A Bangladeshi film released during Eid-ul-Fitr has drawn attention for its source material: the real-life abduction of a Bangladeshi man by the Taliban in Afghanistan back in 2008. “Domm” recounts the 84 days Md Nur Islam spent in captivity, an experience he says included a failed attempt to slaughter him.

Nur Islam was kidnapped in Afghanistan in 2008 and held by the Taliban for 84 days. Each day brought uncertainty. The film brings that experience to the big screen, director Redoan Rony said at a news conference on April 4 at Star Cineplex in Dhaka.

“When I first read the story, I cried,” Rony said. “When I sat with Nur Islam bhai and listened, we both cried.”

Nur Islam told reporters that his captors were prepared to kill him. They placed him on a donkey and transported him. He could not even drink water. “They were ready to slaughter me,” he said. “I recited the Dua Yunus loudly.”

Something then shifted in his body, he said. An unusual strength came over him. His captors tried for four hours but could not kill him. “After four hours of trying, they hugged me and said: ‘Allah’s mercy is upon you. We can’t kill you.’”

His wife, Anwara Parvin Rani, never gave up hope. “I felt he was alive,” she said. “Even when everyone else gave up, I didn’t.”

Nur Islam credited the prayers of people from all religions, journalists from television and print media, and the foreign ministry for his survival. He expressed his gratitude 18 years after the ordeal.

Actor Afran Nisho portrays Nur Islam in the film. Nur Islam said he was moved by Nisho’s performance. “The pain of those days still lives inside them,” Nisho said. “When we spent time with them, we felt the anguish.”

The director said the film’s power lies not only in its craft but also in its story of faith and resilience. “There’s blessing in people’s prayers,” Nur Islam said. “As long as there is breath, you can’t give up.”