In 2024, Bangladeshi web series and films flourished across OTT platforms, bringing fresh talent to the forefront while revitalising the careers of seasoned actors. Strong, character-driven content allowed these 10 actors and directors to break through, leaving a lasting impact on viewers and reshaping the country's OTT landscape.
This year, an estimated 50 Bangladeshi films have been released. Among these, only a handful have achieved commercial success. Then again, despite not performing well at the box office, other cinematic aspects like actors, actresses, and film songs have managed to remain at the centre of discussions throughout the year.
In 2024, we lost several prominent figures from the entertainment world. Though they have departed, their contributions to film, television, music, and dance will remain etched in our memories. Here are some of the individuals we lost this year.
The web-series “Rongila Kitab”, directed by Anam Biswas, premiered on the OTT platform Hoichoi on November 8. Adapted from Kinkar Ahsan’s novel of the same name, this series unfolds across eight episodes.
Anam Biswas became a household name after his much-appreciated movie “Debi”. His directorials tend to reflect his talent, and he has garnered praise for every project he’s undertaken—be it a film or web content. Besides directing, Anam is also recognised for his songwriting skills.
Kushum Shikder, known for her powerful performances in “Gohine Shobdo” and the National Award-winning “Shankhachil,” has made a bold transition from an acclaimed actress to a filmmaker with her directorial debut, “Shoroter Joba.” Released on October 11, this marks a pivotal moment in her career, where she not only took the reins as director but also wrote the screenplay and led the film's production.
Ethun Babu, most known for composing the all-time hit “O Priya Tumi Kothay”, was prosecuted by the previous government for merely voicing out his political opinions.
"I was banned for a full seven years due to my political identity. Although it may seem irrelevant, the Covid pandemic taught me a lot. I realised that one can survive with fewer possessions. Excessive food and luxuries are unnecessary, and true peace comes from standing closely with people in need," shared Kanak Chapa.
Today marks the 60th birthday of music legend Ayub Bachchu.
Renowned actor Shakib Khan opened up about the much talked about arrest of Pori Moni today, with The Daily Star. “Being her colleague, as far as I know, Pori Moni grew up without her parents,” said Shakib. “There is a huge difference in the way she grew up, compared to others her age. Her struggles have definitely not been the same as other people. Perhaps not having a guardian around has often led her to make decisions which were not right for her.”
Eid special tele-fiction “Ghotona Shotto” gave way to numerous social media views upon release. The tele-fiction enraged viewers – allegedly due to its insensitivity towards children with special needs. However, there have been many other productions that people thoroughly enjoyed this festive season.
The ongoing pandemic has led to significant impediments for the Bangladeshi film industry. None of the big-budgeted films were released since March last year, during special occasions such as Eid, Durga Puja, Pohela Boishakh, and Valentine’s Day, among other festivities. More than 25 new commercial films are awaiting release. Though cinema halls were reopened from time to time, directors and producers were reluctant to release new films, due to low audience turnout.
In compliance with the rules for the seven-day lockdown, no shooting will be allowed at the premises of the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC), starting from tomorrow, July 1.
The status quo of the government regarding the operational rules for cinema halls remains dubious. As a result, about 110 cinema halls were opened during last Eid-Ul-Fitr. However, the local administration closed many cinemas during the second wave of Covid-19. Thus, the hall owners are suffering huge losses.
The Bangladeshi film industry has suffered huge losses for over a year, due to the coronavirus pandemic. More than 25 movies are awaiting release. While most of these films have wrapped up, some are in production. Some of the forthcoming big-budget movies include “Mission Extreme,” “Bidrohi”, “Antaratma”, “Operation Sundarban”, “Adventure of Sundarban”, “Shaan”, “Bikkhob”, “Jinn”, “Hawa” “Paap Punno”, “Poran”, and “Damaal” among others. These films involve investments of nearly BDT 100 crores.
Renowned musician Tapan Chowdhury has been living in Canada for a long time, but he often visits Bangladesh for his musical commitments. He decided to stay in Canada for the safety of his family during the pandemic, but after receiving an invitation to sing at the celebrations for the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence, he was more than happy to come back to the country.
The shooting of the much anticipated film on the life of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will begin from January 19.
The Covid-19 pandemic rendered the music industry into disarray for the first few months, one which it tried hard to fight back. Even though the year is musical activities were largely limited to online releases and ‘live’ concerts on social media, we did see a number of notable releases from artistes.
