5 outstanding web productions throughout the year

This year saw the release of a slew of outstanding Bangladeshi web series and films that had us glued to our screens. As 2021 comes to an end, we bring you a list of some of the best productions, released on OTT platforms.

Networker Baire

Renowned director Mizanur Rahman Aryan's "Networker Baire" was released on Chorki. A story about love and friendship showcasing the aspirations of young Dhaka dwellers, the original film brings together the life of Ratul (Yash Rohan), Munna (Khairul Basar), Abir (Sariful Islam Razz), and Sifat (Jonayed Bukdadi).

The multi-starrer production also features Nazia Haque Orsha as Tania opposite Khairul Basar, Tasnia Farin as Kotha opposite Jonayed Bukdadi, Nazifa Tushi as Samia opposite Sariful Islam Razz and Tasnuva Tisha.

"Networker Baire" was lauded by the audience for its unique storytelling.

Mohanagar

Hoichoi's "Mohanagar", written and directed by Ashfaque Nipun, boasts a gripping story that shines a spotlight on the deep-rooted corruption in the police machinery.

The series was widely acclaimed upon its release. Mosharraf Karim brilliantly conveys the deviousness and chutzpah of the morally bankrupt officer Harun.

Ladies & Gentlemen

Internationally acclaimed filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki is known for showcasing a myriad of social and emotional struggles in his stories.

His eight-episode debut web series "Ladies & Gentlemen", on ZEE5, was lauded for portraying the journey of the protagonist, played by Tasnia Farin, as she fights for her rights in her own workplace and in the process, paves the way for every working woman in Bangladesh.

The cast also includes Maria Nur, Afzal Hossain, Mukit Zakaria, Hasan Masood, Partha Barua, Iresh Zaker, Pavel Areen, and Tanvir Hossain among others.

Unoloukik

The five episodes of Chorki's anthology series "Unoloukik" — strange, dark, unpredictable, funny — both overlap in style and wildly differ from one another. There is a consistency in tone.

This is achieved because they are all based on stories by the same author, Shibabrata Barman, and made by one director, Robiul Alam Robi, but shot by five different cinematographers.

The cast of the show includes Asaduzzaman Noor, Chanchal Chowdhury, Nusrat Imrose Tisha, Gazi Rakayet, Intekhab Dinar, Iresh Zaker, Rafiath Rashid Mithila, Mostafa Monwar, Shohel Mondol, Farhana Hamid, Sahana Rahman Sumi and Naziba Basher, among others. Intekhab Dinar, in the role of Mostak Ahmed, delivers a stellar performance in his episode, "Dwikhandito".

Adhkhana Bhalo Chele Adha Mostaan

This musical film on popular singer-songwriter Shayan Chowdhury Arnob was released on Chorki to much anticipation. It showcases newly remastered versions of 12 popular Arnob tracks, along with some special stories narrated by the artiste himself and some of the people close to him.

"Adhkhana Bhalo Chele Adha Mostaan" is a film that explores the duality of an artiste, told through chats between director Abrar Athar and Arnob about life, battling one's demons, and overcoming them.

Honourable mentions

There were many other web projects that sparked interest among viewers this year, one of which was Ashfaque Nipun's "Koshtoneer", on Hoichoi.

Featuring brilliant performances by Tariq Anam Khan, Saberi Alam, Runa Khan, Sayed Babu, Shyamol Mawla, Sabila Nur and Yash Rohan, the film tells the tale of a family torn apart by rifts.

Raihan Rafi's "The Dark Side of Dhaka", featuring five connected stories, was lauded for its outstanding screenplay. The film, released on Cinematic, featured Nazifa Tushi, Manoj Kumar Pramanik, and Khairul Basar in pivotal roles.

Adnan Al Rajeev's Chorki original film, "YouTumor", features Pritom Hasan and Ziaul Hoque Polash in the lead roles. A story about two friends who turn out to be YouTubers, it was appreciated for addressing social issues, with a tint of comedy.

The Hoichoi series "Boli", directed by Shankha Dasgupta and starring Chanchal Chowdhury and Shohel Mondol among others, thrilled audiences with the story of the mysterious Chheradia Dwip, where the locals are doomed amidst the struggle for power and control.