On December 20, “Priyo Maloti” graced 20 cinema halls nationwide. Featuring Mehazabien Chowdhury in the titular role of Maloti Rani Das, the film marks a significant milestone for both the actress and its director, Shankha Dasgupta, as their silver screen debut.
The Monsoon Revolution represents an unprecedented effort by the government to decentralise and professionalise the Bangladeshi film industry. By fostering regional talent and offering a platform for diverse storytelling, this initiative aims to reshape the industry. More than just an effort to develop skilled filmmakers, it is a step toward amplifying Bangladeshi narratives and creating works that resonate both nationally and internationally.
In an effort to understand the challenges and tentative guidelines, The Daily Star reached out to board members and stakeholders. Their insights highlight the complexities of transitioning from the long-standing censor board to a modern certification body.
With its universal message of hope, “A Rising Lioness: In Search of Beauty” speaks not only to burn survivors but to anyone facing disabilities, neurodiversity, or societal exclusion. By portraying a journey of courage and transformation, the production inspires reflection on the values of empathy, and inclusion, and celebrates the human spirit of resilience.
On a quiet autumn evening, we visited Arnob’s studio, Kolorob, where he shared reflections on his musical career, insights into his creative journey in art, and his upcoming projects.
In times of national crisis, Bangladesh’s entertainment industry is often among the hardest hit. From artistes to crew members, everyone faces hardship due to a lack of work and opportunities. Actor Ziaul Roshan has recently expressed concerns about the struggle to maintain a stable livelihood in such uncertain times, highlighting the challenges when work for artistes dries up.
Marking a decade in showbiz, Sayed Zaman Shawon has captivated audiences across television, OTT platforms, and the big screens. Known for his acclaimed roles in Mabrur Rashid Bannah’s “Brothers” series, Shihab Shaheen’s “August 14”, Ashfaque Nipun’s “Sabrina”, and Golam Sohrab Dodul’s “Mobaroknama”, Shawon’s adaptability shines through each project.
Behind this essential aspect of filmmaking are the lighting technicians, whose efforts often go unnoticed. In Bangladesh, however, these technicians face an uncertain future, as the industry battles deep financial challenges.
Amidst all kinds of criticism, "Mohanagar" proved to be a landmark in the OTT industry, that will have an impact in the long run. “If we can open the avenue for liberal discussions and constructive criticism, especially to the visual mediums, then it will be essentially good for our own culture and the world will know us as broad-minded and adaptable,” he concludes.
Rafiath Rashid Mithila is a celebrated actress in both sides of the border. She informs that she will be celebrating this Eid-ul-Fitr, in Dhaka. “Hopefully, I will get to spend the day with family and friends,” shares the singer turned actress.
We caught up with directors like Ashfaque Nipun, Mizanur Rahman Aryan, Mabrur Rashid Bannah, Kajal Arefin Ome and Vicky Zahed who began their career with directing television projects, reminiscing about their favourite shows, artistes and directors who they would look upto during Eid.
Arifin Shuvoo likes to be lazy on Eid day. “This is the only day we get to do as we like,” says the ‘Mission Extreme’ actor.
Sadia Ayman will be celebrating Eid with her entire family in Barisal. Usually, she starts the day by helping her mother in cooking and then she gets ready to meet her cousins, with whom she roams around to relatives’ houses.
During Eid-ul-Fitr, Siam Ahmed will be busy shooting for his Indian project. He will miss celebrating Eid with his entire family, like he usually does. “As a child, I used to celebrate Eid in Pirojpur, mostly,” shares the “Shaan” actor. “I cherish the moments shared with all the cousins, as we would gather after a long time.”
Recently, the characters from OTT shows, Allen Swapan from “Syndicate”, and its spin-off “Myself Allen Swapan”, and OC Harun from “Mohanagar” has been actively interacting with fans on the social media prior to the release of these shows.
“As a filmmaker, it gives me immense joy to have learnt that the film got selected in the competition category with so many notable international films,” said the “Lal Moroger Jhuti” director. “Although it took us quite a long time to bring the film to a releasable state, we really worked hard to make this project. I hope that it continues to make a mark all around the world, through different festivals.
The Ekushey Padak winning singer is a lighthouse of the cultural arena, who does not merely make music, but also enlightens people with music. She was also honoured with the Padma Shri, in 2021, considered as the fourth highest civilian award in India.
Recently, the trailer of the upcoming web film “Kuhelika” was dropped on the official page of the OTT platform Binge. Directed by Samiur Rahman, the show features Nazia Haque Orsha, Safa Kabir, Yash Rohan, and Shafayet Mansoor Rana in pivotal roles.
