Contributor for Arts & Entertainment and Star Showbiz.
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?
As Bangladesh continues its journey towards economic restructuring, it is imperative to create jobs that provide dignity and security for its people.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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’.
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.
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?
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.
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.
For Dhaka's urban populace, it was more than a mere gathering; creating an essential space for communal introspection.
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.
“Gulmohar”, a 2023 film written and directed by Rahul V Chittella, is an elegant piece of work you can't miss.
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.
"Wake Up Sid" indeed reminds us to find peace in the very mundane, almost maddening metropolitan lives.
Despite the initial delay, the crowd remained eager.