Zahid Akbar

Several movies, songs, and OTT content have hit the screens and digital platforms during Eid ul-Azha, garnering significant attention and applause from audiences. Among them, the spotlight has prominently shone on the movie "Toofan", directed by Raihan Rafi.

The film's poster and a 30-second teaser have already been released, garnering praise from viewers. The teaser depicts a dramatic scene where a pilot pleads for help during an airplane hijacking.

Shimana emerged in showbiz in 2006 through the Lux-Channel i Superstar competition. She gained wide recognition for her role as Kakoli in the drama "Sakin Sarisuri", directed by Salahuddin Lavlu.

Dhallywood ‘King’ Shakib Khan has been single-handedly dominating our film industry for over two decades now. The actor, who began his career with Sohanur Rahman Sohan’s "Ananta Bhalobasha" (May 28, 1999), notably completed 25 years in Dhallywood, today. To celebrate the momentous occasion of hitting his silver jubilee, the actor cut 25 different cakes.

Recently, Zayed Khan addressed some issues in detail with The Daily Star in an exclusive interview. The actor also shed light on regaining his membership, his feud with fellow artiste Nipun, his love life, marriage, and his current showbiz projects.

Today marks the first death anniversary of the legendary actor Farooque. On this day of remembrance, actress Farida Akhtar Babita shared her memories of the iconic actor. Together, they starred as a duo in nearly 40 films.

Following the release of 11 Dhallywood films for and on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, there have been changes in the line-up of movies still screened during the third week. Certain theatres have witnessed a decrease in screenings, while others have seen an increase. Additionally, there's been varied buzz surrounding different films, with some garnering more attention than others.

After nearly a year, Puja Chery returned with a powerhouse performance this Eid-ul-Fitr with her movie “Lipstick”. Despite the film’s limited theatrical release, it has gained praise from many celebrities for its bold and unique concept. This was indeed a challenging year for the actress, as she tragically lost her mother just days before Eid. However, Puja was determined to fulfil her mother’s dream by actively promoting her movie, despite being heartbroken.

The Bangladesh Film Artistes' Association (BFAA) is poised for its biennial election today, with 571 voters set to cast their ballots. Amongst them, 50 are new voters, reflecting a potential shift in the association's dynamics. This follows the landmark decision in the previous election where the Ilias Kanchan-Nipun Akter panel secured victory and reinstated voting rights to 103 previously excluded artistes, signaling winds of change within the association.

This Eid-ul-Fitr, an astounding number of films–totalling 11– were released, offering a wide selection for movie-goers. Amongst them, the Shakib Khan starrer “Rajkumar” is predictably leading in earnings in its first week. Directed by Himel Ashraf, the film premiered in a record-breaking 127 cinemas and has been selling out in all multiplexes since its opening day. It is also performing strongly in single-screen theatres.

For over two decades, Eid festivities have been incomplete without the anticipation and excitement for Shakib Khan’s blockbuster releases. Each year, audiences eagerly await his cinematic gifts, turning Eid into a celebration not just of cultural and religious significance but also a cinematic event.

One of the film's songs, titled “Beshamal”, has already gained significant attention from audiences. Puja opened up about her personal experience and professional journey in a conversation with The Daily Star.

In commemorating Khalid's life and musical contributions, we honour not only a talented artiste but also a symbol of resilience, passion, and creativity. Though he may have bid farewell to this world, his melodies will continue to echo through the annals of Bangladeshi music.

In early 2024, local OTT platforms saw the emergence of several noteworthy productions, marking a shift in entertainment consumption trends. Viewers prefer the flexibility these platforms offer, allowing them to choose content according to their preferences without any constraints. If a particular content doesn't resonate, viewers swiftly move on to explore other options. Conversely, if they find something they enjoy, they readily subscribe to the platform to access it.

In 2023, a significant portion of the big-budgeted films screened in Dhaka primarily comprised of those released during Eid. During that period, numerous individuals within the cinema industry remarked that movies in Dhaka were predominantly scheduled around Eid. Outside of these festive seasons, production houses seemed hesitant to release big-budget films.

A week of the ongoing year 2024 may have passed so far but there have not been any releases of Bangla movies at the theatres thereby pointing toward a stale beginning of the new year.

Experiencing the overwhelming love and admiration of the fans, Shakib Khan sang the famous song “O Priyotoma” from his blockbuster film, “Priyotoma”. He also performed on several songs from the movie with his co-star, Idhika.

In the dynamic landscape of Bengali entertainment, 2023 has proven to be a year of cinematic brilliance, particularly in the realm of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms. The virtual space has become a battleground of talent, with actors rising to prominence through their exceptional performances in web series and films. As we bid adieu to 2023, it's time to acknowledge and celebrate the top 10 actors who have been the talk of the town, captivating audiences with their unmatched acting prowess.

The trend continued as cinema culture thrived with discussions and opinions, making it a successful year for the film industry. Apart from festivals, audiences flocked to theaters more than before. The year saw the release of 51 Dhallywood films, with some achieving commercial success where some failed as well.

In 2023, quite a few celebrities in the entertainment industry tied the knot. Some got married suddenly, while others had publicly announced it. The headlines in the showbiz world have been dominated by these marriage stories.