Mostofa Sarwar Farooki
Farooki steps up to address early challenges as new adviser
Since taking the oath as the cultural adviser for the interim government, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has faced significant backlash on social media. However, on the third day of his tenure, he delivered some positive news regarding two major ongoing issues in the cultural arena that had been widely discussed across the nation.
Farooki confronts backlash over his new role
Farooki has been facing social media backlash since taking his oath as an adviser to the interim government. Many have labelled him as a collaborator of the previous regime. On his first day in office, he was confronted with these allegations, and rather than avoid them, he addressed them head-on.
Farooki vows to bring visible changes to the cultural sector
Farooki, a renowned filmmaker, acknowledged the longstanding neglect of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. "Let’s not hide the fact—everyone knows the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has long been neglected. The budget for this sector is always limited. But my advantage is that I have an incredible team. Mohammad Azam is at the Bangla Academy, and he’s a brand! I have been following his work for a long time.”
Farooki calls for constructive criticism after taking oath as adviser
Farooki, renowned for his critically acclaimed films and television dramas, has been entrusted with overseeing the Cultural Affairs Ministry.
Cultural community celebrates Farooki’s new advisory role
The director who has made popular films including “Television” and “Doob - No Bed of Roses” has been a vocal supporter of the student-led mass uprising.
Chorki’s ‘36-24-36’ receives uncut censor approval for big screen release
The much-anticipated rom-com “36-24-36”, starring actress Parthana Fardeen Dighi, has received an uncut Universal (U) rating from the Censor Certification Board, signaling its suitability for audiences of all ages.
Farooki’s Chabial marks 25 years of bold and authentic storytelling
Founded in 1998, Chabial has since produced advertisements, television dramas, and films under its banner. Farooki’s first production under Chabial was “Waiting Room”, which no television channel wanted to buy at the time. However, the landscape has drastically changed over the years.
A fight against such regime as terrifying as the Nazis: Mostofa Sarwar Farooki
Filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has been a vocal supporter of the anti-discrimination student movement since its inception. While he didn’t participate directly in the street protests, Farooki consistently expressed his solidarity with the students through multiple posts on Facebook. Eventually, he also aligned himself with the one-point movement calling for the former government's resignation.
ICT adviser Nahid Islam promises renerewed hope for banned films
Numerous films faced bans during the previous administration, with some caught up in legal disputes while others were shelved for unexplained reasons. Producers voiced their frustration over films stalled in the censor board's approval process, but their protests yielded no resolution. For years, filmmakers have called for the abolition of the censor board in favour of a system of censor certification.
Mostofa Sarwar Farooki to return to the political satire genre
Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, known for his sharp and thought-provoking narratives, has established himself as a prominent figure in the drama genre within the world of cinema. Over the years, he has directed several intense films and series, one of which, "Saturday Afternoon", has faced significant delays due to various challenges.
Let's welcome our law enforcers with kindness: Mostofa Sarwar Farooki
In a heartfelt social media post, Farooki pleaded with the public to show empathy and support to the police officers returning to their duties. He wrote, “We hope that our brothers and sisters in the police force will return to their duties within a day or two. We have high hopes that they will become a new police force for a new Bangladesh.”
Stars with spine: Media personalities who voiced out for students
In such challenging times, when protesters and civilians were indiscriminately killed, wholesale arrests, block raids, and a nationwide internet shutdown violated citizens' fundamental rights, keeping the nation on edge for weeks– only a few had the courage to raise their voices against the oppression and injustice.
March ahead together, with determination: Farooki
"Today is July 35. We stand a little away from independence. March ahead together, with determination,”-- writes filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki on his social handle.
Stars demand release of rapper Hannan
Rapper Hannan Hossain Shimul, who recently released his rap about the quota reform movement, was arrested on July 25 by police officers. He was subsequently held on a two-day remand.
Entertainment world adorned in red against injustice
In a striking display of unity and protest, numerous Bangladeshi celebrities have changed their profile pictures on social media to a solid field of red, in response to the deaths during the recent quota reform protests. This movement has quickly gained traction, showcasing the collective voice of the people against violence and injustice.
Bongo to feature Bangladeshi ZEE5 content
ZEE5, an Indian streaming service, launched in Bangladesh with much fanfare on July 3, 2019. The platform created numerous programmes spotlighting local producers and artistes. However, due to an underwhelming audience response, ZEE5 eventually ceased its operations here.
Farooki’s ‘Last Defenders of Monogamy’ is lacklustre
Once musician Xefer took a turn and decided to debut as an actor while also adopting a new look with straightened hair, that too for Mostofa Sarwar Farooki’s project, it left netizens mesmerised. Moreover, the awestruck people were also eagerly awaiting her on-screen pairing with seasoned actor Chanchal Chowdhury. However, the anticipation led to much disappointment when the greater bit of the audience did not find the movie appealing.
Couldn't sleep the night before shooting: Chanchal’s son on ‘Monogamy’
Reflecting on his web debut, Shuddho shared, “It was quite pressuring to share the screen with baba. I remember, the night before my first day of shooting, I couldn't sleep due to nervousness.”
Chanchal Chowdhury set for stellar comeback on OTT
The power-packed performer and three-time National Film Award-winning actor Chanchal Chowdhury is gearing up with some exciting new projects on OTT after a while. For this upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, he will be featured in the much-awaited Chorki-backed original web-film, “The Last Defenders of Monogamy”, directed by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki.