It was a slow Thursday evening, when an impromptu plan to stay over at a friend's popped up. Staying up, busting each other with jokes and enjoying the hot summer night on a rooftop aside, we all felt something was amiss. Sure, spending time with friends can be therapeutic but there comes a time where an innate call comes from within to binge on 'a really good TV series.'

Miraculously, due to the power of AI, right at that very moment, I came across the teaser of a Bangla Hoichoi series called Karagar (Prison) starring the chameleon of an actor Chanchal Chowdhury. As enticing as the teaser was, it didn't take me long to suggest it to the group.

Karagar

Photo: Collected

So, the next thing we know, we arranged the den to avail ourselves of the optimum viewing experience and so began the journey of Syed Ahmed Shawki's Karagar on Hoichoi. The story, cast, performance and cinematography were the most technically advanced compared to other shows currently on other OTT platforms. Shawki's prowess in storytelling is shown through his consistency which only empowers the cast and the team to live up to their full potential.

After watching the nail-biting series, we were left with a craving for similar types of series. Crafts with familiar faces delivering lines in our own language while dipped in realism.

Karagar intrigued me further to explore the world of Bangla Entertainment having their, long-awaited shot on OTT platforms. With a little bit of digging, I came across a few more intriguing Bangla shows with an equal potential to intrigue.

These are my top picks for Bangla series on OTT platforms:

Photo: Collected

Kaiser

The story follows a veteran detective with vices. His addiction to video games and failing relationships only serve as the tip of the iceberg for his character. With consistent storytelling from Tanim Noor and convincing acting by Afran Nisho, the show will take their viewers on a thrilling ride of a murder mystery with twists and turns on every corner. It can be streamed on Hoichoi.

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Shaaticup

Directed by Mohammad Touqir Islam, the story of Shaaticup portrays the lower echelons of the drug business in the Rajshahi region of Bangladesh. Fast chase scenes on foot and motorcycle rides take you on a journey into the world of drug trafficking. Not only are the lines delivered in the Rajshahi DIalect refreshing, but the fresh new cast shows promise and the potential to hit the stars! This thrilling show can be watched on the streaming platform Chorki.

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Pett Kata Shaw

The first horror anthology series I saw and fell in love with. The accumulation of 4 scary short films based on Bangla myths and folklore, Pett Kata Shaw was directed by Nuhash Humayun. Despite a few shortcomings, the show delivers its promises. With the diverse cast playing characters of different stories, Nuhash manages to put life into the stories inspired by folklore. It's a must-watch for fans of the horror genre. Also available on Chorki!

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Taqdeer

The plot of the story is enthralling enough to keep you tense and glued to the screen. The screenplay manages to deliver crisp storytelling directed by Syed Ahmed Shawki. The eight-episode web series, circles around a freezer van driver named Taqdeer who mysteriously finds the dead body of a journalist inside his van. Starring Chanchal Chowdhury as the protagonist of the series, the story takes the shape of a thought-provoking ride. Available on Hoichoi.