Telefilm ‘Jaltungi’ explores colour prejudice and family fracture

The telefilm “Jaltungi” has been made around the theme of colour-based discrimination and the fractures it creates within a family, offering what can be seen as a narrative about challenging deeply rooted prejudices.

Written by Afrin Jessica and directed by Rahim Suman, the telefilm stars Naznin Hasan Chumki, Dilara Zaman, Hamidur Rahman, Ishika Sakin, Abhi Pramanik, Imamur Rashid Khan and Ratan Siddiqui, among others.

The story centres on Joya, a dark-skinned, outspoken and confident woman. She shares a seemingly stable family life with her husband Asif and their daughter Tushi. However, the harmony begins to erode as Asif’s friends and relatives repeatedly mock Joya because of her skin colour. Their remarks gradually influence Asif, who—often unconsciously—starts distancing himself from his wife. That growing emotional gap ultimately leads to their separation.

The one who suffers the most from this rupture is their daughter, Tushi, who spends 13 years of her life without her mother’s affection, pushing the narrative forward.

Director Rahim Suman said the telefilm highlights colour discrimination against women while also carrying an element of resistance. “Through this story, viewers will receive a strong message about colour prejudice in society,” he said.

Produced under the banner of Anindya, “Jaltungi” was shot at various locations in Dhaka and will be aired on NTV on January 29 at 9:30pm.