Entertainment
Joy Bangla Concert coming to Port City
This year's must-attend musical fiesta for the youth, the Joy Bangla Concert, is taking a groundbreaking leap by stepping outside Dhaka for the first time, promising an array of surprises.
Young Bangla, the nation's largest youth network, sparked a social media frenzy with its announcement, revealing Chattogram as the new host city to the delight of eager fans.
The buzz began with a simple yet compelling Facebook post: "Coming to Chattogram." Shared by Young Bangla and CRI, the announcement has since been echoed across social platforms by hundreds of enthusiastic fans, reminiscing over the concert's past glories.
Joy Bangla Concert: Untold stories of how the mega event came to be
Set to light up the MA Aziz Stadium, this year's concert aims to resurrect the spirit of Bangabandhu's historic March 7 speech, featuring a blend of iconic and up-and-coming rock bands ready to rock the audience.
Since its inception in 2015, the Joy Bangla Concert has quickly ascended to the pinnacle of musical celebrations, captivating the youth and setting a new benchmark for musical gatherings.
After a brief intermission due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the concert made a triumphant return in 2023.
Joy Bangla Concert 2023 starts with observing minute’s silence in memory of Gulistan blast victims
What sets this concert apart is its dedication to reliving the pivotal moments leading to the 1971 Liberation War, offering not just music but a journey through history.
A university student's Facebook post captured the anticipation: "I had the time of my life at the last concert and cherished every moment. I'm planning my trip to Chattogram already because missing this year's edition is simply not an option."
Bappa Mazumder's Odyssey set to enamor music lovers on Friday
Fresh off his 52nd birthday, singer Bappa Mazumder is set to perform at his upcoming solo concert, Bappa Mazumder's Odyssey, on Friday in Dhaka's KIB Auditorium.
Set to perform his 28 iconic and popular songs as part of a three-hour set, this is only Bappa Mazumder's second solo concert in a career spanning more than three decades.
Kolkata 20th Tele Cine Awards: Afzal Hossain, Chanchal Chowdhury, Bappa Mazumder honoured
Bappa's first solo offering, "Alive Experience," was a smash-hit concert held in September 2022.
"It's always a dream for an artist to be able to do a solo concert. You're under no pressure to play only your hits but can perform many finely crafted songs that perhaps did not do as well commercially," Bappa said during a Facebook Live session from his official page while promoting the event.
We’ll celebrate you till we take our last breath: Bappa Mazumder
Besides Bappa, the show will also feature popular singer Masha Islam as the special opening act.
Tickets for the concert are available at getsetrock.com.
Most-hyped Bollywood Movies Releasing on March 2024
Springtime in Bollywood brings a bouquet of cinematic delights. Directors' artistic flair and the magnetic allure of star actors turn into a kaleidoscope of diverse genres – from comedy to thriller. As the season unfolds, anticipation mounts for stunts, dialogues, and music. Let's see what surprises Bollywood films releasing in March 2024 have in store for movie lovers.
10 Must-see Bollywood Films Coming This March
Accident or Conspiracy: Godhra / March 1, 2024
This drama, produced by OM Trinetra Films and Artverse Studios, is directed by M.K. Shivaaksh. It delves into the intricacies surrounding the 2002 Godhra train burning in Gujarat, India.
Drawing from the authoritative findings of the Nanavati-Mehta Commission, assigned to investigate the incident, the film aims to unearth the truth. Was it an impulsive act borne of chaos, or a meticulously orchestrated scheme?
Accident or Conspiracy: Godhra has an ensemble cast including Ranvir Shorey, Denisha Ghumra, Manoj Joshi, and Hitu Kanodia. The movie’s inaugural song is performed by the renowned Kailash Kher under the composition of V. Rakx.
Read more: February 2024 Amazon Prime Originals: Most-Hyped Shows, Series, and Movies
Operation Valentine / March 1, 2024
This historical action thriller marks the directorial debut of Shakti Pratap Singh Hada and is produced by Sony Pictures and Sandeep Mudda, with co-production by God Bless Entertainment and Nandkumar Abbineni.
Set to be a patriotic, edge-of-the-seat entertainer, the movie will spotlight the Indian Air Force heroes on the front lines, depicting the challenges they faced during one of India's biggest aerial attacks.
Simultaneously shot in Telugu and Hindi, it stars Manushi Chhillar, Varun Tej, Mir Sarwar, and Navdeep in pivotal roles. Mickey J Meyer crafted the evocative soundtrack and background score.
Shaitaan / March 8, 2024
This supernatural horror thriller, directed by Vikas Bahl, is produced under Ajay Devgn FFilms, Jio Studios, and Panorama Studios. The film stars Ajay Devgn, Janki Bodiwala, Jyothika, and R. Madhavan, and is a remake of the 2023 Gujarati film ‘Vash’.
Read more: Netflix English Originals Coming in March 2024
The story follows a happy family on vacation to a secluded village, where they encounter a mysterious man claiming to be their well-wisher. However, his intentions turn sinister as he resorts to black magic to manipulate and torment them. As the family realizes they are in grave danger, they must fight for survival against the malevolent forces at play.
Yodha / March 15, 2024
Directed by Sagar Ambre and Pushkar Ojha, this action thriller movie is bankrolled by Karan Johar, Hiroo Yash Johar, and Apoorva Mehta under Dharma Productions. The film features Raashii Khanna, Sidharth Malhotra, and Disha Patani in leading roles.
The story unfolds as terrorists hijack a passenger plane, prompting an off-duty soldier aboard to devise a strategy for defeating the hijackers and ensuring the passengers' survival amidst engine failure.
Yodha's music is composed by Tanishk Bagchi and B Praak, with lyrics penned by B Praak and Manoj Muntashir.
Read more: Top South Indian Films Hitting the Screens in February 2024
Bastar: The Naxal Story / March 15, 2024
Directed and written by Sudipto Sen, this crime genre movie is produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. Adah Sharma portrays I.G. Neerja Mathur, alongside an ensemble cast including Shilpa Shukla, Raima Sen, Yashpal Sharma, and Subrat Dutta.
‘Bastar’ draws inspiration from the real-life events surrounding the Naxals in Chhattisgarh. The narrative is rooted in the historical context of the Bastar rebellion that erupted in 1910, offering a poignant reflection on the region's tumultuous past.
Earth360° Festival sheds spotlight on 'Rivers and Riverine Lives'
Earth360° Festival, an annual art festival that uses visual storytelling to raise environmental awareness and inspire actions for a sustainable future, is currently ongoing at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro (BSK) in the capital.
Inaugurated on February 17, the four-day event is organised by Bangladesh Youth Environmental Initiative (BYEI), an environmental non-profit, in partnership with the US Embassy in Dhaka.
This year, Earth360° Festival is themed on “Rivers and Riverine Lives” to showcase a variety of stories about the country's rivers and river-dependent lives.
James Gardiner, Economic Officer at the US Embassy Dhaka and Bangladesh Youth Environmental Initiative (BYEI) founder Shamir Shehab graced the opening ceremony as guests.
The opening ceremony on Saturday was followed by the first Earth360 dialogue on ‘Artists with Conscience’, in which cartoonist and editor of Unmad Ahsan Habib, artist Wakilur Rahman, political cartoonist Mehedi Haque discussed and engaged with the audience on the transformative power of art in championing social and environmental causes.
BYEI is an environmental non-profit organisation that has been working on environment, nature and climate change issues with youth and children to develop the next generation of planetary stewards since 2009 and regularly organises various programmes.
This festival features photography and digital art exhibition, film shows, and dialogues sparking debates, discussions and critical discourse focusing on river and river dependent lives of the Bengal delta.
On February 17, children from various schools of Dhaka participated in a drawing competition.
Today (February 19), a special screening of the critically acclaimed film titled 'Shunte Ki Pao! Are you listening!’ by renowned director Kamar Ahmad Simon will take place at the BSK screening hall.
Over 1200 submissions have been received in different categories for the official selection in the festival. A total of 70 photographs and digital arts are being displayed in the exhibition.
First Community Digital Storytelling Festival ends in style at DIU
The maiden edition of Community Digital Storytelling Festival (CDSTF) concluded on Saturday at the Daffodil Smart City successfully.
The two-day event was held on the 16th and 17th of February by the Daffodil International University (DIU)'s Department of Journalism, Media, and Communication (JMC), showcasing 39 films from nine countries out of 106 submissions.
After its successful opening on Friday, the festival concluded on Saturday with the closing session, featuring special screenings amid the presence of distinguished guests, and enlightening parallel sessions.
Films were screened from three of the four categories — 'Journalism Category', 'DIU Best Community Stories' and the 'One Minute Category' — on the closing day, at the International Conference Room, Knowledge Tower, Daffodil Smart City.
During the event, the Dean of FHSS, Prof Dr Liza Sharmin, graced the occasion as a special guest and delivered a speech on the significance of digital storytelling. She complimented the participants for their efforts and contribution towards making the festival a success.
The second day ended with the Project Director of Bangladesh Film Archive, Dr Mofakhherul Iqbal, as the chief guest, who introduced a documentary on the role of foreign media in the Liberation War back in 1971.
Professor Dr Golam Rahman, the Editor of daily Ajker Patrika and Advisor of the Department of Journalism, Media and Communication, DIU delivered the vote of thanks.
On the first day of the festival, Anindo Banerjee, Head of Content, Chorki, graced the occasion as a special guest and expressed appreciation towards the event stating, "There are hidden stories all around us that need to be spoken, and CDSTF is doing that, doing their social responsibilities properly."
Ayub Uddin Shihab won in the one-minute category, while Mohammad Sheikh took home the DIU Best Digital Story award. Additionally, Mithun Majumdar and Rabita Khandaker shone in the Journalism category.
Moreover, a special documentary titled 'Gawe ka Padi' was shown on the first day of the event, directed by the Australian filmmaker-researcher Max Schleser, who joined virtually to answer questions regarding the film. Selected films in the 'Independent Category' were also screened on the same day.
March 2024 South Indian Films Line-up: Must-watch Releases
As the vibrant colors of spring become more prominent, the South Indian film industry prepares to dazzle audiences with a spectacular array of new releases. Brilliant movie creators from each of the Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema are coming to showcase their best craft in diverse genres. This upcoming festive season promises an eclectic mix of entertainment for cinephiles of all tastes. Explore the cinematic landscape of this March with these 12 unmissable releases.
12 Must-see South Indian Movies Premiering in March 2024
Por | Tamil | March 1, 2024
The action-drama is crafted in both Tamil and Hindi versions, titled 'Por' and 'Dange' respectively. 'Por' features master actor Arjun Das and Kalidas Jayram, with Sanchana Natarajan in a supporting role. In the Hindi version, Harshvardhan Rane and Ehan Bhatt lead, supported by Nikita Dutta. However, TJ Bhanu appears in both versions.
Bejoy Nambiar, the director and co-writer of the film, also serves as a producer alongside Prabhu Antony and Madhu Alexander.
The movie extends its narrative up to explore cultural identity, friendship complexities, and intense rivalry. Set against a vibrant college festival backdrop, it delves into the intricate dynamics between two friends whose paths diverge, sparking fierce competition.
Read more: Amazon Prime Originals in March 2024: List of New Shows and Movies
J Baby | Tamil | March 8, 2024
Directed by Suresh Mari, a former associate of Venkat Prabhu and Pa Ranjith, this drama film stars Dinesh, Urvashi, and Lollu Sabha Maaran. This Pa Ranjith production centers around Urvashi's portrayal of the titular character.
'J Baby' primarily explores the theme of motherhood, depicting the poignant journey of a son in search of his lost mother.
Rebel | Tamil | March 22, 2024
The film, starring music composer and actor GV Prakash, is directed and written by debutant Nikesh. Set in the 1980s in Munnar, it portrays the story of a rebellious student, employing a non-linear screenplay to unravel the tales of the town's inhabitants.
Making her debut as a female lead is Mollywood actress Mamitha Baiju. The cast also includes Shalu Rahim, Venkitesh VP, Adhithya Baskar, Subramaniya Siva, Kalloori Vinoth, and Karunas.
Read more: Netflix English Originals Coming in March 2024
Double iSmart | Telugu | March 8, 2024
This is a science fiction action film written and directed by Puri Jagannadh, who co-produced the film with Charmme Kaur under the banner of Puri Connects. The movie stars Ram Pothineni and Sanjay Dutt in the lead roles and serves as a sequel to the 2019 film, ‘iSmart Shankar’.
The latest installment revolves around a plot where a deceased police officer's memories are transplanted into another's brain, with an assassin aiding the authorities.
‘Double iSmart’ is set to be released in multiple versions, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi languages.
Bhimaa | Telugu | March 8, 2024
This action drama film, directed by A. Harsha and written by Ajju Mahakali, features Gopichand in the titular role.
Read more: Most Hyped Bollywood Films Releasing in February 2024
Set in a rural backdrop, Gopichand portrays a police officer who stands taller than the malevolent forces plaguing the land, dedicated to protecting the people through decisive action.
The supporting roles in ‘Bhimaa’ are played by Priya Bhavani Shankar, Malvika Sharma, Nassar, and Vennela Kishore. Ravi Basrur was roped in for the music composition of the movie.
Tillu Square | Telugu | March 29, 2024
This romantic crime comedy film is directed by Mallik Ram, with a screenplay by Ravi Anthony and Sidhu Jonnalagadda. This installment serves as the sequel to the 2022 film "DJ Tillu," featuring Siddhu Jonnalagadda reprising his role alongside Anupama Parameswaran as the female lead.
As Tillu finds himself embroiled in a mysterious murder, the movie plot takes unexpected twists and turns.
Read more: February 2024 Amazon Prime Originals: Most-Hyped Shows, Series, and Movies
Amazon Prime Originals in March 2024: List of New Shows and Movies
Amazon Prime Video has already scheduled the likes of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” to Jennifer Lopez’s “This is Me ….. Now” for February. And if it’s any sign, the releases for March are only going to get better. Here’s a list of what we’re most excited about in March 2024.
What’s Coming under Amazon Prime Originals This March
Ricky Stanicky
Ricky Stanicky is the story of that imaginary friend we all had in childhood. Dean, Wes, and JT have been best friends since childhood. The three together came up with an imaginary character named Ricky Stanicky. For whatever mischief the trio did, Ricky would always get the blame.
Fast forward to the present day, the trio’s partners get suspicious about Ricky and want to meet him. How the three friends hire a washed-up actor to put a face to Ricky is what makes up the premise of this comedy film.
Read more: February 2024 Amazon Prime Originals: Most-Hyped Shows, Series, and Movies
Ricky Stanicky is directed by Peter Farell with story from David Occhino and Jason Decker. The movie stars Zac Efron, John Cena, Andrew Santino, and Jermaine Fowler in lead roles. Ricky Stanicky premiers on 7th March.
Invincible Season 2 Part 2
“Look what they need to mimic a fraction of our power”, this epic punchline from Prime's original Invincible became an instant meme and brought the show into limelight in 2021. After a highly successful first season, Invincible was back for season 2 in November last year. The second part of season 2 is slated to stream from 14th March.
The story marking Grayson and his seemingly all-powerful father Nolan continues in the second part of season 2. The star cast includes Mark Hamill, Steven Yeun, J.K. Simmons, and Lauren Cohen will be reprising their roles. The animated series is based on the American comic book of the same name by Robert Kirkman. MGM Studios in collaboration with Skybound Animation and Point Grey Pictures is in charge of production.
Read more: Most Hyped Bollywood Films Releasing in February 2024
Road House
Road House is a reimagination of the 1989 movie of the same name. The movie tells the story of Elwood Dalton as he takes up the job of security at a roadhouse in the Florida Keys. Dalton, who's a former UFC fighter, soon realizes things aren’t exactly what they seem in this unassuming bar.
Roadhouse is directed by Doug Liman with story from Anthony Bagarozzi, Charles Mondry, and David Lee Henry. Joel Silver, who originally produced the 1989 film, produced the remake as well. The movie stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Daniela Melchior, Billy Magnussen, and Conor McGregor in lead roles.
Road House premiers on 21st March.
Read more: Top South Indian Films Hitting the Screens in February 2024
5lbs of Pressure
5 lbs of pressure tells the story of Adam, an ex-con who just served 16 years in prison for a murder. When he gets out, he decides to visit his old neighborhood to reconcile with his past and start afresh. What he doesn’t know is that one of the brothers of his victim is planning a deadly revenge. The story unfolds as both their demons and vendetta collide.
5 lbs of pressure is directed by Phil Allocco who’s also the writer of the film. It stars Luke Evans, Alex Pettyfer, and Rory Culkin in lead roles.
5 lbs of pressure premiers on 22nd March.
Read more: 10 Must-watch Inspirational Movies Like ‘12th Fail’
The Baxters
Who doesn’t love a good family drama? The Baxters tells the story of Elizabeth and John Baxter with their five grown-up children. Season 1 focuses on one of the daughters, Kari, finding out that her professor husband Tim is having an affair behind her back. What she does and how the family navigates through life make up the basic premise of the series.
The Baxters is based on the famous novel series of the same name by Karen Kingsbury. The series stars Roma Downey, Ted McGinley, Masey McLain, Ali Cobrin, Josh Plasse, and Reilly Anspaugh in lead roles.
The Baxters premiers on 28th March.
Read more: February 2024 Lineup of Netflix Originals in English
American Rust: Broken Justice
American Rust is back with its second season, Broken Justice. The series revolves around the life of the compromised chief of police Del Harris. The police chief with all his complications navigates life in the hope of a tattered American dream in a small town in southwest Pennsylvania.
American Rust is based on the acclaimed novel of the same name by Philip Meyer. The show is created by Dan Futterman and stars Jeff Daniels, Maura Tierney, David Alvarez, and Bill Camp in lead roles.
Final Words
Amazon Prime is coming up with some exciting originals in March 2024. The new releases have generated considerable hype with fan favorites Invincible and American Rust returning for a second season. Happy binging!
Read more: Netflix English Originals Coming in March 2024
Actress Mahiya Mahi to get divorce
Popular actress Mahiya Mahi will be getting a divorce from her husband Rakib Sarker.
The actress made the announcement herself in a video posted on her Facebook page Friday (February 16, 2024) night.
At the same time, she requested netizens to not make lewd comments about her personal life, specially her child and asked for prayers instead.
Read more: Bongo unveils heartwarming Valentine’s Day Campaign: "Love Stories"
Bongo unveils heartwarming Valentine’s Day Campaign: "Love Stories"
Bongo, one of the leading OTT platforms of the country, embraces romantic fervor with its latest Valentine's Day extravaganza, "Love Stories."
This captivating campaign features four enchanting short films, each a testament to the magic of love, brought to life by renowned filmmakers Mizanur Rahman Aryan, Kajal Arefin Ome, Giasuddin Selim, and Vicky Zahed, said a media release.
Drawing inspiration from the timeless tales found in Bishwajit Chowdhury's beloved book "Sholpo Doirghya Premer Golpo," these cinematic gems promise to whisk viewers away on a journey of romance and passion.
From Aryan's heartwarming "Booking", Ome’s “Dukkhito”, Selim’s “Gaiyaa” to Vicky's poignant "Extra," each film captures the essence of love in its purest form.
Starring a constellation of talented actors including Pori Moni, ABM Sumon, Ziaul Haque Polash, Parsa Evana, Prarthana Fardin Dighi, Khairul Basar, Niloy Alamgir, Sabila Nur, and more, these love stories are sure to tug at the heartstrings of audiences far and wide.
Mushfiqur Rahman Manzu, the visionary producer behind "Love Stories" and Bongo's esteemed Chief Content Officer, expressed his excitement for this groundbreaking campaign: "Valentine's Day holds a special place in our hearts, and we wanted to celebrate it in grand style.
With 'Love Stories,' we're not only bringing captivating tales of romance to our viewers but also introducing an innovative gifting feature.
Now, fans can share the love by gifting their favorite stories to their loved ones, and even stand a chance to attend our exclusive Love Stories Gala Night, where dreams come true."
Experience the magic of "Love Stories" on Bongo for just Tk 14 taka per short film, or indulge in all four for just Tk 29. But the excitement doesn't end there! Viewers can spread the love by gifting these enchanting films to their beloveds, with 50 lucky couples winning a golden opportunity to rub shoulders with their favorite stars at the Love Stories Gala Night with an unforgettable dinner experience.
Indian music sensation Badshah set to perform at TECNO Music Festival in Dhaka
Indian rapper and musician Badshah is set to perform at the TECNO SPARK 20 Series Music Fest and launch of TECNO SPARK 20Pro Plus.
The festival will be held on March 1 evening at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB Expo Zone), according to a press release.
Badshah, recognised for his chart-topping hits and dynamic performances, has captivated audiences worldwide. Having been featured on Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list for three consecutive years as one of the highest-paid celebrities in India, Badshah's appearance at the TECNO SPARK 20 Series Music Fest is anticipated to be nothing short of sensational, it said.
TECNO, a youth-centric brand, acknowledges the importance of bringing young people together and creating memorable experiences for them. Joining Badshah on stage are renowned Bangladeshi artists including Fuad & Friends, Pritom Hasan, Xefer, Black Zang, and Sanjoy, each bringing their unique flair to the event.
Not only will this lineup promise a wide range of musical styles, but the music festival will also see the launch of the TECNO SPARK 20Pro Plus, ensuring an exciting and captivating experience for all attendees, the release said.
Tickets for the Music Fest are now available for purchase on TECHNO’s official Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/TECNOMobileBangladesh.