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.
Actress Azmeri Haque Badhan recently won the National Film Award for the first time. She jointly received the ‘Best Actress’ award for her performance in “Rehana Maryam Noor”.
Siam Ahmed won his first National Film Award for his performance in Chayanika Chowdhury’s debut directorial film “Bishwoshundori”, in 2020. The actor has received the honour for the second time in the Best Actor category in 2021, for his performance in Roni Bhowmik’s “Mridha Bonam Mridha”.
Audiences were left surprised when Hoichoi released the much-awaited Ziaul Faruq Apurba starrer web-series “Buker Moddhe Agun”, without any prior announcement. The makers didn’t release any trailers and so, when many entertainment groups announced its release, curious audiences piled up to watch the 8-episode series to find out whether it actually centers on Salman Shah’s life.
A lot of drama ensued following the permission that Shah Rukh Khan blockbuster “Pathaan” received, to be released in Bangladesh on February 24. Even SRK himself acknowledged the release in a tweet.
Some of his masterpieces are "Achhen Amar Moktar", "Ektara Tui Desh Er Kotha Bol Re Ebar Bol", "Ganer Khatay Swaralipi Likhe", "Shudhu Gaan Geye Porichoy", "Ei Mon Tomake Dilam", "Chokher Nojor Emni Koira", among countless others.
Fans are in for an experience of love and separation as Shuvoo and Bindu reunite in "Unish 20".
In recent times, Baul Shah Abdul Karim’s family received royalties from the Copyright Office after his songs were digitally archived. Similarly, Ayub Bachchu’s family also received royalties for his songs when they were brought under the digital protection act.
Siam Ahmed started off the year with a bang, earning his second National Film Award, after already winning the prize in 2020 edition of the award show. This time, the actor has been announced as the winner in the ‘Best Actor’ category for his performance in the film, “Mridha Bonam Mridha”.
Dhallywood’s biggest star, Shakib Khan is currently in the US. The actor travelled there on January 17, but will soon return home within the next couple of days. While on his trip, the star was touched by one incident in particular, so much so that he spoke with The Daily Star to share the story.
Bangladesh Film Artistes Association held a meeting earlier today at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC). The meeting was organised to discuss the issue of importing Hindi films to Bangladesh.
