“This is Neel Padma’s first big recognition.”
Towfique Elahi’s Neel Padma has won Best Feature Film at the Tokyo Lift-Off Film Festival 2025, marking a major milestone for Bangladeshi cinema.
It is produced by Impress Telefilm and stars Runa Khan.
Neel Padma has been praised for its grounded storytelling and unflinching look at the lives of sex workers in Daulatdia.
The Tokyo jury selected it over several international entries, a result that took the director by surprise.
Elahi said he had been receiving progress updates via email from the festival team.
He admitted that he hadn’t anticipated such a strong outcome.
Elahi said: “I just learned today that we’ve won. It’s not just a personal win, it belongs to the whole cast, crew, and also our streaming partner, iScreen.”
The film, which is built on extensive research, marks a significant creative chapter for the filmmaker.
Elahi described it as his most intensive work to date. He expressed gratitude to the team and festival organisers, saying:
“This is Neel Padma’s first big recognition.”
In addition to Runa Khan, the film features a talented ensemble cast.
This includes Rashed Mamun Apu, Rokeya Prachy, Sujat Shimul, Shahed Ali, and AK Azad Setu.
Their performances have been widely acknowledged for their restraint and depth, capturing the harsh realities and quiet resilience of life inside Bangladesh’s largest brothel settlement.
Neel Padma had its world premiere at the Suchitra Sen International Bengali Film Festival in New York.
It was earlier showcased at the Dhaka International Film Festival, receiving critical attention for its honest narrative and visual craft.
The Tokyo Lift-Off win is being celebrated across social media with film enthusiasts and industry peers.
Everyone is commending the courage and sensitivity with which the story has been handled.
Many noted that the film humanises a community often ignored by mainstream cinema.
Runa Khan, who plays a pivotal role, has received particular praise for her portrayal.
Viewers have called it one of her most emotionally nuanced performances yet.
As Neel Padma continues to garner international attention, audiences and critics alike hope its success will open more doors for socially engaged stories.
With more screenings expected in upcoming festivals, anticipation is building for its wider release on streaming platforms.
For now, Neel Padma’s victory at Tokyo marks a major milestone in its journey, from Daulatdia’s untold stories to international recognition.
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