Lubaba Mahjabin Prima

Contributor for Arts & Entertainment and Star Showbiz.

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.

2m 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.

3m 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.

3m 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’.

5m ago

‘12th Fail’ finds resonance amongst youths

‘12th Fail’ finds resonance amongst Bangladeshi Youth

Once in a while, certain movies deeply touch us, showcasing the challenges in our lives while reminding us of the importance of struggling for what is right. "12th Fail”, written and directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, has become that kind of a movie for the youth in Bangladesh.

5m ago

Young adults react to ‘Young Sheldon’

For any "The Big Bang Theory" fan, the curiosity about Sheldon's formative years has likely crossed your mind. "Young Sheldon" serves as an answer to that curiosity, offering a coming-of-age sitcom perfect for those interested in a life filled with knowledge and joy.

6m ago

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.

6m ago

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?

8m ago

February 9, 2023

‘Amar Bhashar Chalachchitra 1429’- An affordable ride into Bengali films

Iconic movies like "Golapi Ekhon Traine", "Hawa", "Behula", "Manikbabur Megh", ‘"Once Upon a Time in Calcutta", "Banchharamer Bagan" have been screened so far. Like every year, the festival has received huge response from audiences and has had houseful shows since day one.

February 6, 2023

Telling tales of vulnerability - A conversation with Aseer Arman

In a society where vulnerability is shunned and sensitivity is considered inept for youths, Aseer Arman brings out tales of love, life and pain in a way that celebrates everything beautiful and ugly about coming of age. The Daily Star sits down to talk to him about his musical philosophy, works and more.

January 19, 2023

Anjan Dutt: A story of music and films

It is indeed, a task most difficult, to pen down Anjan Dutt.. From writing songs to singing them, from directing movies to acting in them, there’s nothing he hasn’t done. In the span of his decades long career, his works have been a constant companion of Bengalis around the globe. On the occasion of his 70th birthday this January 19, let’s reminisce, in celebration of the life and works of this extremely prolific, versatile artist.

January 16, 2023

Mrinal Sen’s ‘Padatik’: Of revolution and change

As the buzz surrounding the upcoming film “Padatik” continues to mount, now is the right time to revisit the original 1973 “Padatik”.

January 9, 2023

5 Farhan Akhtar Movies You Can’t Miss

Be it his soul touching performance in “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” or the dramatic remake of Amitabh Bachchan's “Don”, Farhan Akhtar is undoubtedly Bollywood’s versatile genius. Today marks the birthday of the actor-director and musician extraordinaire and to commemorate; here are 5 of his movies that you cannot miss at all!

January 7, 2023

‘Mumbai Mafia: Police vs The Underworld’ -Revisiting Mumbai’s tumultuous era

‘Mumbai Mafia: Police vs The Underworld’ started streaming on Netflix this week. Introducing '90s Mumbai, the organized crime capital of India, the documentary underpins how Mumbai's organized crime structure evolved into a reign of the mafias and what drove the state apparatus to desperation. The crazy world of destitute boys turned gangsters, insiders turned informants, police interrogations and all sorts of crimes is aptly captured in this documentary. Real policemen, criminals and journalists talk about the tumultuous times.

January 1, 2023

‘Double XL’: All bodies are beautiful

For a long time, Bollywood has lacked proper representation for people of all backgrounds, identities and body types. However, now a new wave of movies is changing this stifling absence. Satramm Ramani's "Double XL" is indeed one such breath of fresh air. Sonakshi Sinha and Huma Qureshi play the characters of two plus-sized women navigating professional and personal lives in this movie. All women know the stress of looking a certain way and the fear of body shaming. This infused shame is almost palpable in the characters, and as they shed that, the reinvigoration is transmitted to the audience.