As 2024 draws to a close, it leaves behind a trail of events and milestones, including notable contributions from Bangladesh's OTT platforms (Over-the-Top). We look back now at some of the most talked about work on the interweb:

Web films:

Kacher Manush Dure Thuiya

A part of Chorki's much-anticipated "Ministry of Love" series, this Shihab Shaheen directorial explores the intricacies of long-distance relationships, portraying their merits and demerits in an unprecedented manner. The film weaves a narrative that examines various facets of relationships through different characters' perspectives. A commendable romantic project rooted in realism, Shihab Shaheen deserves accolades for his craftsmanship. Featuring Pritom Hasan and Tasnia Farin, the screenplay's humour resonated widely on social media throughout the year, where memes and relatable storylines bridged viewers' lives with its narrative.

Forget Me Not

"Forget Me Not" premiered on Chorki in September, to critical acclaim. The film skillfully portrays how contemporary relationships are influenced by factors like economic disparities, political ideologies, familial conflicts, career aspirations, and varying levels of ambition. Additionally, it sheds light on the modern dynamics of relationships, where individuals with lesser ambitions often find themselves clashing with their more driven partners. This web film invites audiences to introspect their personal lives, offering a fresh perspective on familiar dilemmas. Starring Yash Rohan and Mehazabien Chowdhury, the Robiul Alam Robi directorial holds significant emotional and aesthetic appeal.

Last Defenders of Monogamy

This Mostofa Sarwar Farooki directorial released on Chorki as part of the "Ministry of Love" series. Featuring Chanchal Chowdhury and Xefer Rahman, the story unfolds the tale of a complex predicament faced by a man. A model husband, a loving father, and a respected office boss suddenly finds himself wanting to fall in love with a new colleague. The colleague reciprocates the feeling, yet the relationship never fully blossoms into love.

In Farooki's film, the central character is arguably the metro rail, which emerges as the ultimate symbol of duplicity and moral compromises in urban relationships. The director's experimental story about relationships can be summarized in one sentence: "We are modern, but mediocre."

Read more

The Rising Stars of 2024: Promising talent on the ascent

Oshomoy

Released on Bongo, "Oshomoy" is a web film that delves into the struggles of middle-class families. It encapsulates the hardships arising from the disconnect between aspirations and realities, the fragility of equality under power, and various crises modern families encounter. Directed by Kajal Arefin Omi, this production can also be categorized as a family drama. Although the courtroom scenes appear rushed and some plot loopholes persist, the web film is particularly noteworthy for its depiction of the evolution of familial crises from the 1990s to the 21st century. Featuring Tasnia Farin as a university freshman, the film effectively captures the essence of middle-class struggles and societal transitions.

Maya

Maya, a web film marking Sarika's dazzling return after a prolonged hiatus, is directed by renowned filmmaker Raihan Rafi. The story begins with a woman's determined quest to retrieve her detained, disappeared husband at a police station. Released on the OTT platform Binge, the narrative gradually unfolds into a tale of resilience and the challenges faced by a woman amidst familial and societal adversities in her husband's absence. The duo of Imon and Sarika deliver remarkable performances, complemented by a dynamic background score that heightens the suspense. Despite minor narrative flaws, Rafi's storytelling connects deeply with the audience, leaving a lasting impression.

Web Series:

Kaalpurush

"Kaalpurush" is a three-hour-long web series that commands one's attention. Director Salzar Rahman has carefully designed every episode and ensured that the actors deliver distinct and unique performances. The story of time travel is told with a fresh perspective, and despite some logical gaps, Chanchal Chowdhury's portrayal of the enigmatic character, the contrasting personalities of police officers played by Imtiaz Barshon and FS Nayeem, and Tanzika Amin's role as a family-oriented persona hold the audience's attention. 

Golam Mamun

This Shihab Shaheen directorial is a spin-off of the character Golam Mamun, from the series "Buker Modhye Agun". It is a compelling story of crime, betrayal, and political reflections, focusing on Golam Mamun (Ziaul Faruque Apurba), a police officer turned fugitive after being named the prime suspect in double murders. The series then evolves into a thrilling drama involving political betrayal and the flaws of the system. Imtiaz Barshon, appearing as police officer Robin, received widespread praise for his back-to-back stellar performances in similar roles. Sabila Nur, Rashed Mamun Apu, and Masum Bashar had notable performances as well. The series takes a problematic approach by highlighting superiority of syndicate and system over the Ruler thus it gives a misleading message to the audience, "A Qualified Ruler Is A Myth!"

Rongila Kitab

Directed by Anam Biswas, this Hoichoi series tells the story of a goon from the Barishal region (a rare setting for a Bangladeshi fiction). Pradip, a local goon, vows to his pregnant wife to abandon his life of crime. However, a high-profile murder leads to riots, and as adversaries approach their hideout, Pradip must make the ultimate sacrifice to secure his family's future. Biswas portrays the tragic life of a regretful goon while addressing broader issues like riots, border conflicts, and political power struggles. Mostafizur Noor Imran excels as Pradip, while Pori Moni delivers a magnificent performance as his wife, Shupti.

Sinpaat

"Sinpaat", Touqir Islam's second directorial web series, was released on Chorki at the beginning of the year. Like "Shaticup", this seven-episode series tells the story of the Rajshahi region. The series follows two partners, Fazu and Shohel, who engage in drug dealing, robbery, and mugging. Forced to leave Sohel's area, they start over in a new city, but cannot escape the life of crime. The story also includes a familiar narrative about a criminal mother. Sohel Sheikh, a real-life former criminal, and actor Rifat Bin Manik were applauded for their portrayal of the Fazu-Shohel duo.

Frenzy

The Binge Original Series "Frenzy", directed by Jahid Pritom, is a feel-good content that takes viewers into Pritom's uniquely sweet storytelling world. It balances happiness and sorrow while exploring relationships, situationships, red flags, sharing-caring dynamics, and friendships. Starting with a family-focused story, the series transitions into the lives of four young people as they navigate new beginnings in a new city. With moments of joy and challenges, Frenzy offers a refreshing departure from the violence-dominated themes of Bangladeshi web series. Featuring Abu Huraira Tanvir, Sabrin Azad, Partho Sheikh,and Aisha Khan, the series gives audiences a sense of comfort.