United News of Bangladesh

Leading Bangladeshi OTT platform Chorki stepped into its fourth anniversary on Saturday, marking four years of consistent original content production and impactful contributions to the country’s digital content industry. Since its launch on July 12, 2021, Chorki has become a popular name among Bengali-speaking audiences at home and abroad. With a focus on original series, films, documentaries, and co-produced cinema, Chorki has emerged as a trusted platform for quality Bangla entertainment. In a press release issued to mark the occasion, Chorki announced some impressive milestones: over 1 billion hours of content have been watched on the platform, and it now boasts more than 30 million registered users. In its four-year journey, the platform has released over 100 original productions, averaging more than two releases per month. Expressing gratitude to viewers, Chorki CEO Redoan Rony said, “Chorki has come this far because of the trust and love of our viewers. We are proud to see that when people think of watching Bangla content on OTT, they often turn to Chorki first.” Afran Nisho to join Chanchal Chowdhury in Redoan Rony's comeback film 'Domm' Highlighting Chorki’s diverse offerings, Rony noted that the platform has consistently released original series, movies, travel, cooking and comedy shows, along with curated foreign content. He added that Chorki has become the leading OTT producer of Bangladeshi films — with titles like Surongo, Toofan, Daagi, and Taandob becoming major hits. In addition to commercial blockbusters, Chorki has supported story-driven films appealing to family and middle-class audiences, including 36-24-36 and Priyo Maloti. Rony mentioned this year’s Eid-ul-Azha release Utshob as an example of content made with viewers and cinema’s broader interest in mind, despite commercial risks. “We believe there’s a need for both thrilling mainstream films like Taandob and emotionally rich family dramas like Utshob. Audiences have embraced both,” Rony said. Known for innovation, Chorki has brought fresh ideas to Bangla content. From the psychological thriller Allen Swapan Season 2 to the horror series Dui Shaw, the historical narrative Feu, and the dark film Amalnama, Chorki’s original content has earned strong audience feedback. Chorki’s content has also gained recognition at prestigious international film festivals. Its co-produced film Priyo Maloti, directed by Shankha Dashgupta, was officially selected for the World Cinema category at the Cairo International Film Festival and screened at the International Film Festival of India; and also won the Best Film Award at the Dhaka International Film Festival. Additionally, Nuhash Humayun’s horror series Dui Shaw has been officially selected at renowned festivals including Fantasia, Raindance, Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival, and SXSW. Looking ahead, Chorki said that it is aiming to expand its reach beyond 350 million Bangla-speaking viewers to global audiences. On the occasion of its fourth anniversary, CEO Redoan Rony thanked all the viewers, creators, artists, and supporters for being part of Chorki’s journey. He also teased an upcoming special offer that will go live at 12:01 am on July 13, urging fans to stay tuned to Chorki’s verified Facebook page for the announcement. “Expect more films, more fun, and more excitement,” Rony said, regarding the platform's fourth anniversary and upcoming projects.

Video streaming platform Bongo has released the Bangla dubbed version of animation film "Bilal" dubbed in Bangla. The film is based on the true story of how Bilal proved himself as a fearless warrior of the Islamic empire and became the first muezzin in the history of Islam. The main characters of the animated film are voiced by Adewale Ekinnuye-Agbaje, Ian McShane, China Anne McLain and others. Many of the crew members of this movie worked in famous Hollywood animation films like "Shrek" and "Monsters Inc." Read: Bongo brings 'The Groomsmen' as 'Bhai Brothers' The story's central characters Bilal and his sister Gufaira are the children of Princess Hamama of Abyssinia. A group of robbers ambush and kill Hamama and kidnap teenage Bilal and teenage Gufaira. They take them thousands of miles away in the desert, and later sell them as slaves to an idol merchant. Directed by Khurram H Alavi and Aiman Jamal, Bilal was nominated in the best animated feature film category at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, Asia's most prestigious film award. The film was awarded in the best inspiring movie category at the Animation Day of the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. It also won the best innovative movie award at the Broadcast Pro Middle East Awards.

Streaming platform Bongo will release Girls Squad Season 2 on the OTT platform on June 15 after its successful journey of season 1.     Girls Squad is a story centering the life of six girls. In Season 2, Samira Khan Mahi, Rukaiya Jahan Chamak, Sharna Lata, and Samonty Shoumi will continue their struggle for friendship, and love, and chase their dreams, Bongo said in a statement. Also read: Bongo brings Turkish series 'Hercai' as 'Rehana' The statement reads Girls Squad Season 2 is coming again under the composition and direction of Maidul Rakib. Tania Brishti and Anindita Mimi will make their appearance in season 2.  Popular actor cum anchor Shahriar Nazim Joy and actor Zaher Alvi will also play alongside the rest of the cast. Bongo is releasing 20 new episodes of the new season.  Last year during Eid-ul-Azha, Bongo released the drama series 'Girls Squad Season 1' and broke the convention of hero content. Also read:Bongo to bring another 7 original telefictions this Eid Mushfiqur Rahman, Bongo's chief content officer said, "To give 100 percent entertainment to our viewers, we always thrive to select the best-suited actors and actresses for the project That is why, for Season 2, Joy, Alvi, and some other stars have been added to the series. Following the success of Season 1, we hope Season 2 reaches, resonates with, and delights our audience just as much."

As the Omicron variant of the ongoing COVID-19 is slowly but surely affecting lives in Bangladesh, the much-anticipated police action thriller film 'Shaan's theatrical release got postponed on Wednesday. This came as a shock to many as the announcement came just after the day of 'Shaan's gala press meet on Tuesday night in the capital. When contacted, 'Shaan's director M Raahim told UNB that the team had taken this decision after evaluating the present situation of the Omicron variant and its latest surge in the country. "Yes, that's true. We had to take this decision, considering the current circumstances. As heartbroken as we all currently are, we took this decision because we don't want to see our audience taking any risk to watch 'Shaan' in the theatres," Raahim told UNB. When this correspondent asked if there's any tentative plan to release the film on any OTT platform in the near future, Raahim told UNB that everyone in the 'Shaan' team wants the movie to hit the theatres first, as it was made to cater the theatre-based moviegoers and satisfy their cravings to see a complete action thriller on the big screen. "This is my debut film for which I have been working and waiting for over three years now, so you understand my emotional situation at this moment. We really became this close to experience the big release together, but considering the current circumstances I can surely say that I am all in for this decision as it was made for the safety of our beloved moviegoers. We really want to see their reactions at the theatres, and we are hoping for a better future at this moment," Raahim told UNB. On Wednesday night, 'Shaan's digital team announced the decision through a post on the film's official Facebook page. "We deeply respect the anticipation of our beloved fans, who have been waiting for so long to watch 'Shaan'. That being said, the first priority of team 'Shaan' is our audience and their wellbeing, during this challenging period. We must ensure our victory against the Omicron variant, and to accomplish that we need to keep fighting with patience in the upcoming days, so we are postponing and rescheduling the release date of 'Shaan' for now," the Facebook post said. Produced by Filman Entertainment, 'Shaan' is based on true incident of breathtaking operations against human trafficking. Azad Khan, Superintendent of Bangladesh Police, wrote the story of the film.

Afran Nisho, who is popular on the small screen, will be seen on the country's popular OTT platform ‘Chorki’ in a new look. However, it was not clear whether the content was a film or a series. On Sunday, a post was made from the official Facebook page of Chorki showing a poster of Afran Nisho's new look. A live broadcast was also made on Facebook from Chorki showing Nisho trimming his hair in a saloon. Also read: Nusrat Faria-Yash Rohan pair up for web-film 'Pordar Arale' At the beginning of that live streaming of 8 minutes and 56 seconds, Nisho wished everyone a Happy New Year. He also sought suggestions from the audience about his new look. Nisho was seen cutting his own hair with a trimmer. He also said that he will be completely bald. From the connection between the live and the poster, it is clear that this is the campaign that is waiting for the fans. What is that surprise, why did Nisho do that? To get answers, fans have to wait a little more, said Chorki management. Top actor Nisho was popular with OTT content throughout 2021. So his new year is also starting with such a surprise. Also read: Shironamhin to celebrate silver jubilee with year-long festivities

LBC Media is making a web series featuring a slew of national celebrities.

ZEE5 Global has unveiled the first look of its upcoming web series "Contract," starring Bangladesh's Chanchal Chowdhury and Arifin Shuvoo in the lead roles.

Bangladeshi screenwriter, film director and jury member of international film festivals Monjurul Islam Megh will now write a screenplay for Netflix.

The government has formed a committee to formulate policy to regulate content promotion and advertisement on social media platforms and over-the-top (OTT) media services.

ZEE5 Global, the largest OTT platform for South Asian content, on Monday released its first Bangladeshi original “Mainkar Chipay.”