Zahid Akbar

Eid special tele-fiction “Ghotona Shotto” gave way to numerous social media views upon release. The tele-fiction enraged viewers – allegedly due to its insensitivity towards children with special needs. However, there have been many other productions that people thoroughly enjoyed this festive season.

The ongoing pandemic has led to significant impediments for the Bangladeshi film industry.  None of the big-budgeted films were released since March last year, during special occasions such as Eid, Durga Puja, Pohela Boishakh, and Valentine’s Day, among other festivities. More than 25 new commercial films are awaiting release. Though cinema halls were reopened from time to time, directors and producers were reluctant to release new films, due to low audience turnout.

In compliance with the rules for the seven-day lockdown, no shooting will be allowed at the premises of the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC), starting from tomorrow, July 1.

The status quo of the government regarding the operational rules for cinema halls remains dubious. As a result, about 110 cinema halls were opened during last Eid-Ul-Fitr. However, the local administration closed many cinemas during the second wave of Covid-19. Thus, the hall owners are suffering huge losses.

The Bangladeshi film industry has suffered huge losses for over a year, due to the coronavirus pandemic. More than 25 movies are awaiting release. While most of these films have wrapped up, some are in production. Some of the forthcoming big-budget movies include “Mission Extreme,” “Bidrohi”, “Antaratma”, “Operation Sundarban”, “Adventure of Sundarban”, “Shaan”, “Bikkhob”, “Jinn”, “Hawa” “Paap Punno”, “Poran”, and “Damaal” among others. These films involve investments of nearly BDT 100 crores.

Renowned musician Tapan Chowdhury has been living in Canada for a long time, but he often visits Bangladesh for his musical commitments. He decided to stay in Canada for the safety of his family during the pandemic, but after receiving an invitation to sing at the celebrations for the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence, he was more than happy to come back to the country.

The shooting of the much anticipated film on the life of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will begin from January 19.

The Covid-19 pandemic rendered the music industry into disarray for the first few months, one which it tried hard to fight back. Even though the year is musical activities were largely limited to online releases and ‘live’ concerts on social media, we did see a number of notable releases from artistes.

Sangeeta founder Salim Khan, who produced albums for almost every major singer in the 1980s and 90s, died with Covid-19 yesterday at Impulse Hospital in the capital.

We recently lost one of the most celebrated actors of the country with the demise of Aly Zaker. In this interview, published on Anandadhara’s December 16-31 2014 issue, Aly Zaker had spoken about his love for music and poetry with this correspondent.

As thousands of people lost their jobs due to the pandemic, artistes, especially musicians, have been facing similar challenges, with the closures of stage shows and concerts.

After months of inactivity, cinema halls will reopen on October 16, maintaining all health guidelines.

Born in Afghanistan’s Peshawar town in 1944, Ilias Javed’s family migrated to Punjab first, and then to Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) in 1963.

Celebrated actor Ferdous has impressed one and all with his performances in films in Bangladesh and India. On a candid chat with The Daily Star, the actor talks about his upcoming ventures, as he is planning to resume work after a break of six months.

Star Cineplex may continue its operation at the Bashundhara City shopping mall after possibility of renewal of its agreement with the mall authorities has reportedly emerged.

The number of cinema theatres around the country has been decreasing sharply with time.

Coming February, the Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Raz directed film Jodi Akdin is set to be released. Starring in the film is popular singer, Tahsan.

Shooting for the film Shahenshah recently took place at FDC. Fans of Shakib Khan gathered outside the place to get a glimpse of their beloved hero.

Ratrir Jatri directed by Habibul Islam Habib is set to be released nationwide on December 14 this year. Moushumi is playing the lead role in this film with Anisur Rahman Milon as her co-star.

The Raihan Rafi directed film Dohon is set to be released on October 5th. The film stars Siam and Puja Cherry. This duo's first film, Poramon 2 was quite a hit after it was released last Eid-ul-Fitr.