[🇧🇩] Bangladesh Film Industry

[Saif]

Those who lack merit resort to criticism: Shakib Khan

Over the past two years, no film featuring Shakib Khan has premiered outside the Eid season. This pattern has sparked criticism, with many speculating that Shakib avoids non-Eid releases out of fear of box office failure. True to form, Shakib Khan's latest movie, "Toofan”, is set to release this...

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Those who lack merit resort to criticism: Shakib Khan

Photo: Collected

Over the past two years, no film featuring Shakib Khan has premiered outside the Eid season. This pattern has sparked criticism, with many speculating that Shakib avoids non-Eid releases out of fear of box office failure. True to form, Shakib Khan's latest movie, "Toofan", is set to release this Eid-ul-Azha.

Directed by Raihan Rafi, the film revolves around the story of a 90s gangster. Alongside Shakib, the cast includes "Aynabaji" famed Masuma Rahman Nabila and Tollywood actress Mimi Chakraborty, with Chanchal Chowdhury making a special appearance.

To mark the film's release, the "Toofan" team held a press conference yesterday. Shakib Khan attended the event, where he discussed the film and responded to criticism regarding his decision to release movies exclusively during Eid.

The Dhallywood superstar addressed the critics, stating, "There are always people who have something to say. Now they're raising questions about why my movies aren't released outside of Eid. I've been in the industry for 25 years, and my success is well-established. I don't feel the need to prove myself anymore."

"My focus is on working for those who support me. When I returned from the US, my aim was to honour the love of those standing in line just to see me at the airport. I want to repay their loyalty by acting in high-quality films. Without quality, how can we compete? If our films aren't good enough to be shown in our country's multiplexes, let alone internationally, how can we hope to stand alongside Hollywood and Bollywood? Quality is essential for that," he added.

Shakib further remarked, "Our goal is to advance Bengali cinema without paying heed to detractors. Those who constantly find faults and try to hold Bengali cinema back fail to recognise the quality and often try to obscure it. Frankly, they lack merit themselves, which is why they resort to criticism. Support good Bengali movies, whether they are mine or someone else's, and don't listen to the naysayers."

Looking ahead, Shakib Khan revealed that his films will also be released on occasions other than Eid. He stated, "My movies will be released in the future, apart from Eid."

Shakib's upcoming film "Dorod" is set to be released independently of Eid, as per the creators, along with a few more projects in the pipeline.​

 

[Saif]

Actress Sunetra dies aged 53

Actress Rani Sunetra Kumar, popularly known as Sunetra, died in Kolkata, India on April 20. She was 53....

www.newagebd.net

Actress Sunetra dies aged 53
Cultural Correspondent 14 June, 2024, 21:02

Rani Sunetra Kumar. | Collected photo.

Actress Rani Sunetra Kumar, popularly known as Sunetra, died in Kolkata, India on April 20. She was 53.

The former general secretary of Bangladesh Film Artistes Association, Zayed Khan, confirmed the news on Friday.

Zayed Khan, who is currently in Mumbai, said that Sunetra died in Kolkata on April 20.

'She passed away in Kolkata on April 20. She often spoke to me when I was the general secretary of Bangladesh Film Artistes Association. We will miss her,' said Zayed Khan.

Sunetra was born on July 7, 1970. She made her silver screen debut in Dhallywood acting opposite Zafar Iqbal in Usila in 1985.

She received a huge response for acting in Delwar Jahan Jhontu's 'Palki' in 1990.

She acted opposite Joshim, Shohel Rana, Farooque, Zafar Iqbal and others during her career.

She acted in films, including Shuktara, Sinthir Sindoor, Chhobol, Boner Moto Bon, Bhul Bichar, Alan Dulal, Raja Jony, Shimul Parul, Ghar Bhanga Ghar, Badsha Bhai and others.​

 

[Saif]

‘Toofan’ to release in 123 halls, Cineplex’s Eid day tickets sell out

Eid is incomplete without megastar Shakib Khan’s films. Yesterday, director Raihan Rafi released the trailer for “Toofan”, and fans can't stop raving about its superior cinematography and action stunts. As “Toofan” gains momentum on social media, fans are rapidly booking advance tickets to the...

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'Toofan' to release in 123 halls, Cineplex's Eid day tickets sell out

Photo: Collected

Eid is incomplete without megastar Shakib Khan's films. Yesterday, director Raihan Rafi released the trailer for "Toofan", and fans can't stop raving about its superior cinematography and action stunts. As "Toofan" gains momentum on social media, fans are rapidly booking advance tickets to the nearest theatres to watch the first day first show.

The film will be screened in two-thirds of the cinema halls across the country, totaling 123 cinema halls, on Eid. The makers have also released the list of theatres screening the film.

Apart from Star Cineplex, Jamuna Blockbuster and Lion Cinemas, "Toofan", will be released across all the big single screens in Bangladesh. Interestingly, as soon as Star Cineplex released the tickets this morning, advance tickets for the film have been selling out like wildfire.

According to Cineplex, there will be 17 screenings on Eid day and 23 shows per day starting the following day across all branches. Speaking with the authorities, it was confirmed that the advance tickets for the first day of "Toofan" sold out across all branches of Cineplex within a few hours in the morning. Additionally, 80 percent of the tickets for the second day were sold online.

Not only Cineplex but several theaters including Jamuna Blockbuster, Lion Cinemas, and Shyamoli are selling advance tickets for "Toofan". Facebook pages of various cinema halls have confirmed that Shakib's film is selling record advance tickets. For this reason, Raihan Rafi posted on his Facebook that "Toofan" is creating history in advance ticket sales.

Aside from Shakib Khan starring as the leading man, the star-studded cast of the film also includes Masuma Rahman Nabila, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Gazi Rakayet, Misha Sawdagar, and Chanchal Chowdhury, among others.

Shakib Khan's portrayal of a gangster promises to be a standout performance in this action-packed film.​

 

[Saif]

Star Cineplex doubles shows for ‘Toofan’

Raihan Rafi, the film’s director, informed that the film is currently in a strong position. The audience demand is immense, and ticket sales are skyrocketing. The number of shows could increase further, sources confirmed.

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Star Cineplex doubles shows for 'Toofan'

Photos: Collected

"Toofan" has been raging across the country's cinema halls since its release on Eid Day (June 17), becoming the most widely screened film across 123 halls in the country.

Starting today, the number of shows for this film at Star Cineplex has increased from 21 to 45.

Raihan Rafi, the film's director, informed that the film is currently in a strong position. The audience demand is immense, and ticket sales are skyrocketing. The number of shows could increase further, sources confirmed.

The teaser, songs, and trailer have met the audience's expectations for the film starring Shakib Khan.

"Toofan" has been generating excitement ever since the release of its title track. The teaser alone piqued the curiosity of fans, leading many to predict that the film would be a blockbuster upon its release. Adding to the anticipation, Pritom Hasan's "item" song, "Laage Ura Dhura", was trending on YouTube upon its release, further heightening interest in the film.

The star-studded cast also includes Masuma Rahman Nabila, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Gazi Rakayet, Misa Sawdagar, and Chanchal Chowdhury, among others. Shakib Khan's portrayal of a gangster promises to be a standout performance in this action-packed film.

Alpha-i Studios and Chorki, the production company behind "Toofan", confirmed that advance ticket sales began 10 days prior to the release. As of June 18, around 40 percent of the tickets for the initial week were already sold, according to a Channel i report.​

 

[Saif]

‘Moyna’ bags award at Italian indy film fest

Bangladeshi filmmaker Monjurul Islam Megh’s film ‘Moyna’ won award in the Special Mention Feature Fiction Film category at the Gulf of Naples...

www.newagebd.net

'Moyna' bags award at Italian indy film fest
United News of Bangladesh . Dhaka 22 June, 2024, 00:08

A still from 'Moyna'. | UNB Photo

Bangladeshi filmmaker Monjurul Islam Megh's film 'Moyna' won award in the Special Mention Feature Fiction Film category at the Gulf of Naples Independent Film Festival in Italy.

The 10th edition of the festival was held from June 11 to 14 in Naples.

'The film "Moyna" is made to resonate with a wide range of viewers. I firmly believe that its appeal will extend beyond international film festivals and be appreciated by audiences in our country,' said Megh, who also wrote the screenplay and dialogue of the film based on a story by Alim Ullah Khokon.

Raj Ripa, Kayes Arju, Aman Reza, Affan Mitul, Jilani, Momena Chowdhury, Nader Chowdhury, Subrata, Suchona, Khalilur Rahman Qadri, Shishir and child artiste Jannatul Bhor have played different characters in the film.

According to the film's producer, Alim Ullah Khokon, 'Moyna' has received clearance from the Bangladesh Film Censor Board and is scheduled for release in cinemas in Bangladesh next September.

He said that the film would be screened at several international film festivals.

'Moyna' had earlier garnered the best film production award at the 25th EMMA'S BBC Festival of Multicultural 2023 in London and is scheduled to be featured at the 21st Aporia International Village Film Festival in Korea in August.​

 

[Saif]

Mithila's upcoming film set for release in India

Actress Mithila, celebrated across both Bengals, is set to star in an upcoming Indian film titled "Aranyer Prachin Probad". This much-anticipated project is helmed by first-time director Dulal Dey.

www.thedailystar.net

Mithila's upcoming film set for release in India

Photos: Screen grab from "Aranyer Prachin Probad" trailer

Actress Rafiath Rashid Mithila, celebrated across both Bengals, is set to star in an upcoming Indian film titled "Aranyer Prachin Probad" — scheduled for release on July 5.

This much-anticipated project is helmed by first-time director Dulal Dey.

The "Kajol Rekha" actress remarked that the film presents an innovative and distinct storyline. She mentioned, "I constantly seek new stories and different roles to challenge myself. This film is no exception."

She also expressed her hope that "Aranyer Prachin Probad" will be released in the first week of July adding, "I have great faith in the audience's reception of this film."

In addition to Mithila, Silajit Majumder, and Jeetu Kamal play significant roles in the film. Regarding her co-stars, Mithila commented, "I thoroughly enjoyed working with them. Each actor brought their unique acting skills to their characters."

Regarding director Dulal Dey, the actress shared, "Though he is known as a cricket journalist, Dey has directed an exceptional film."

Meanwhile, Mithila's last film, "Kajol Rekha", has garnered significant praise. Furthermore, the web-series "Baaji", in which she stars among others, is being warmly received by the audience.​

 

[Saif]

‘Nirvana’ bags Special Jury Award in MIFF

New Age, a Dhaka-based leading English language daily newspaper, is a major source of news of Bangladesh and international affairs

www.newagebd.net

'Nirvana' bags Special Jury Award in MIFF
Cultural Correspondent 27 April, 2024, 19:36

Bangladeshi filmmaker Asif Islam and actress Priyam Archi attends 46th Moscow International Film Festival in Russia. | Collected photo.

Bangladeshi filmmaker Asif Islam's directorial venture titled 'Nirvana' has bagged the Special Jury Award at the 46th Moscow International Film Festival.

The 46th Moscow International Film Festival was held from April 19 to 26.

The eight-day film festival featured 240 films from 56 countries. The awards ceremony of the festival was held on Friday in Moscow, Russia.

Asif Islam and the film's actress Priyam Archi attended the film festival.

Asif confirmed the news in a post on his Facebook page.

He wrote, 'We did it! Special Jury award for Bangladesh.'

Priyam Archi shared her reaction to winning the award in a video posted on her Facebook page.

She said, 'Nirvana has won the Special Jury Award at the closing ceremony of MIFF. The film's director Asif Islam has received the award.'

Besides, 'Shame', directed by Miguel Salgado and co-produced by Mexico and Qatar, won the Best Film Award and Iran's Nahid Azizi Sedigh bagged the Best Director Award for her film titled 'Cold Sigh'.

Yulia Trofimova's directorial venture 'Liar' won the Silver Saint George award in the Russian premiere competition section.

Russian filmmaker Sergey Ursulyak was honoured with the MIFF award for an outstanding contribution to world cinema.

The Moscow International Film Festival was founded in 1935. It is the world's second oldest film festival after the Venice International Film Festival.​

 

[Saif]

I’m happy to be ruling over the hearts of Bangalis: Shakib Khan

Shakib Khan’s “Toofan” was released in 47 theatres, including South City, Star Theater, and Lake Mall in Kolkata, on July 5.

www.thedailystar.net

I'm happy to be ruling over the hearts of Bangalis: Shakib Khan

Photo: Collected

Shakib Khan's "Toofan" was released in 47 theatres, including South City, Star Theater, and Lake Mall in Kolkata, on July 5.

As part of the film's promotion, Shakib Khan visited Kolkata to talk about his film with his fans. The premiere was held at Kolkata's South City Mall. Earlier, the makers of "Toofan" held a press conference to discuss the film with the media.

Shakib Khan also gave various interviews to media outlets in Kolkata, describing himself as the undefeatable "King of Bangali peoples' hearts."

The megastar of Dhallywood was asked if he was moody - "Shakib Khan is known as the 'King of Bangladesh.' Everybody wants to know how you reign over people's hearts when some people complain that you are moody. What's your answer to that?"

Shakib Khan replied, "Well, I feel people who think I am moody are mostly those who haven't seen or known me personally. Do you really think I am moody?" he added with a big smile.

He then went on to state that he has many enemies. "One can rule over people's hearts in two ways - through fighting and love. I have won the hearts of people without any competition and I am the king of Bangali people's hearts."

Shakib Khan is not only the megastar of Dhallywood; he is also one of the superstars of Bengali cinema and the poster boy of Bangladeshi cinema.

On this day, the actor was asked about his sense of responsibility for the success of his movies. "More than 250 films and numerous super hit movies under your name. Currently, your film 'Toofan' is doing exceptional business both in Bangladesh and abroad. Do you feel that you have a huge responsibility towards the industry?" asked the journalist.

The "Toofan" actor gave a blunt and honest reply to the reporter and said, "Earlier, I used to work a lot concentrating on the quantity of work instead of quality. Some of the films were good, while others were average. Many of the directors used to even come to me and tell me, 'bhai I am in a lot of trouble. Can you please work on my film?'. I did those films for the sake of industry and out of a sense of responsibility. I did those films in order to support the cinema halls."

Despite numerous setbacks and hurdles, Shakib Khan came to understand that the people of Bangladesh love him deeply and that he also enjoys a significant fanbase outside the country.

"I am really grateful that people from outside the country also love me. They appreciate my work and praise me when I do well. That's when I decided to focus on quality films, leading to 'Toofan', which is now doing well in theatres," concluded the actor.​