No dorai : making of the first film spin off comics

This project was more than just creating a comics — it was a journey into a world that few had explored. The idea was first brought to us by Mahboob Rahman the chairman of starcineplex highlight the challenges faced by a girl dreaming of surfing in a conservative society.

To create something authentic and respectful to the real-life inspiration, our team, Cartoon People, traveled to Cox’s Bazar — the heart of Bangladesh’s surfing scene. There, we met with local surfers, especially the young girls who brave social stigma to pursue their passion for the waves. We listened to their stories, witnessed their struggles, and tried to understand the resilience it takes to chase such a dream in a society that often says “no” to women daring to be different. Meeting them was a pivotal moment for us — their courage and determination became the soul of our storytelling.

Behind the scenes, developing the comic was both challenging and rewarding. From scripting and sketching to coloring and designing, every page was crafted with sensitivity and purpose. We worked closely with the production team to ensure the visual tone matched the cinematic universe of No Dorai, while still giving the comic its own unique identity. Creating Bangladesh’s first spin-off comic was a huge responsibility, but also a proud moment for us — a milestone for the growing comic industry and for the voices of women like Ayesha who dare to dream beyond boundaries.