Entertainment
"Ratsasan aka Noropishach" starring Vishnu Vishal & Amala Paul set to give goosebumps
Have you heard of Jack the Ripper, England's infamous serial killer who ran on a killing spree overnight?
Then you may have heard of Russia's serial killer No.1, the "Siberian Ripper" too.
Bongo's movie of the month is "Ratsasan" aka Bangla Dubbed "Noropishach" - a South Indian blockbuster psychodrama thriller from 2018 starring Vishnu Vishal and Amala Paul and based on a true serial killer story, said a media release.
Don't miss this movie of the week coming this Friday July 8, 2022; if you are a fan of the scary, thrill & chill, and shivers down your spine! Awestruck for all dark film fans 100% guaranteed!
The story is about passionate film director Arun Kumar.
Constant rejections in his attempt to pursue a career in filmmaking, and his family constraints, force Arun to let go of his dream and take up a job as a police sub-inspector.
While adjusting to his new job role, the city becomes agitated by the news of a brutal serial killer targeting young high school girls.
Using his skills as a screenwriter and putting himself in the killer's mind, Arun links the clues that direct him to the mass murderer.
However, the inspector in charge, Lakkhi, doesn't believe in Arun’s unorthodox methods and profiler skills.
But when the police unit is struck by personal loss caused by the serial killer, the police chief Kamol desperately appoints Arun to find the criminal.
The storyline for the dark psycho thriller, directed by Ram Kumar, was developed over four years.
A lot of research on serial killers was implemented into the plot.
Read: 10 Best Upcoming Bengali Movies in Eid-ul-Adha 2022
Especially the story of the Russian "Siberian Ripper" Alexander Nikolayevich Spesivtsev who brutally killed more than 15 children inspired Kumar to realize "Ratsasan aka Noropishach".
The film starring Amala Paul and Vishnu Vishal was released on 5 October 2018.
It received critical acclaim from the audience, and became a big commercial success.
Besides the thrill, the movie also offers obligatory romance.
The Heroine is Amala Paul who plays the character of Bithi, a teacher which Arun is smitten by.
The music by Ghibran is notable too.
The romantic parts are nicely blended while the spooky, almost wall-to-wall score actually amps up the tension and lends an edge-of-the-seat vibe to the story.
About this movie of the month, Bongo's Head of Licensing and Distribution, Karoline Hoeppner, said, "Our movie Ratsasan (Bangla dubbed "Noropishach") is not for the faint- hearted."
The director doesn’t hold back when it comes to violence and the music and editing emphasizes the violence even more.
Andrew Kishore was more than an ideal artist: Hanif Sanket
On the occasion of the second death anniversary of the legendary Andrew Kishore, hailed as the 'Playback King' and widely regardd as one of the most iconic voices of Bangladesh, eminent media personality Hanif Sanket recalled his friendship with the late singer and asserted as much he was a great artist, he was a compassionate human being as well.
“Today is the second death anniversary of my friend Andrew Kishore. It has been two years since his passing - he is undoubtedly an asset to Bangla Music whose voice was brighter than his fame. People loved him for his songs,” the host of Bangladesh’s most popular magazine programme ‘Ittyadi’ poured his emotional tribute through a Facebook post on Wednesday.
Since 1989, Hanif Sanket directed-hosted satire magazine show ‘Ittyadi’ is the longest-running show in the Bangladeshi television industry and also the longest-running magazine show in the world, and Andrew Kishore was a regular cast member of the show as a singer with many solo and group songs, and popular singles such as “Padma Patar Pani Noy” and more.
Sharing an old image with his late friend and another image standing beside Kishore’s grave, Hanif Sanket wrote: “A great singer who could sing with his flamboyant and melodic voice with an open heart, Kishore also had the ability to mix with people with his open soul. He was an ideal artist, a compassionate human who can only be compared with himself.”
“Through all of his amazing songs, Andrew Kishore’s legacy will be carried forward from generation to generation. My dear friend, I haven't forgotten you - I won't forget - I can't forget. Be in peace, wherever you are,” Hanif Sanket wrote.
Born to Khitish Chandra Baroi and Minu Baroi on November 4, 1955, at Rajshahi in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan), Kishore, a Christian by birth, passed away on July 6, 2020, due to Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Kishore's great adventure in Dhallywood began with the film 'Mail Train' (1977). 'Ochinpurer Rajkumari Nei Je Tar Keu,' composed by Saley Alam Khan, was his debut playback song. After receiving critical recognition for the song 'Ek Chor Jay Chole' penned by Alam Khan in 'Protigga' (1979), Kishore never had to look back on his great musical career.
Remembered by music lovers for his iconic tracks including “Jiboner Golpo, Achhe Baki Olpo,” “Amar Buker Moddhe Khane,” “Dak Diyachhen Doyal Amare,” “Hayre Manush Rongin Fanush,” “Amar Shara Deho Kheyo Go Mati,” “Amar Babar Mukhe Prothom Jedin Shunechilam Gaan,” “Bhengeche Pinjor, Meleche Dana,” “Bhalobese Gelam Shudhu,” “Shobai To Bhalobasha Chae” and more - Andrew Kishore has performed approximately 15,000 songs throughout his legendary career.
For his tremendous contribution to the film industry of the country, Andrew Kishore won Bangladesh National Film Award eight times as the ‘Best Male Playback Singer’ for ‘Boro Bhalo Lok Chhilo’ (1982), ‘Surrender’ (1987), ‘Khotipuron’ (1989), ‘Padma Meghna Jamuna’ (1991), ‘Kabul’ (1996), ‘Aaj Gaye Holud’ (2000), ‘Saajghor’ (2007) and ‘Ki Jadu Korila’ (2008); alongside five prestigious Bachsas Awards and three Meril-Prothom Alo Awards, to name a few.
Prince Mahmud - Maqsood to release new track after two decades on Eid Ul Adha
Popular music director, composer and lyricist Prince Mahmud and eminent singer-musician-lyricist Maqsoodul Haque have worked together on a brand new song, two decades after their last collaborated track "Keno Mon Niye Eto Dao Jontrona" from the 1996 mixed album “Khoma.”
The frontman of the band Maqsood O Dhaka and founding member of the legendary band Feedback, Maqsood’s new song is titled "Shatey-Panchey" which is composed by Prince Mahmud and the music arranged is by Sajid Sarker.
Lyrics for the song are penned by Samuel Haque, while the music video is directed by Nazmus Sadat Nayeem.
From the music label G-series, the song is scheduled to be released during Eid-ul-Adha.
This latest collaboration came with an interesting backdrop, through a Facebook post - according to Prince Mahmud, who shared the track "Keno Mon Niye Eto Dao Jontrona" from the 1996 album “Khoma.” Shared from Prince Mahmud's social media account on June 30, the post made fans nostalgic about the song and the album.
Also Read: Ustad Rashid Khan to sing in 'Coke Studio Bangla' Season Two
“On such a day in 1996, we released “Khoma.” Not so on the first or second day, but after a while, “Khoma” was playing wherever I went. No matter if it’s a 10-year-old child or the youth of 21-30, everyone played “Khoma” at that time. "Keno Mon Niye Eto Dao Jontrona" was the first song of the album, sung by Maqsood bhai,” Prince Mahmud wrote on the post.
Yesterday, Prince Mahmud announced his latest collaboration with Maqsood, and overwhelmed with the nostalgic response he received in the previous post, Prince Mahmud wrote: “Felt good by receiving these heart-warming responses from all of you. Hopefully everyone likes the new song, keep us in your prayers.”
Released in 1996, the album, composed by Prince Mahmud, was a compilation of songs from different bands and is still considered as the 'best-mixed' band album of the 90s.
Siam to make debut in Tollywood alongside Prosenjit Chatterjee
Dhallywood heartthrob Siam Ahmed is going to make his debut in Kolkata alongside veteran Indian actor Prosenjit Chatterjee for Sayantan Ghosal’s new film, which is yet to be titled.
The film will center around the theme of family relationships, starring Prosenjit Chatterjee, Srabanti and Ayoshi in the lead roles.
It is learned that the shooting of the movie will start in London in August, which will be produced by Shadow Films and Roadshow Films.
Regarding his involvement in the project, Siam Ahmed told UNB, "It is not allowed to tell details about the story yet; the director will eventually let everyone know. The least I can say is that this is a movie with a family story, which highlighted the stories of two generations. Audiences from both Kolkata and Bangladesh will be able to relate to the film.”
Also Read: 10 Best Upcoming Bengali Movies in Eid-ul-Adha 2022
"Everyone in the team has been talking to the producer about the movie for the last year and a half," Siam said. “Although we had a tough time selecting the story, in the end we found a story which everyone liked.”
Earlier this year, Siam also signed a contract to act in a Bollywood movie called 'In the Ring' (Story of a Burqa Boxer) alongside Indian actress Mithila Palkar, known for Netflix’s ‘Little Things.’ The film will be directed by Alka Raghuram, an American filmmaker of Indian descent.
10 Best Upcoming Bengali Movies in Eid-ul-Adha 2022
The season of Eid brings a carnival of surprises to the world of entertainment. From the cinema halls to the OTT (Over the Top) platforms, the audiences look forward to having the experience of the incredible combination of screenplay, action, and climax. Filmmakers also keep announcing the release of films as a result of their hard work over the years. This article features some much-awaited Bengali movies for the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha 2022.
Top 10 Bengali movies set to release in Eid-ul-Azha 2022
Ontoratta / Shakib-Darshana
Like other festivals, Dhaliwood King Shakib Khan is appearing in front of his audience with a dazzling look this time. The film is directed by Wazed Ali Sumon and produced by Sohani Hossain's Tarang Entertainment. Emerging star Darshana Banik will appear as the heroine opposite Shakib. Shahid Sharif Khan, Aruna Biswas, and Jhuna Chowdhury will be seen playing different roles here.
Ferari Farhad has written the screenplay of the romantic-action film based on the story of Sohani Hossain. The film will show how a wealthy young man seeking for love falls into the dark world. Falling out of the circle, his life began to stir. The music has been composed by Lincoln Roy Chowdhury and Indradeep Dasgupta.
Read 19 films get Tk 12.15 crore as grants
Deen: The Day / Ananta-Barsha
With a budget of hundreds of crores, the much-discussed and criticized movie titled “Deen: The Day” starring Ananta-Barsha duo is finally going to be released on the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. The film was directed by Murtaza Atash Zamzam, an Iranian filmmaker. The screenplay was written by Chhatku Ahmed of Bangladesh.
The movie highlights the issue that Bangladeshi migrants face various problems during immigration procedures. Ananta will be seen as a formidable police officer in an international organization.
Bangladesh and Iran have jointly produced the movie with such a story and high visual effects. Ananta Jalil's Monsoon Films represented Bangladesh, while Farabi Cinema Foundation worked for Iran. Its teaser and trailer have already received a good response from the audience.
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Shuklapakkha / Sunerah-Roshan
It would be hard to imagine the ending of this movie by watching the beginning. A twist of suspense layered on the scene until the moment of the mystery unfolded. The director is none other than Vicky Jahed. This young revolutionary filmmaker is going to surprise the fans again in the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha.
The film stars Ziaul Roshan in the lead role. Sunerah Binte Kamal, the actress famous for No-Dorai (2019) has starred in this film. Khairul Bashar and Farooq Ahmed are also included among the cast of the web film awaiting release in Charki.
Icon Man / Apurba-Fariha
Ziaul Farooq Apurba, the best actor on the small screen will share the screen again with big-screen star Nusrat Faria. After the success of Shihab Shaheen’s Jodi Kintu Tobuo, these stars will work in the new television feature film “Icon Man” directed by Sanjay Somaddar.
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There will be contemporary competition and various inconsistencies in the context. Unlike the first romantic-comedy film, this film will be a serious one of a completely different set where a combination of suspense and thrill can be found. The shooting of this film, produced by Alpha-Eye, was completed on June 22.
Prem-Pritir Bondhon / Apu-Joy
Actress Apu Biswas has teamed up with Joy Chowdhury, a young actor of the current generation. They have worked together before. However, this time they are appearing together as the protagonists in a full-length movie.
The film is produced and directed by Solaiman Lebu. The production house is Upoma Kathachitra. Shooting of this film was started in May last year. The cast of the film is Misha Saudagar, Ashiq Chowdhury, Aman Reza, Tahmina Mau, Rezmin Setu, LR Khan Simanta, Haider Ali, Harun Kininger, and Jadu Azad.
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Psycho / Puja-Roshan
Psycho is going to be the seventh movie starring the popular star Puja Cheri, the rising young star. Here she will be seen in the role of a minister's daughter, who will be kidnapped. Ziaul Roshan will act opposite her. Roshan will be seen in double roles, one of which is a police officer and another one is a psycho in the movie. The character will be quite challenging for Roshan as a new actor.
The crime genre movie is directed by Ananya Mamun. The film is produced by two filmmaking companies - RBS Entertainment and Celebrity Productions.
Border / Sanju-Adhora
Border is the story of the eventful lives of people in a border area of Bangladesh. The social life, politics, smuggling, drug aggression, and other illegal trade have come up here. The main idea of the film’s storyline was originated by the National Film Award-winning writer and journalist Sudipta Saeed Khan.
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Based on the story, Asad Zaman created the screenplay and dialogue of the movie. Saikat Nasir, the director of the movie, acted as the co-playwright with Zaman. Border's production house was “Maximum Entertainment”.
Adhora Khan acted as the main character of the film. Here she plays the role of the daughter of an influential and honest leader of the village, who comes forward to help the villagers.
Her co-stars are Sanju John, Ashish Khandaker, Rashed Mamun Apu, Sumon Farooq, Ruman Runi, Moumita Mau, Bilas Khan, and Harun Rashid.
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Poran / Mim-Raj
The film, which was waiting to be released on Valentine's Day 2020, is finally coming to the theaters on Eid-ul-Adha two years after. This film with a love triangle is based on the sensational incident of 2019 Rifat-Minni-Nayan. Shahjahan Sourav co-wrote the screenplay with Rayhan Rafi who directed the film.
Vidya Sinha Mim, Yash Rohan, Shariful Raj, and Rashed Mamun Apu will be seen playing the main characters in the film. Music was directed by Emon Chowdhury and Naved Parvez. The teaser song of the movie had a positive effect on the audience. The film is being released under the banner of Live Technologies.
Pap-Punno - World TV premiere
Like Monpura, Swapnajal, and Gunin, Gias Uddin Selim's Pap-Punno also gained a good reputation as soon as it was released. This is the last part of Selim's Love Trilogy, the first two of which were Monpura and Swapnajal.
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The movie was released in 20 theaters simultaneously on May 20 this year. Viewers will be able to watch this star-studded film produced and presented by Impress Telefilm on the TV screen this time. The film will be shown on Channel I on the second day of Eid from 10:15 am.
Two currently busy actors Chanchal Chowdhury and Siam Ahmed starred in two important roles in the cinema. The film also stars Fazlur Rahman Babu, Afsana Mimi, Mamunur Rashid, Monir Khan Shimul, Gausul Alam Shaon, Farzana Chumki, and Shahnaz Sumi.
Live / Simon-Mahi
Shooting of this movie started in January 2021 under Bhuighar Production House. Under the direction of Live Team Chief Shamim Ahmed Rony, the shooting was completed within a year, and the editing was begun. Selim Khan produced the film under the banner of his Shapla Media.
Read WaterAid Bangladesh launches film ‘Kohinoor’ on life, plights of women waste workers
Simon Sadik, National Film Award winner for Best Actor, will be seen in the role of a singer in this movie. The strange poster of the film has given a very different impression to the viewers, which was absent in the poster of Mahir's previous films. After getting the censor clearance, the promotion of the film is going on now. It is time to see whether the movie can win the hearts of movie lovers.
Bottom line
These Bengali movies set to be released in the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha 2022 will undoubtedly increase the joy of Eid. However, due to the lack of big-budget and aspiring superstar movies, the cinema hall authorities are worried. The movies released last Eid-ul-Fitr were able to bring the lost vibe back to the theaters of Bangladesh after overcoming the impact of the Corona epidemic. The Bengali cinephiles will have to wait till Eid-ul-Azha to see if these cinemas can continue that status.
Read Bongo brings South Indian film 'Kadaikutty Singam' as 'Bagher Baccha'
Bongo brings South Indian film 'Kadaikutty Singam' as 'Bagher Baccha'
Video streaming platform Bongo has brought South Indian actor Karthi's film "Kadaikutty Singham," dubbed in Bangla as "Bagher Baccha."
The film is produced by his brother and South superstar Suriya. It is about values that are very close to their heart: the Indian joint family.
Bagher Baccha's is the story of the youngest son Gunasingam (Karthi) of a family, who despite being the son of the landlord, still works as a farmer. He is proud of his profession.
Read: WaterAid Bangladesh launches film ‘Kohinoor’ on life, plights of women waste workers
Gunasingam is also a popular cow cart racer. His life revolves around his large family and relatives who he loves very much. But when Gunasingam falls in love with village beauty Kannu Inniaala (Sayeesha Saigal) and decides to marry her instead of one of his nieces, his family is very disappointed. Gunasingam's once carefree life is now very troublesome.
Directed by Pandiraj, Bagher Baccha stars fine actors and actresses including Sathyaraj, Soori, Sayyeshaa, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Arthana Binu Ponvannan, Bhanupriya, Viji Chandrashekar, Sriman, Soundararajan, Yuvarani, Mounika, Ilavarasu, and Maarimuthu.
In 2019, the main protagonist of the film, Karthi, was nominated for best Tamil actor at the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA).
Pandiraj was nominated in SIIMA as the best director in the Tamil film Industry. Soori won SIIMA award as the best Tamil comedian. Priya was nominated as the best supporting actress at the South Filmfare Awards.
Ustad Rashid Khan to sing in 'Coke Studio Bangla' Season Two
Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri winning eminent Indian classical singer and musician Ustad Rashid Khan, known for his many iconic classical and Bollywood numbers, has recently revealed that he is all set to perform in the upcoming second season of the popular musical show Coke Studio Bangla.
On his 54th birthday last Friday, the Indian classical maestro revealed the information to Anandabazar Patrika during an interview.
Read:Coke Studio Bangla concert held at Army Stadium
His son Arman Khan, also a classical singer and musician, will also be performing alongside Khan, he informed.
"I always like to do fusion. I have performed fusion before, there are also recordings of my fusion. This time I will do fusion with my son in Bangladesh, as part of the Coke Studio Bangla," the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana artist of Indian classical music said.
"This would certainly be a song of classical music; however, I will try to make that fusion from a slightly different angle. Currently, I am thinking and planning about the song," Khan added.
Regarding his involvement in the next season, Coke Studio Bangla Creative Producer Syed Gousul Alam Shaon informed that the eminent classical maestro was all set to join the ongoing maiden edition of Coke Studio Bangla, but the plan was rescheduled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Confirming his addition, Shaon told media that the second season of Coke Studio Bangla will bring even more enthralling musical experiences to the audiences.
The ongoing season one of the international platform has already received rave reviews for its fusion tracks, blending folks and modern Bangla songs.
Read:Coke Studio's 'Chiltey Roud': Arnob whips up another magical track
So far, total seven songs have been released from season one, and the latest song "Shob Loke Koy" is a fusion tribute to Bengali Baul Fakir Lalon Shai and Indian mystic poet Kabir Das, performed by Kaniz Khandaker Mitu and Indian singer Soumyadeep Sikdar, who is known as Murshidabadi and a disciple of Ustad Rashid Khan.
Shayan Chowdhury Arnob, Curator and Producer of the Coke Studio Bangla Season One, has arranged the music and produced the fusion track which currently stands with over 3.1 million views on YouTube.
Curtain closes on 'Letter to the City'
Over the weekend (Friday, Saturday) the artistic event "Letter to the City" was held at Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park's library space in Dhaka's Gulshan-2.
Dhaka Memory, an experimental collective of artists and architects, hosted this event, with the support of the German Embassy in Dhaka and the Rotary Club of Dhaka Pathfinders.
The two-day event featured different activities including book launching and book reading sessions, puppet show, discussion, letter writing, memory gameplay, drawing sessions, and live music.
Friday, the special book "Everyday Stories" was launched at the event. The book is an anthology that comprises stories of the everyday struggles and triumphs of six girls from Dhaka's Karail slum.
Winners of K-pop contests Dhaka announced
The South Korean Embassy in Dhaka Saturday announced the winners of the K-pop contests in Dhaka.
The event was organised by the embassy in collaboration with the Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB).Many talented Bangladeshi people, especially youngsters, interested in Korean culture and K-pop participated in the event.
Eighty-six videos were submitted on K-pop performances this year.
Twelve teams – Omada, Noor E Saba, Mahfuz Ahmed Mahee, Ruquiyah Binte Kalam, Mavericks, Zafrin Siddiqui, After Game, Knight Sisters, A-Maze, Savage Girls, RaRaLava, and Rumaisa Islam – were selected for the stage performance today at the IUB auditorium.
Mavericks won the first prize. Savage Girls and RaRaLava became second runners-up. Rumaisa Islam and Knight Sisters earned third place. These five best teams were awarded at the performance stage.The K-pop World Festival 2022 will be held in September in South Korea's Changwon after taking stock of the Covid-19 situation.
The national winners of Bangladesh will be recommended to the K-Pop World Festival 2022 organiser for its final selection for an invitation to the festival. If selected by the organiser, they will be invited to the global competition in Changwon.
South Korean Ambassador Lee Jang-keun said this is the first physical K-Pop event arranged by the Embassy after the K-Pop contests were held online for two consecutive years.
Ambassador Lee highly appreciated all those Bangladesh young girls and boys who showed great interest in K-pop by participating in the contest.
Professor Tanweer Hasan, vice-chancellor of IUB, was present as the special guest, and Syed Ashik Rahman, CEO of RTV, as a judge.
The South Korean Embassy in Dhaka regularly holds various cultural events, such as Korean film festivals, taekwondo competitions, and K-pop contests, to deepen the mutual understanding between South Koreans and Bangladeshis through culture and strengthen bilateral ties.
As Bangladesh and South Korea will celebrate 50 years of their diplomatic ties next year, the embassy will host more dynamic cultural events to commemorate deepened bilateral friendship.
The mission encouraged more talented Bangladeshi youths to participate in the next year's K-pop contests.
‘Hasina: A Daughter's Tale’ to be rescreened in historical city Athens Sunday
Hasina: A Daughter's Tale, a docudrama capturing the hard-to-believe real-life story of a woman struggling to reclaim her space in her own country, continues to earn rave reviews across the globe, with Greek city Athens being the latest in the line to screen it for the audience.
A special screening of the docudrama will take place in 'We Need Books' Multicultural Library in the historical city on Sunday at 8.30pm (Athens Time), according to the Centre for Research & Information (CRI).
The 70-minute docufiction starts dramatically with Sheikh Hasina, then staying far from her homeland, bumping into the horrifying update that a diabolical coup had killed nearly all family members.
That brief moment of the end-of-the-world shock foreshadowed a stranger-than-fiction story of a woman's fight against a world of challenges.
Read: Screening of 'Hasina: A Daughter's Tale' connects Kolkata audience
Directed by Piplu Khan and produced by CRI Trustees Radwan Mujib Siddiq and Nasrul Hamid, the movie culminated in success following five years of research and effort, presenting the never-told-before stories of the life of Hasina instead of her official role as the prime minister.
The docudrama offered first-person narratives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana, telling the tales of their lives as daughters of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The film was also screened in a number of prestigious film festivals, earning acclamation from the audience who spotted a parallel between the political histories of Nigeria and Bangladesh, both having encountered notorious coups.
Earlier, think tank CRI has taken numerous initiatives to bring history closer to the young generation, including Hasina: A Daughter's Tale, Mujib Graphic Novel, Joy Bangla Concert, and Joy Bangla Youth Award.