2024 is nearing its end. Much like every other sphere, the Bangladeshi film industry, too, has been both lauded and criticised throughout this eventful and controversial year. A variety of films have graced the silver screen—some commercially successful, others not quite so. Let's bid adieu to the year, as we look back at some of its film offerings.

'Priyo Maloti'

"Priyo Maloti" marks the theatrical debut of the versatile Mehazabien Chowdhury, directed by Shankha Dasgupta. Released at the tail end of the year, the film recounts the story of a Hindu family reduced to ashes in a fire outbreak in Dhaka.

In this catastrophe, Maloti loses her husband. Centering on a widow's arduous quest to retrieve her late husband's documents, the director explores multifaceted aspects of societal structures. Through this narrative, the audience is invited to confront issues like misogyny, religious bias, and the bureaucratic quagmire of our administrative system.

Maloti's journey is fraught with dilemma, oscillating between staying righteous and succumbing to compromise. In her battle against overwhelming odds, even the traffic signals of Dhaka seem to turn antagonistic—a nuanced metaphor captured brilliantly by Shankha. Mehazabien's poignant and nuanced single-take performance evokes memories of Vidya Balan in "Kahaani".

'840'

In 2007, following the ousting of BNP's coalition government, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki created the political satire series "420", which chronicled tales of extortion, corruption, and land-grabbing under the previous regime. Characters like Montu and Kisloo became household names. Fast-forward to 2024, Farooki delivered "840", the cinematic double-up of "420", following the uprising of August 5.

Farooki poses a provocative question with this film: How might the country have flourished if politicians had adhered to ethical governance? Nasir Uddin Khan's portrayal of Mayor Dablu unveils a hitherto unseen dimension of his acting prowess. The film also features stellar performances by Zakia Bari Mamo, Nader Khan, Marzuk Russell, Zayed Khan, Fazlur Rahman Babu, and Shahriar Nazim Joy.

This film warrants a viewing, especially with two key questions in mind: First, as a political satire, does it sufficiently illuminate the roots of political depravity and mafia control? Second, although it has only been recently released, the film was made under the previous regime—should we continuously rely on interim governments to allow the release of politically charged satirical films?

'Toofan'

When discussing the biggest blockbuster of the year, "Toofan" is the unanimous choice. Released during Eid-ul-Azha, this magnum opus directed by Raihan Rafi stars Bangladesh's superstar Shakib Khan, Kolkata's Mimi Chakraborty, Masuma Rahman Nabila, Chanchal Chowdhury, and many others. Remarkably, this film also marks Shakib Khan's 250th appearance as an actor.

This big-budget extravaganza made its lavish production evident through its craftsmanship, music, and VFX. While questions may arise regarding the storyline's relevance, "Toofan" delivers entertainment in spades.

The film's tracks, such as "Laage Ura Dhura" and "Dustu Kokil", made waves globally upon release. One could speculate that the movie might have achieved even greater commercial success had the anti-fascist protests in Bangladesh, which gained momentum in July, not diverted public attention.

'Rajkumar'

Directed by Himel Ashraf, "Rajkumar" is another 2024 release that revolves around Shakib Khan. The dynamic duo of Shakib Khan and Himel Ashraf, who previously won audience acclaim with "Priyotoma", continued their collaboration with this project. The cast also features American actress Courtney Coffey, alongside Tariq Anam Khan, Mahiya Mahi, and others.

The plot follows Shamsu (Shakib Khan), a young man who dreams of emigrating to America but faces repeated failures. However, the real obstacle emerges with the visa application. Desperate, Shamsu seeks help from a middleman who proposes a path involving a contractual marriage with an American woman. But why is Shamsu so desperate to go to America? Beneath his fervent determination lies a poignant mystery woven with emotional undertones.

'Kajol Rekha'

Adapted from the timeless "Maimansingha Gitika", this year "Kajol Rekha" brought to the screen a 400-year-old tale through the masterful lens of Gias Uddin Selim. This song-driven film, built on a linear storytelling structure, intricately weaves suspense, holding the audience's intrigue until the very end.

What sets the film apart is its character arcs; nearly every role experiences dramatic highs and lows, each receiving equal narrative weight. A standout element is Azad Abul Kalam's portrayal of five distinct characters, a performance that is nothing short of riveting.

The supporting cast, including Rafiath Rashid Mithila, Sadia Ayman, Iresh Zaker, and Sariful Razz, captivates with their myriad looks, offering an entirely novel viewing experience.

The film's craftsmanship is evident in every frame, particularly the painstaking recreation of Rangoon's 400-year-old marketplace for a scene lasting merely a minute.

'Deyaler Desh'

Directed by the budding filmmaker Mishuk Moni, "Deyaler Desh" debuted during the Eid ul-Fitr film release season, crowded with 11 simultaneous releases. Despite lacking a superstar cast, the film resonated with audiences, owing to its gripping storyline and the naturalistic performances of Sariful Razz and Bubly.

The narrative begins in a morgue, where morgue worker Boishakh encounters a corpse bearing a peculiar mark. This discovery sends a chill down his spine, unlocking a floodgate of memories filled with joy, regret, and longing. The spectre of an unfulfilled life—a dream of a modest, happy home—haunts Boishakh. In a desperate bid to reclaim what was lost, he clings to a love from eight years prior, wasting not a moment in pursuit of redemption.

Although director Moni struggles to fully establish some pivotal characters, this narrative shortcoming is overshadowed by the potency of the story. The film's emotional depth compensates for its flaws, making "Deyaler Desh" a testament to storytelling over spectacle.

'Fatima'

"Fatima" chronicles the journey of a solitary girl who stands as a lone warrior against the crushing weight of reality. Every step she takes towards self-reliance is met with harsh opposition from the world around her, yet her indomitable spirit refuses to waver.

The film directed by Dhrubo Hasan features stellar performances by Tasnia Farin, Yash Rohan, and Manosh Bandopadhyay.

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"Fatima" earned an award at this year's Fajr International Film Festival held in Iran