Lubaba Mahjabin Prima

Contributor for Arts & Entertainment and Star Showbiz.

‘The Bong Connection’: Tracing identity in a globalised world

When “The Bong Connection”, directed by Anjan Dutt, was released in 2006, legendary director Rituparno Ghosh called actor Parambrata Chatterjee and told him that he could never make a film like that. What was so special about the movie that Rituparno himself was envious of the creation?

3w ago

Ensuring decent and dignified work in Bangladesh

As Bangladesh continues its journey towards economic restructuring, it is imperative to create jobs that provide dignity and security for its people.

2m ago

‘Talvar’: The gripping thriller you can't miss

“Talvar”, released internationally as “Guilty”, is a 2015 crime thriller directed by Meghna Gulzar and written by Vishal Bhardwaj. Loosely based on the infamous 2008 Noida double murder case, the film chronicles the brutal killings of a teenage girl and her elderly male servant. The case, which captivated public attention, saw her parents and several local servants implicated by various investigative bodies.

5m ago

Why ‘Kahaani’ remains an enduring classic

When “Kahaani”, directed by Sujoy Ghosh, was released in 2012, it created a significant impact. Both critically and commercially successful, the film was lauded for its women-centric theme and realistic approach to filmmaking. Over a decade later, it still stands as a compelling watch.

5m ago

Farooki’s ‘Last Defenders of Monogamy’ is lacklustre

Once musician Xefer took a turn and decided to debut as an actor while also adopting a new look with straightened hair, that too for Mostofa Sarwar Farooki’s project, it left netizens mesmerised. Moreover, the awestruck people were also eagerly awaiting her on-screen pairing with seasoned actor Chanchal Chowdhury. However, the anticipation led to much disappointment when the greater bit of the audience did not find the movie appealing.

8m ago

‘Expats’: Of love and loss  

The show begins with the abrupt disappearance of Margaret’s youngest son while he was with Mercy. This incident triggers a series of events, also involving Margaret’s neighbour Hilary. As these women navigate their deep-rooted traumas and terrible sense of loss, the series highlights the role of the megastructures of patriarchy and capitalism in individual lives.

9m ago

A reflection on the not-so-great kitchen of households

Kitchens constitute an essential part of our lives, a space whose power dynamics we often overlook. But if cinema reflects our lives, shouldn't it highlight even the most mundane aspects? "The Great Indian Kitchen", a 2021 Malayalam movie written and directed by Jeo Baby, prompts us to consider just that.

9m ago

Contemplating unanswered echoes of ‘Mr and Mrs Iyer’

More often than not, a film leaves you marred with questions, and you ponder over all the ifs and buts of what will unfold next. The film “Mr and Mrs Iyer”, along with all the emotions it invokes, is one that forces us to wonder about the ‘what ifs’.

11m ago
December 2, 2023
December 2, 2023

A look back at ‘Gohine Shobdo’

The 2010 movie “Gohine Shobdo”, directed by Khalid Mahmood Mithu, received widespread acclaim when it was released. Starring Mamnun Hasan Emon, Kusum Sikder, Masum Aziz, and Abul Hayat in lead roles, this movie narrates the relationship of a young couple in present-day Dhaka, with the country's Liberation War history and ongoing economic inequality impacting them. In my opinion, good storytelling, striking narration and apt metaphors make the movie a relevant watch to this day.

October 20, 2023
October 20, 2023

Dhak: A historic Bengali instrument on the cusp of being endangered

The Dhak is the epitome of quintessential Bengali music, but how are the Dhakis—the ones who have kept this art form alive for generations—actually doing?

September 21, 2023
September 21, 2023

Weddings, women, and the weight of choices

Ultimately, these narratives raise profound questions about willpower, helplessness, and the authenticity of power dynamics. They underscore the ongoing need for women's stories to be told on-screen, with no straightforward answers but a pressing demand for exploration.

September 13, 2023
September 13, 2023

‘Abar Aranye’: A continuation you can't miss

The movie certainly hits all the right notes of nostalgia. Having Soumitra Chatterjee, Sharmila Tagore, Subhendu Chatterjee and Samit Bhanja in their previous characters is indeed a treat.

August 27, 2023
August 27, 2023

‘Mon, Megh, Moho’: Film appreciation event held at EMK centre

For Dhaka's urban populace, it was more than a mere gathering; creating an essential space for communal introspection.

August 1, 2023
August 1, 2023

Looking back at ‘NH10’, an underrated gem of a movie 

NH10, an Indian film from 2015, is indeed one of those silent hits that went on to become underrated. The movie primarily caters to those who relish horror without gore.

July 7, 2023
July 7, 2023

‘Gulmohar’: As beautiful as flowers

“Gulmohar”, a 2023 film written and directed by Rahul V Chittella, is an elegant piece of work you can't miss.

June 29, 2023
June 29, 2023

A lookback at ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’: family is forever

The ensemble cast of Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah, Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma, Farhan Akhtar and Rahul Bose evidently make this movie a success.

June 15, 2023
June 15, 2023

14 years of ‘Wake Up Sid’: exploring young adult growth and identity

"Wake Up Sid" indeed reminds us to find peace in the very mundane, almost maddening metropolitan lives.

June 2, 2023
June 2, 2023

Anuv Jain concert: Musicians deliver, organisers disappoint

Despite the initial delay, the crowd remained eager.