Entertainment
Valentine's Day Treat: Pori Moni and ABM Sumon's 'Booking' Love Affair
In a scintillating celebration of love just in time for Valentine's Day, Bongo, the OTT platform, has announced the production of four captivating short films under the banner "Love Stories- Bhalobashar Dine Bhalobashar Golpo."
Setting the stage for an enchanting cinematic experience, these films are inspired by the heartfelt narratives of renowned writer Bishwajit Choudhury's book, "Sholpo Doirgho Premer Golpo."
One of the four compelling tales is the much-anticipated 'Mimir Khala,' brought to life through the lens of visionary director Mizanur Rahman Aryan.
The film, aptly named 'Booking,' is an adaptation of Bishwajit Choudhury's 'Mimir Khala.' Aryan expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "This story is a gem from Bishwajit Chowdhury, and such narratives have been absent from our screens for far too long. I am confident that audiences will be captivated by the magic woven into this tale."
The signing ceremony for 'Booking' recently took place at the Bongo office, marking an exciting collaboration between celebrated stars Pori Moni and ABM Sumon, said a media release on Friday.
This marks Pori Moni's second venture with Bongo after the success of 'Puff Daddy,' promising audiences a fresh and enthralling cinematic experience.
Bongo's Chief Content Officer, Mushfiqur Rahman, shared his excitement, stating, "At Bongo, we are committed to delivering exceptional content that resonates with our audience. 'Love Stories- Bhalobashar Dine Bhalobashar Golpo' is our special Valentine's Day gift, featuring four talented filmmakers presenting narratives that prioritize our audience's preferences in every aspect, from story selection to casting. We are confident that our work will be cherished by audiences."
Director Mizanur Rahman Aryan, renowned for his expertise in romantic dramas, is set to elevate the art of storytelling with 'Booking.' As the anticipation builds for Valentine's Day, Bongo promises an unforgettable experience with this curated selection of love stories, inviting viewers into a world where emotions unfold with every frame.
SRK fans reign supreme as ‘Dunki’ hits theatres in Bangladesh
‘Dunki’, one of the much-anticipated Bollywood films in 2023 starring superstar Shah Rukh Khan, finally hit 46 local theatres and cinemas across the country on Friday, a day after its international release on Thursday.
The Rajkumar Hirani-directed film received its uncut censor certificate from the Bangladesh Film Censor Board on Thursday night. Immediately after its release, Joy Cinemas in Keraniganj, Dhaka screened its first show in Bangladesh at 9pm.
Dhallywood superstar Shabnoor to make comeback with Chayanika Chowdhury's new film
Even though Shah Rukh Khan fans eagerly anticipated that the film would be released across all theatres on the same date aligned with its international release, they immediately rushed to the theatres on Friday.
Nonetheless, the cinema halls on Friday were festive as the moviegoers rushed to enjoy the last big Bollywood release of this year on big screens. So far, the film is receiving positive reactions globally.
‘Wonka’ review: Powered by the charisma of Timothée Chalamet
Action Cut Entertainment, which has previously brought SRK-starrer blockbuster films ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawan’ to Bangladesh, is also the distributor of ‘Dunki’ in the country. Notably. ‘Jawan’ made history as it was released in Bangladesh on the same day of its global release.
‘Dunki’ is directed and edited by Rajkumar Hirani, also the co-screenplay writer of the film who is best known for delivering social messages by highlighting significant issues in his films including ‘Munna Bhai MBBS’, ‘3 Idiots’, ‘PK’ and ‘Sanju’.
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The much-anticipated film from the SRK-Hirani duo, ‘Dunky’ is based on the eponymous illegal immigration strategy which is popular among many immigrant aspirants across India. The movie also features Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal and Boman Irani as other lead characters, produced under the brands of Red Chillies Entertainment, Jio Studios, and Rajkumar Hirani Films.
Popular TV series Sisimpur to reair on RTV from Jan 6
Children's popular educational and entertainment television series Sisimpur is returning to RTV.
Sisimpur will be reaired on RTV every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at 5:00 pm starting January 6. It will be rebroadcast at the same time on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
‘Amader Ei Potaka’: Chhayanaut, Dhaka University celebrate V- Day 2023
Children will be able to watch Sisimpur on the TV screen six days a week.
RTV has recently signed an agreement with Watermark MCL, the distribution partner of Sesame Workshop Bangladesh, the producer of Sisimpur.
‘Domm’: Chorki, Alpha-i, SVF announce Redoan Rony’s directorial comeback
RTV CEO Syed Ashik Rahman and Watermark MCL MD Palash Mia signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations.
Mohammad Shah Alam, MD of Sesame Workshop Bangladesh, along with other top officials of the three organisations, were present on the occasion.
Is Shah Rukh Khan’s Dunki look inspired by son AbRam?
USAID Bangladesh has been supporting the development and implementation of all Sisimpur activities in Bangladesh from the very beginning.
Netflix’s holiday highlights: Top English Christmas films and series of 2023
As the festive season draws near, the crisp, cool winds stir a sense of joy and celebration. Netflix, a leading OTT platform, becomes a treasure trove of holiday entertainment, especially during this cheerful time. This year, the streaming giant once again enthralls its audience with a captivating selection of English-language Christmas movies and series from its 2023 line-up.
2023's must-watch English Christmas movies and series on Netflix
The Claus Family 3
The Claus Family 3, a continuation of the 2020 movie The Claus Family, tells the story of Jules, a young boy destined to inherit Santa's legacy. Released on Netflix on November 8, 2023, and directed by Ruben Vandenborgh, this film concludes the Claus family trilogy. It depicts Santa's looming retirement and the family's challenges that follow.
The cast includes Mo Bakker, Dieter Hallervord, Jan Decleir, and Tanja Jess. The movie follows Jules as he gears up to take over his grandfather's role as Santa, amidst disruptions caused by a mischievous toymaker. Will the Claus family uphold the holiday spirit in this heartwarming finale?
Read more: ‘Wonka’ review: Powered by the charisma of Timothée Chalamet
Best. Christmas. Ever!
This film, directed by Mary Lambert and released on November 16, 2023, revolves around the unexpected reunion of Jackie and Charlotte during the holiday season. Featuring Heather Graham, Jason Biggs, and Candice King, the story unfolds with Jackie sending a boastful annual newsletter to Charlotte.
This year, however, Charlotte shows up at Jackie's door, leading to comedic revelations and a journey of embracing the unexpected joys of Christmas.
Family Switch
Released on November 30, 2023, and directed by Joseph McGinty Nichol, "Family Switch" is a comedy about two rival families, the Kellers and the Johnsons, who accidentally switch bodies during a unique planetary alignment. Starring Jennifer Garner, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Maya Rudolph, and Ed Helms, the movie combines humor with heartfelt messages of empathy and understanding, making it an ideal family-friendly Christmas comedy.
Read more: Chorki sets tongues wagging with reveal of first-ever Raihan Rafi-Shakib Khan collaboration
The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday
This half-hour CG animated special, a prequel to the 2022 film "The Bad Guys," was released on November 30, 2023. Directed by Bret Haaland, it features the voices of Michael Godere, Ezekiel Ajeigbe, Raul Ceballos, Chris Diamantopoulos, and Mallory Low.
The special follows the criminal crew from the original movie as they navigate holiday hurdles, encounter mischievous reindeer, and rediscover the true spirit of Christmas.
Dhallywood superstar Shabnoor to make comeback with Chayanika Chowdhury's new film
Dhallywood's iconic actress and one of the most successful superstars in mainstream commercial films Shabnoor is set to return to acting with Chayanika Chowdhury's brand new project 'Matal Hawa' alongside prominent actor Mahfuz Ahmed.
Sunday marks the 45th birthday of the acclaimed actress, and director Chayanika Chowdhury announced the news regarding her upcoming film starring the superstar on Sunday night from her verified Facebook profile.
"I have previously shared my desire to make a film with Shabnoor and Mahfuz Ahmed; never thought that this would become a reality this soon. Yes, this is happening. The film's name is 'Matal Hawa', a story by Mahfuz Ahmed and written by Raihan Khan," Chowdhury wrote.
According to Chowdhury, the discussion of this new movie began as an aftermath of her interaction with the actress, followed by the screening of the director's film 'Prahelika' which marked the comeback of the popular television and silver screen actor Mahfuz Ahmed.
The director mentioned that the scriptwriting team had been working on the film for the last four months; however, adding that the shooting will begin once the team is ready to roll, whenever the actors are ready.
"We are not in a hurry since she (Shabnoor) will perform after such a long time!! There should be planning. Furthermore, we want this film to outperform 'Prahelika'. We'll go to the shooting when my artists are ready and our team is ready. There is no rush, not at all - because I always remember the tortoise and the hare narrative. Our goal is to make a great cinema," Chowdhury wrote.
The movie will hit the theatres in any of the Eid festivities next year, according to various sources.
Shabnoor had been living in Australia for more than a decade. The actress has recently returned to her motherland after three years.
The actress made her acting debut in the 1993 film Chandni Raatey, directed by Ehtesham. Her performances alongside late heartthrob superstar Salman Shah made the pair a successful duo, and she is also best known for taking the country's commercial cinema to new heights with her films alongside Riaz, Shakil Khan, Ferdous Ahmed, Amin Khan, Shakib Khan and others.
‘Amader Ei Potaka’: Chhayanaut, Dhaka University celebrate V- Day 2023
Marking the 52d Victory Day, the country’s leading cultural institution Chhayanaut and Dhaka University jointly celebrated a cultural event titled ‘Amader Ei Potaka’ at the central field of Dhaka University on Saturday.
This year, the institutions celebrated the seventh edition of this festivity.
Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof ASM Maksud Kamal and Executive President of Chhayanaut Dr Sarwar Ali inaugurated the event.
Private television station Deepto TV live telecasted the fifty-minute cultural program.
Songs including “O Amar Desher Mati,” “Purbo Digonte Surjo Utheche,” and “Karar Oi Louho Kopat” were presented at the event, among a total of eight group songs.
Compositions of Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Gobinda Halder, Abdul Latif, Mohammad Moshad Ali, Gazi Mazharul Anwar and Gurusaday Dutta were presented at the event.
Artist Abul Kalam Azad performed Shah Abdul Karim's song “Jibon Amar Dhonnyo Je Hai” in a solo voice. Tropa Mazumdar presented selected parts of Syed Shamsul Haque's poetic drama "Payer Awaj Paoa Jay".
The event concluded with a collective rendition of the national anthem at 4:31 pm, commemorating the moment of surrender of the Pakistan Army on the historic December 16 in 1971.
Around 1000 artists-teachers-students of Chhayanaut joined this event along with Thirteen Hussars Open Scouts Group, Bratachari, Azimpur Girls High School, Ati Bhawal Higher Secondary School, Udayan Higher Secondary School and College, Dhaka Imperial College, Nalanda Vidyalaya and Sunnydale.
In 1967, Chhayanaut started Bengali New Year celebrations to instill the belief inof living in self-identity amid the exploitation, deprivation and oppression of Pakistani rulers on the then-East Pakistan's Bengali netizens.
Chhayanaut has been organizing the Victory Day cultural event with the vow to restore the country's equality, to keep netizens united and to spread the renaissance in the culture for thousands of years.
The unique rendezvous first took place in a joint initiative with Dhaka University on Victory Day in 2015.
‘Wonka’ review: Powered by the charisma of Timothée Chalamet
The original 1971 "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" may have been a delicious dream, lined with trees of gumballs and fields of lollipops. But never has there been a more cautionary tale about the danger of too much of a good thing.
Magical as that Roald Dahl-scripted film was, it remains lodged in our imaginations less for its sugary goodness than the way darkness, satire and even mania ebb around its edges — flowing down that nightmarish watery tunnel and pooling somewhere in the back of Gene Wilder's eyes. Charlie Bucket and Grandpa Joe may bubble with laughter all the way up the ceiling, but there's a spinning metal blade up there.
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"Wonka," the latest attempt to revisit Dahl's masterwork, bears no such danger. It's going more for the taste of an Everlasting Gobstopper — an ingenious confection that piles flavor on top of flavor. Tasty though that can be, you miss the daring of Dahl in the more wanly whimsical "Wonka."
Still, the movie has two big things going for it: the charisma of its winning star, Timothée Chalamet, and the dazzling designs of its director, Paul King, the don of "Paddington." To a large degree, King has applied much of the formula that defined "Paddington" — and that "Godfather Part II" of sequels, "Paddington 2" — to a Wonka origin story that populates a delightfully detailed world with a delightful array of supporting characters (many of whom are "Paddington" veterans). Did I say it's delightful?
Yet it's that strain to delight that keeps "Wonka" from achieving liftoff. King's film is lively but too neutered to do Dahl justice; congenial but not clever enough to match the giddy joy of "Paddington 2." If Tim Burton's 2005 film, with Johnny Depp giving Wonka a Michael Jackson spin, leaned into creepiness, "Wonka" goes the opposite direction.
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And you might fairly wonder: What's so wrong that? Who doesn't want a cynicism-free, candy-colored charm overload? "Wonka" may be too much of a good thing, but for many (particularly kids) it will surely, well, delight. Even for a movie predicated on retooling IP, "Wonka" comes across as remarkably sincere in its feel-good aspirations.
In the film's opening scenes, Willy (Chalamet) breezes into a frigid, unnamed European-styled city, singing "I've got nothing to offer but my chocolate and a hatful of dreams." He arrives like a too-confident traveling salesman, eager to sell his chocolate to the world.
Immediately fleeced of his few coins, Willy sets down on a bench for the night and pulls a candle out of his hat that he lights with a gentle blow. He's offered a bed for the night at inn. There, the innkeeper Mrs. Scrubit (Olivia Colman) and her henchman Bleacher (Tom Davis) trap needy drifters into years of indentured labor with elaborate contracts.
This Wonka can't read, a twist that I doubt Dahl would have endorsed, given how much, for him, reading and imagination were intertwined. Before Willy has even gotten started, he finds himself imprisoned with a handful of other similarly misfortunate souls, including the young Noodle (a very natural Calah Lane).
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But inspired by his late mother (Sally Hawkins, seen in tender childhood flashbacks), Willy isn't much daunted in his dream to open a shop alongside other candy makers in the Galeries Gourmet. He manages to escape repeatedly to dazzle customers with chocolates of exotic ingredients before slipping through manhole covers to make a getaway, like Harry Lime in "The Third Man."
Sensing the potential power of Wonka's enchanting chocolates (some cause levitation), the monopolizing local chocolatiers — Slugworth (Paterson Joseph), Prodnose (Matt Lucas) and Fickelgruber (Mathew Baynton) — band together to squash Willy with the aid of a chocolate-addicted police chief (Keegan-Michael Key), whose waistline expands throughout the film.
That bit, like most others in the film, doesn't quite land despite the good cheer it's delivered with. "Wonka" assembles a wide array of top-notch comic actors — not only Key and Colman but Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa; Simon Farnaby (who co-wrote the script with King) as a security guard, mirroring his "Paddington 2" cameo; and Rowan Atkinson as a corrupt priest.
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But most of the jokes in "Wonka" are as memorable as its songs. The gag of Grant, the "Paddington 2" MVP, smothered in orange makeup and green hair as a proudly debonair Oompa Loompa, is never quite as clever as the movie thinks it is. (On the press trail for the film, Grant has been 10 times funnier. )
Neil Hannon's songs are generic, but Chalamet sings them well. When a few notes from Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley's "Pure Imagination" float by, they only serve as a reminder to how much better the tunes were in the original.
I may be being too hard on "Wonka." This is an eminently pleasant movie, propped up by its indefatigable good cheer and King's immaculately tidy craftsmanship. The costumes (Lindy Hemming), cinematography (Chung-hoon Chung) and, in particular, the ingenious production design (Nathan Crowley) craft a wonder-filled backdrop. A film doesn't need scenery this good for Chalamet to carry it. His Wonka is simpler and brighter than Wilder's, more a figure of pure optimism, like Paddington.
But we've also had some exemplary Dahl adaptations lately that didn't forget that worlds of imagination come alive when the cruelties of life and of childhood aren't just paid lip service. (Veruca Salt or Mike Teavee, for instance, wouldn't fit anywhere in "Wonka.") I'm thinking of Wes Anderson's inventive Dahl-adapted shorts, released this fall on Netflix, and Matthew Warchus' terrific "Matilda the Musical," from last year. "Wonka" is a more mixed addition: More tailored for kids yet less about childhood.
"Wonka," a Warner Bros. release, is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for "some violence, mild language and thematic elements." Running time: 116 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.
Chorki sets tongues wagging with reveal of first-ever Raihan Rafi-Shakib Khan collaboration
After recently announcing a new Redoan Rony directorial film starring Chanchal Chowdhury, ‘Domm’, Bangladeshi OTT giant Chorki alongside Alpha-i Studios and Indian film production and distribution company Shree Venkatesh Films (SVF) announced another major collaboration on Monday.
This time it's the latest feature-length film of one of the industry's most exciting new directors, Raihan Rafi, who for the very first time will get the chance to direct Dhallywood's biggest, most bankable superstar, Shakib Khan, in a film titled ‘Toofan’.
The announcement was made at a press conference Monday at the Pan Pacific Hotel Sonargaon, where the producers, director Raihan Rafi and Shakib Khan, briefed the media about the project.
“As I have always stated, there are infinite possibilities for our Bangladeshi movies. With almost 30 million Bangla-speaking audiences both domestically and outside, we have an enormous market for our cinema. Rafi is directing the film with whom I am working for the very first time, and three big production companies are collaborating on it. All in all, I'm excited about this movie,” Shakib Khan said at the press conference.
Sharing his excitement with the media, Raihan Rafi said, "I am thrilled about the movie because this will be my first film with Superstar Shakib Khan, and also because three enormous film entities are teaming up for this film and the previously announced 'Domm’. This will undoubtedly mark a significant milestone for the Bangladeshi film industry.”
Chorki CEO Redoan Rony, SVF Co-founder and Director Mahendra Soni and Alpha-i Studios Managing Director Shahriar Shakil also spoke about the film, all echoing the unity and expectations that the two films, ‘Toofan’ and ‘Domm’, will take the Bangla films industry to a new height.
Shooting of the film is expected to begin soon and it is going to hit the theatres during next year’s Eid Ul Azha, the makers informed at the press conference.
‘Domm’: Chorki, Alpha-i, SVF announce Redoan Rony’s directorial comeback
Popular Bangladeshi OTT platform Chorki CEO Redoan Rony, also known for his fan-favourite television directorial ventures such as ‘FnF’, ‘Housefull’ and films like ‘Chorabali’ and ‘Ice Cream’, is all set to return as a silver screen director with his new film ‘Domm’.
A first-ever collaboration between Chorki, another Bangladeshi production house Alpha-i Studios and Indian film production and distribution company Shree Venkatesh Films (SVF), the film will star the National Award-winning popular actor Chanchal Chowdhury as its lead cast.
Set to be released across Bangladesh and India in 2025, the film is based on a true story, according to the filmmaker.
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The film's announcement was made at a press conference on Saturday at the Pan Pacific Hotel Sonargaon, joined by the producers, the director and other associates of the film.
"As a storyteller, I have always been inspired by true events, and this narrative motivated me to pursue my long-held desire to return as a director. Whenever a person falls into any dangerous situation, we empathically feel that he is unfortunate; but the reality is events like that make an ordinary man stronger and his enormous mental agility can rescue him from any catastrophic situation. This is the tale I'm attempting to express in the film Domm,” Redoan Rony said at the press conference.
Read: Model-choreographer Shahadat Hossain Sumon honoured in New York
Chanchal Chowdhury, known and lauded for his stellar performances as a silver screen actor in films such as ‘Monpura’, ‘Aynabaji’, ‘Debi’, and ‘Hawa’, to name a few, shared his excitement to work with Rony in the film.
“Rony and I have been sharing a great relationship for almost two decades, and I was overwhelmed when I first heard the story of this film. This is a big collaboration with three major productions on board including SVF which is known for many legendary films in West Bengal and I am equally excited and nervous for this film, but mostly excited.”
The director also introduced the three-member scriptwriting team for the film, led by young director Syed Ahmed Shawki, known for his much-acclaimed web series ‘Karagar’ starring Chanchal Chowdhury.
Chorki President and Strategic Head Zaraif Hossain said, “From the very beginning, Chorki's goal was to deliver quality content to 300 million Bangla-speaking audiences around the world. Now with Alpha-i and SVF, Chorki has united to advance that mission. This is going to be a great opportunity and a significant milestone to bring our entertainment industry work to the worldwide audience on a larger scale.”
SVF Co-founder and Director Mahendra Soni said, “With this film, SVF is taking another important step to deepen our relationship with the Bangladeshi entertainment industry. We are not just making films but nurturing a community and culture, and we aim to make Bengali language movies to reach every corner of the world.”
Alpha-i Studios Managing Director Shahriar Shakil said, “We realized that our audiences are keen to watch entertaining content made with international standards. We always tried to deliver quality content despite several limitations; now we are eyeing to break the barriers and go even bigger with this film alongside Chorki and SVF.”
The event was joined by several popular personalities in the country’s entertainment industry including Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Nusrat Imrose Tisha, Raihan Rafi, Adnan Al Rajeev, Masuma Rahman Nabila and others.
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Model-choreographer Shahadat Hossain Sumon honoured in New York
Model-choreographer Shahadat Hossain Sumon was honoured for his contribution to choreography at the 13th NRB Awards 2023, recently held at the Queen's Palace in Queens, New York, in the US.
The award ceremony was held on December 3, organised by Show Time Music, to honour the contributions of those who have made significant contributions in various fields, including art, literature, culture, and commerce in the Diaspora, according to a press release.
About 50 awardees from diverse backgrounds who have contributed to various professions, including artists, journalists, musicians, businessmen, doctors, and lawyers, were honoured and felicitated at the event.
Sumon is a successful model and choreographer in Bangladesh. The award was handed over to him by popular actress Moushumi.
Sumon was born in Sonai-muri Upazila in Noakhali. After finishing high school, he came to Dhaka and got involved with modelling.
In 2006, he officially joined the profession through the popular entertainment programme Sapta-Dinga.
He joined Skyler Modelling School in New York for higher knowledge to learn about the use of lights, stage design, music tracks, and occasional themes in choreography. He worked on several events at five-star hotels and different venues in Dhaka and Chattogram. He also participated in various domestic and foreign fashion shows.
Mousumi, Show Time's leader, Alamgir Khan Alam, artist Moin Chowdhury, and other dignitaries were present at the Show Time music event.
The cultural programme included dances by actress and model Pia Bipasha and her troupe and performances by emerging young Bangladeshi singers based in New York.