National Film Award-winning actress Poppy has returned to the big screen after nearly six years with ‘Direct Attack’, but her comeback has unfolded without her participation in the film’s promotional campaign.
The actress has largely stayed away from cinemas and the media since the pandemic. Her latest theatrical release marks a return to an industry she had stepped away from for several years, even as questions remain about her absence from the publicity surrounding the new film.
‘Direct Attack’ Opens in 28 Cinemas
Written and directed by Sadek Siddiki, Direct Attack opened in 28 cinemas across Bangladesh on Friday.
The film centres on a woman who challenges social injustice, corruption and crime. Poppy plays a police officer whose life takes an unexpected turn after she marries a criminal and becomes increasingly confronted by the consequences of that relationship.
The role puts Poppy at the centre of a story built around crime, social conflict and a difficult personal decision.
Her previous film, ‘The Director’, was released in 2019, making Direct Attack her first theatrical appearance in almost six years.
Director Disappointed by Poppy’s Absence From Promotion
Although Poppy had previously indicated that she planned to participate in publicity for Direct Attack, she ultimately did not join the promotional activities.
Director Sadek Siddiki said he had contacted the actress several times and believed she would assist with the campaign.
“I called Poppy several times. She assured me she would help, but in the end, she didn’t do anything. Still, I hold no resentment. It’s my film; I made it and invested in it. So the responsibility is mine,” Siddiki said.
According to the filmmaker, the limited promotional support was not restricted to Poppy. Other members of the cast also did not participate significantly in promoting the release.
Poppy Currently in Saudi Arabia for Umrah
When The TIMES of Bangladesh contacted Poppy’s phone, it was answered by her husband, Adnan Uddin Kamal.
He explained that the family was in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah and that Poppy was not immediately available by phone.
“Our whole family is currently in Saudi Arabia performing Umrah. Poppy is not near her phone right now, but I’ll ask her to return your call,” he said.
The explanation came as the film entered cinemas without the promotional involvement Poppy had previously indicated she would provide.
Cast Members Also Missed the Campaign
Siddiki said the film’s other cast members were similarly absent from the publicity effort.
Amin Khan and Mamnun Emon were reportedly in the United States during the release period, while Shirin Shila, who was in Bangladesh, did not take part in the campaign.
The director said the situation left him largely responsible for promoting and carrying the film himself.
“Both male leads, Amin Khan and Emon, are currently in the US. Shirin Shila is in the country, but she hasn’t joined the promotions either. So, nothing much could be done. She’s alone here; there’s only so much one person can do,” Siddiki said.
He also expressed frustration that the cast could have contributed through social-media posts or recorded video messages even if they could not attend physical promotional events.
Poppy Plans a New Chapter as a Producer
Poppy’s return to cinema comes as she prepares for a broader return to the entertainment industry.
Earlier this year, she spoke about plans to become involved in film production, saying she intended to gradually develop her own projects.
Before moving into those productions, she had said that Direct Attack would be released and that she planned to participate in its promotion.
The actress also returned to public attention in February when she announced her marriage to shipping businessman Adnan Uddin Kamal. The couple have a son, Ayat.
For now, Direct Attack represents Poppy’s first theatrical release since The Director. While her absence from the promotional campaign has become part of the conversation around the film, the movie’s box-office performance will ultimately determine how audiences respond to her long-awaited return to the big screen.
Amin Khan Also Makes a Comeback
The film marks another comeback of sorts for Amin Khan, who is returning to theatrical cinema after a seven-year gap.
His previous film was ‘Faraizi Andolon 1842’, released in 2018. His appearance alongside Poppy gives Direct Attack two familiar faces making notable returns to the big screen.
