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.
4m 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 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.
7m 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
September 28, 2022
Celebrating Durga Puja with on-screen favourites
Mahalya has arrived once again, bringing with it the spirituality and festivity that many of us love and cherish. And while the festivities alone are joyous enough for us to celebrate the holiday, it would be even more delightful to watch a few good movies that captivate the essence of the occasion.
September 27, 2022
Hatirpool Sessions: When friendship and music come together
A group of friends talking, laughing and creating music. A room filled with beautiful doodles in the background, and books scattered all around. This is the setting for Hatirpool Sessions.
September 21, 2022
5 South Asian films highlighting women in sports
Recently, all of Bangladesh is celebrating the success of our tigresses at the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship this year. However, for South Asian women, choosing sports as a profession is rarely encouraged.
September 19, 2022
Ginsberg, Dylan, Bhowmik’s anti-war pleas still relevant today
Fifty-one years ago, in this very month of September, Allen Ginsberg visited the Jessore Road. Upon his return to America, he would write the anti-war poem “September on Jessore Road”, which would be monumental in shifting the opinions of Americans to oppose the support of Pakistan in the Liberation War.
September 19, 2022
‘O Sajna’: Neha Kakkar’s rendition induces mixed reactions
Yesterday, the teaser for Neha Kakkar’s latest song, "O Sajna", was released. The song premiered in its entirety earlier today (September 19). “O Sajna” is a rendition of the song “Maine Payal Hai Chhankai” by Falguni Pathak from 1999.
September 18, 2022
BBC’s 'Royal Family': A documentary or propaganda?
After the Second World War, Europe went through a phase of modernisation, with the royal family becoming increasingly irrelevant to the common man. In order to sweeten and modernise their image, Lord Brabourne suggested using the new medium of television.
September 8, 2022
From 'Monsoon Wedding' to 'Highway': The Repressed World of Child Abuse
From Mira Nair’s “Monsoon Wedding” to Imtiaz Ali’s “Highway”, the chronicle of Hindi cinema mainly was linear with similar kinds of stories, songs, making and melodramatic extravaganza. Nevertheless, it is high time that the country, which is to date wrapped up with archaic societal injustice, discrimination and backdated familial norms, realises the importance of telling stories that had not been heard before.
September 6, 2022
Remembering the Samurai of Filmmaking, Akira Kurosawa
Today marks the 112th birthday of the enigmatic filmmaker, Akira Kurosawa. His love for films made him work prolifically, directing thirty films over the span of five decades.
September 1, 2022
‘Delhi Crime’ season 2: Revisiting the dark underbelly of Delhi
Delhi is a city with massive economic disparities, coupled with a population that is too large and a police force that is understaffed, one can only wonder what will happen when a series of murders start to take place throughout the city? This conundrum is explored in season two of “Delhi Crime”, through a brilliant cast, captured in the dark colour palettes and ominous music that resonates the gore amidst the bustle of Delhi.
September 1, 2022
The world of Rituparno Ghosh
Yesterday, August 31, marked the birthday of legendary filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh. Through his writing and direction Ritu took the audience to a world where the clouds deliver messages of gloom, where the separation of lovers is mourned, and where boundaries of gender roles crumble.
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