Sadi Mohammad Shahnewaz

But what hit like a sledgehammer was Irish screenwriter Paul Laverty breaking the festival bubble to slam the "blacklisting" of actors for their political stances—particularly regarding the bombing of women and children in Gaza—even if he did not explicitly name the conflict in every sentence. “Shame on those who bomb women and children. Shame on those who blacklist actors like Javier Bardem and Mark Ruffalo for speaking up against their misdeeds.” 

Last year, “Ali” showed that Bangladeshi cinema could earn recognition at Cannes. The challenge now is whether the country can build an industry presence strong enough to ensure that such successes become part of a sustained trajectory rather than isolated moments of celebration.

Now, fresh off the release of “2nd Nayok”, a collaboration with Nuhash Humayun, the indomitable composer-turned-actor looks to return to his roots as the poster boy of Bangla independent hits.

“Cha Gorom” doesn’t have a traditional romance. It’s not rife with action, suspense or drama – it almost completely relies on director Shankha Dasgupta’s layered storytelling and the charm of lead actress Safa Kabir. Despite that, the Chorki film has amassed quite the adoration of the audience.

I celebrate Eid here with friends and acquaintances, but I miss Bangladesh dearly.

Amidst ongoing online debates, memes, and mockery, the five mainstream films that have been released have found their target audiences.

A Bangladeshi game developer's unique puzzle game.

Tanim Noor, already an admirer of Masha’s singing talents, did not hesitate to recognize her potential. “Are you willing to audition for a role?” he asked, to which Masha immediately complied.

Legendary music director Prince Mahmud, however, has been outspoken about the need for music in primary schools. “I would argue that government primary schools are where we need music teachers the most,” said the audibly determined musician over the phone.

Culture reveals what a society chooses to remember, and what it finds acceptable to forget

How to start earning from your Facebook posts.

We must learn to coexist; there's simply no other option

Real strength lies in acknowledging one’s limits

Over & Out! is a quest driven single-player adventure game set in early ’90s urban South Asia.

Privacy violation at the heart of controversy centring Tangia Zaman Methila

With the web film ‘Tomar Jonno Mon’, director Shihab Shaheen has crafted yet another bittersweet and relatable love story—this time featuring the acclaimed pair of Yash Rohan and Tanjim Saiyara Totini. The director, known for his mastery in subverting audience expectations, speaks to The Daily Star about the project, his upcoming work, and more.

I haven’t shared it with anyone, but we will announce a sequel this month. Whether it is “Surongo 2” or “Taandob 2”, you’ll have to wait and find out!

Jaya Ahsan played an instrumental role in ensuring justice for elephants. Responding to a writ filed by popular actress Jaya Ahsan and PAW Foundation Founder and Chairman Rakibul Haque Amil, a court suspended the issuing and renewal of licenses to adopt elephants from the wild.

“I promise that I won’t take another 10-year gap to release my next album!” jested Shayan Chowdhury Arnob, at the intimate launching ceremony of “Bhallagena” on October 27. This was his first solo album after “Doob”, which was released in 2015. A 10-year gap can be devastating to a musician, even someone of Arnob's stature—times change, styles become outdated, and industries move on. But this is Arnob we’re talking about—he helms Coke Studio Bangla, performs all over the world, and has relentlessly reinvented himself throughout the years, all while keeping his signature, quirky timelessness, which is also evident in “Bhallagena”.

As I was about to enter AB Kitchen, I was worried how the man would receive me after four long years of barely any contact. In 2014, I was a naïve teenager, who felt lucky to be included in a musical project with the great Ayub Bachchu – fascinated every time that my name would come out of his mouth.