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
March 2, 2023
March 2, 2023

The OG’s of YouTube: Where are they now?

What was it like to start as a content-maker when the practice was relatively uncommon? How did the scene start and expand? And more importantly, which platforms have they moved on to, in order to enhance their talents?

February 20, 2023
February 20, 2023

I love the people of Bangladesh, eager to work here: Ritwick Chakraborty

"Staying in the cinema bubble brings a monotonicity in discussions. I mix with different kinds of people. My real life is not very glamorous, and I enjoy it thoroughly"

February 16, 2023
February 16, 2023

‘The Romantics’: Dissecting the heart of Yash Raj Films

Building legacy and continuation is central to YRF. From making a world-class studio to normalising casting directors, the conglomerate has had exceptional impact.

February 14, 2023
February 14, 2023

Five Bangla films that show what love is

This Valentine's Day, grab a cup of tea and your loved one and immerse in the movies suggested below.

February 9, 2023
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
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
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
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
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
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.