has elements and contexts rooted in history, and Sunil documents many of those events.”
Discussing the shooting experience, Chanchal shared, “It was freezing during our shoot. We filmed in the Sundarbans for almost a month, and I stayed for over 20 days. We had to sleep on the boat at night wearing warm clothes because of the cold. But what was scarier than the cold was the presence of crocodiles. Crocodiles were right where our boat was docked. In the morning, looking out the window, you’d see crocodiles and various birds. To reach the shooting spot, we had to travel on small trawlers and even shoot at night. The conditions were extremely challenging.”
Mostafizur Noor Imran plays the character of Marshal in a completely new look, which took him one and a half years to prepare for. He said, “When the director narrated the story and character to me, I was really excited. I didn’t realize how much time and preparation it would take.” They conducted the shoot in the Sundarbans. He added, “I worked on my physical language and perspective to fit into the role. I had to grow my hair and beard.”
Imran further said, “From the outside, it may look simple, but the internal preparation is invisible.” He described the shooting experience as “terrifying” and added, “We filmed in remote parts of the Sundarbans where no shoots had ever taken place before. We had to make those areas suitable for shooting.”
Though fictional, the backdrop of Feu draws inspiration from the Marichjhapi massacre that took place between January and May 1979 in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal.
Romel Rahman and Sukarna Shahed Dhiman wrote the story for the web series, and Siddique Ahmed and Sukarna Shahed Dhiman wrote the screenplay. The director shared that, alongside historical references, the series features characters, events, and stories from his personal experiences and local community.
