Ashley Shoptorshi Samaddar

An inadvertent encounter with Buddha

Treasuring the tranquility, philosophy, and beliefs of Buddha, the exhibition titled "From Suffering to Liberation: Buddha of Bengal" radiated a sense of ease presented in style.

3w ago

DSCC tree-cutting: A development initiative or a murder spree?

Why could the development project not be carried out while preserving these trees?

4w ago

Once upon a sunrise: Recollections of Easter celebrations

Easter, celebrated to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, has always been the grandest event in our household, even bigger than Christmas.

The rise of Chorki

As the COVID-19 pandemic forced the world to adapt to the ‘new normal’, the entertainment industry experienced a breath of fresh air when Chorki, one of the most promising over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms of recent times, began its journey on July 12, 2021.

That Christmas Eve, Santa did not come home

December 24 had always been one of the most awaited days of the year for us. The grand birthday cake for Jesus' birthday, the roasted sausages and meatloaves, and finally, a house-favourite, narrating the story of the Three Wise Men–that is how I had spent Christmas Eve for as long as I could remember.

‘Kantara’ vs ‘Brahmastra’: The battle of the Shivas

While most debates surrounding the showbiz industry in India these days tend to compare the original South Indian releases with its Bollywood remakes, the fact that original releases crafted by these non-Hindi Indian industries have been doing extremely well at the box office remains steady. With that in mind, this article takes yet another comparative uptake on two recent releases—the Kannada-based production “Kantara – A Legend” and “Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva”.

Himu taught me it was okay to not be normal

Himu not only made me look beyond goals that lead to a luxury of life, but he also taught me to enjoy the tiny bits that make life agreeable.

Sumon rediscovers himself in showbiz

Starting his career in the ramp, A B M Sumon soon rose to fame with appearances in films like “Dhaka Attack” and “Rudro: The Gangster”. After a break, he was cast as much-loved character Masud Rana, from Qazi Anwar Hussain’s action spy thriller novel series of the same name.

‘A singer does not require solo albums to get noticed anymore’

After taking over the masses with the much-loved romantic track, “Baje Shobhab”, which was written and composed by the singer himself and arranged by late musician Prithwi Raj.

Why ‘Hawa’ reminded me of Coleridge’s ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’

The song “Shada Shada Kala Kala” seems almost like a visual rendition of “the merry minstrelsy” that breaks out in front of the bride as red as a rose.

Nasir Uddin Khan and the secrets of his versatility

Starting from his stellar performances in “Mohanagar”, to reaching new heights with “Syndicate”, “Poran” and “Hawa”, Nasir Uddin Khan has aced his characters both on the silver screen and through web-series. Following his recent success, the actor sat down with The Daily Star, on a gloomy autumn evening, to candidly discuss his journey, experiences, and much more.

‘You are not the last superstar’: Vijay Deverakonda to SRK

With the South Indian actors and actresses breaking new ground with their impeccable screen presence, much debates about the ‘dawn of Bollywood’ has surfaced with the post-Covid releases.

Gems of Nazrul’s honours the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on his 46th death anniversary

Marking the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s 46th death anniversary, Gems of Nazrul will release their 22nd production titled “Dhrubojoti” at the stroke of midnight on August 27 on Channel i and their official YouTube channel.

Shuklopokkho: An extraordinary conclusion reveals a cinematic universe

Ziaul Roshan, Sunerah Binte Kamal, and Khairul Basar starrer web film “Shuklopokkho” was released on Chorki recently. The psychological thriller, directed by Vicky Zahed, is the director’s second collaboration with the streaming platform, after “Redrum”.

‘Mujib’ graphic novels: ‘Drawing a young Mujib and ensuring its acceptability was my biggest challenge’

I had to go through any and every film I could find that was set around the 1950s and after to understand how the society was during that time.

Jaltaranga celebrates Bangla music’s journey with evergreen melodies

"Bondhu Tomar Pother Sathi Ke Chine Nio", a musical programme organized by Jaltaranga, was held at the Isfandier Zahad Hassan Auditorium at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, recently. Actor-elocutionist Jayanto Chattopadhyay, Muttalib Biswas, Eminent Guitarist Enamul Kabir, and Painter Abdul Mannan were present at the event, among many others.

‘Healers of the Hill’: A commentary on the struggles and dedication of Bandarban's healers

Two twitchy bare feet, restlessly walking for miles, while its owner looks for medical plants in the green blemishes of Bandarban—this is how Al Haseeb Nomanee’s short film “Healers of the Hill” opens to the audience. Shot in 2012, this production is based on the struggles, dedication and simplicity of a Marma healer who helps people in medical need. The film, shot in the Marma language, features the interview of a ‘healer’ residing in Bandarban. The production looks to capture the journey of this healer and present it to the audience as a poetic musical and visual treat.

‘Shuklopokkho’: Vicky Zahed looks to tell chilling suspense story

After “Redrum” Vicky Zahed is set to return on Chorki with his upcoming psychological-thriller “Shuklopokkho”. Garnering much appreciation for his use of plot-twists in thrillers, the director has decided to present a fresh chemistry between Khairul Basar, Ziaul Roshan, and Sunerah Binte Kamal in the upcoming web film.

5 low-budget South Indian films that critics admired

While most South Indian productions are known for their high-budget sets and expensive visual effects like CGI and VFX, some low-budget south-based productions have also managed to captivate the attention of critics.

Will 'Vikram Vedha' remake live up to expectation?

Director duo Pushkar–Gayathri have declared the official Hindi remake of their much-appreciated, neo-noir action thriller film "Vikram Vedha". The movie stars Saif Ali Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Radhika Apte.

Getting to know 'Gulti'

Stepping into the limelight with the Redoan Rony directorial film “Ice Cream”, Nazifa Tushi’s rise to fame with her performance in the film “Networker Baire”, directed by Mizanur Rahman Aryan. Taking tiny steps, she started taking up more OTT projects like the Shihab Shaheen directorial Chorki original web film “Syndicate”, and the short fiction “Scooty”. The actress has returned to the silver screen with Mejbaur Rahman Sumon’s “Hawa”, one of the most awaited films to release this year. We talk to the actress to know more about her the film, which released yesterday.

Poran: Love, betrayal, bloodshed, and so much more

Long waiting lines and a chaotic ticket counter—this was how I was welcomed at the night show of “Poran” at Star Cineplex in Bashundhara City. Being one of the most awaited productions, I had high hopes from this film, especially after the title track “Jolere Poran”, featuring Sariful Razz as a ravishing ruffian, was released.

‘Bachelor’s Qurbani’ and ‘Good Buzz’ trend on YouTube

Kajal Arefin Ome is taking YouTube by storm as both his Eid special tele-fictions “Bachelor’s Qurbani” and “Good Buzz” trending on YouTube. While “Bachelor’s Qurbani”, which was released on Dhruba TV’s official YouTube channel has moved up to the number 1 spot on the ‘Trending’ page, “Good Buzz”, the Club 11 Entertainment production, is currently sitting at the number 2 spot.

Afran Nisho’s time is now

After landing only two tele-productions last Eid ul-Fitr, Afran Nisho is back in full swing this season with rom-coms, thrillers and mysteries.

‘Tin Shoroter Golpo’ releases on Bioscope

Narrating the tale of Selim and his wife, Humayun Rashid Samrat’s “Tin Shoroter Golpo” was released on Bioscope today. The production, which was released under the banner of Baro Voot LTD, features Mosharraf Karim and Robena Reza Jui in the leading roles, alongside Shahidullah Sabuz and Hasi Moon, among others.

Directors excited for their Eid outings

Every Eid, the audience eagerly waits for productions crafted by their favourite directors, featuring their favourite stars. This Eid ul-Azha, celebrated directors have come back in full swing after the pandemic.

Meticulous Mamo

After slaying it in “Mohanagar” and “Refugee”, Zakia Bari Mamo has decided to only take up roles that define her as a true artiste. “Kohinoor”, where she donned the un-glamorous and feisty titular role, further advocates for her pledge to be true to the craft.

Sunerah spills the tea on her upcoming projects

After taking the audience by storm with her impeccable performance in “No Dorai”, National Award-winning actress Sunerah Binte Kamal is all set to return to the silver screen with “Antarjal”.

We were almost crushed by bulls while shooting ‘Bachelor’s Qurbani’: Polash

Ziaul Hoque Polash, known profoundly for his portrayal of Kaabila in the much-appreciated sit-com “Bachelor Point”, will be delivering only two projects this Eid. He will appear in “Bachelor's Qurbani” and “Good Buzz”, both directed by Kajal Arefin Ome.

‘Want to present the political context of the Agartala Conspiracy’

In a recent interview, you said that the grant you received will not be enough for this production.

Raihan Rafi’s ‘Poran’ to release this Eid

The shooting of “Poran”, the much awaited Raihan Rafi directorial film, was finished by the end of 2019. However, the release of the production was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic. After multiple postponements, the film is finally slated to be released this Eid-ul-Azha.

Grateful that ‘Bachelor Point’ welcomed me in their gang: Parsa Evana

Parsa Evana started her journey in acting with the Anjan Aich directorial tele-fiction “Ponchomir Chaand”, after she became the champion of “Channel I Shera Nachiye 2014”.

‘Not willing to compromise humanity for commercial gain’

Mejbaur Rahman Sumon took time off from fiction after spending four intense years working in television. The director went on to try his luck in advertising, and earned much fame in the commercial arena over the following 10 years.

Grateful that ‘Bachelor Point’ welcomed me in their gang: Parsa Evana

Parsa Evana started her journey in acting with the Anjan Aich directorial tele-fiction “Ponchomir Chaand”, after she became the champion of “Channel I Shera Nachiye 2014”. Exploring her options in arts, the trained Bharatnatyam dancer’s performance in Mabrur Rashid Banna’s “Nine and a half” brought her much attention from viewers.

Are we doing enough to preserve Nazrul’s legacy?

Be it the courageous roar of rebellion or the face of undaunted faith, National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s ideology, philosophy, and his expression has never failed to speak for the common masses. The legendary author was ahead of his time, and presented stories that treasure self-identity, ecocriticism, and most importantly, humanism.

Farewell to the sultan of strings

Giving a voice to the twinkling stars above us with his santoor, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma always echoed the beauty of his home state Jammu through his music.

Pandit Shivkumar Sharma no more

Magnifying emotions with marvelous melodies on his santoor, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma always echoed the beauty of his home state Jammu through his music.

‘Floor Number 7’ crew happy with response

A struggling actress trying to make her dreams come true, a superstar, a love story gone wrong – this is what Raihan Rafi’s web film “Floor Number 7” opened with to its audience.

An astounding interpretation of Bangla folklore

A shakchunni (hag) with twisted feet, a rather jolly djinn looking for sweets in the ebony of night, long strands of loose hair calling upon an entity, and the night-voice calling children from their sleep– this is what Nuhash Humayun’s horror web series “Pett Kata Shaw’’ has in store for its spectators. Re-narrating famous Bangladeshi folklores, Nuhash’s “Pett Kata Shaw ‘’ comprises of four episodes, each running between 25-35 minutes. Starting with its first episode, “Ei Building e Meye Nished”, the Chorki original was slow to take off. Starring Shohel Mondol and Shirin Akter Shela, this episode revolves around the long-known ghost story of how petnis (spectres) feel invited when one decides to bring fish home at night.

12 shades of Khairul Basar this Eid

The actor recently finished shooting for Vicky Zahed’s “Ghun” where he will share the screen with Mehazabien Chowdhury. “I am also done shooting for Pothik Shadhan’s “Antodohon”, where I play the character of a carefree individual and his artistic pursuits,” mentions Basar.

Is Bollywood's dominance coming to an end?

The breath-taking success of “Pushpa: The Rise”(the biggest hit in 2021) outshone the Akshay Kumar-starrer “Sooryavanshi”, with a box office collection of Rs 234 crores by its second week.

OTT over television for Afran Nisho

After garnering appreciation for productions like “Chirokal Aaj” and “Punorjonmo”, Afran Nisho has decided to go against the tide this year.

How women in OTT are redefining narratives

The representation of women on screen has taken a turn with the emergence of OTT platforms. Not only are actresses portraying women in challenging professions, but even directors have taken a leap when it comes to storytelling that goes far beyond socially accepted gender standards.

I had nothing to lose with ‘Nikhoj’

A daughter’s disparity, a son struggling with anxiety and depression, and a wife lost in the maze of shattered reality sets up the premise for Reehan Rahman’s mystery series, “Nikhoj”. After garnering rave reviews for productions like “Spondon”, “Makorsha”, “Niyoti”, and “Promotion”, Reehan finally returned with an intriguing story on Chorki.

Streaming the road to Independence

The 2D animated film, “Mujib Amar Pita”, is an absolute delight for children.

Diving into the trajectories of the forerunners in art

On the occasion of the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence, HSBC and Bengal Foundation jointly organised the tribute exhibition,

Commemorating 50 years of institutional art practice in Chattogram

On the occasion of the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence, HSBC and Bengal Foundation jointly organised the tribute exhibition “Forerunners Rashid Choudhury, Murtaja Baseer, Debdas Chakraborty – their pedagogy and modernist approach”. The exhibition opened this evening at Bengal Shilpalay, Dhanmondi, Dhaka.