Weekends are like a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of daily life. This period offers a precious window for rejuvenation and self-expression. However, avoiding the pitfalls of idleness and monotony during these treasured days is pivotal. It is the time to shun procrastination and embrace creativity, ensuring these moments are not squandered in lethargy. Engaging in diverse entertaining and stimulating activities can transform weekends into an enriching experience, igniting a sense of fulfilment. 10 Creative Ways to Spend Your Weekends Reading You may immerse yourself in a captivating book during the weekend to explore new worlds, gain knowledge, and engage your mind. Reading goes beyond mere entertainment; it expands horizons, fosters empathy, and acquires knowledge.  Read more: Benefits of Reading Habit for Mind and Body Traversing the lines of a well-crafted story or delving into informative texts engages your mind in discovery and enrichment. Relaxation blends with mental stimulation as reading deepens your understanding of the world. Altogether it is a perfect choice for a fulfilling weekend activity.

The Dhallywood film industry has witnessed a compelling journey in the history of Bangladeshi cinema. The cinematic endeavors have resonated with the audiences and left an indelible mark on the Dhallywood box office. This article presents an exploration of the highest-earning Bangladeshi films to date. Let’s get a snapshot of Bangladeshi movies that have etched their names on the hearts of this film-loving nation. Top 10 Dhallywood Box Office Toppers of All Time Priyotoma | Tk 41.23 Crore Priyotoma', produced by Arshad Adnan under the banner of Versatile Media, has carved its name in the domestic romantic action genre. Directed by Himel Ashraf, the film tells a tragic love story that leaves an indelible mark on audiences. The narrative was penned by the late Faruk Hossain, with Himel Ashraf contributing to the screenplay and dialogues. The film features Shakib Khan, the highest-paid leading actor in Bangladesh, and Idhika Paul, a small-screen actress from Kolkata. Upon its release on June 29, 2023, 'Priyotoma' made a resounding impact by collecting BDT 10 crore in its first week, exceeding its budget of BDT 2.5 crore.  Notably, this cinematic masterpiece holds several box office records, standing as the highest-grossing Bangladeshi film of 2023 and all time. The film's excellence is further underscored by its recognition at the 22nd BABISAS (Bangladesh Binodon Sangbadik Samity) Awards. There it received nine awards, including Best Actor and Best Actress in the Special Honors category. Read more: List of English Language Netflix Originals Coming in November 2023 Beder Meye Josna | Tk 20 Crore Directed and written by Tozammel Haque Bokul, this classic remains a shining example of storytelling that transcends generations. 'Beder Meye Josna' draws inspiration from a rural Bangla play of the same name, delving into a love story between a gypsy girl and a prince. Released on June 9, 1989, the film starred Ilias Kanchan and Anju Ghosh. Notably, the movie's budget stood at a humble BDT 20 lakh, a far cry from the blockbuster budgets of today. Nevertheless, 'Beder Meye Josna' emerged as a financial titan, becoming the highest-grossing Bangladeshi film until the year 2023. A survey conducted by the British Film Institute recognized this cinematic gem, ranking it among the top 10 films of Bangladesh. The audio cassette of the film's songs sold one lakh copies within a month of its release. Written by Hasan Motiur Rahman and sung by Mujeeb Pardes, the song 'Ami Bondi Karagare' remained on people's lips for the next few decades. Except for this, the rest of the songs were penned by the director, Tozammel Haque Bokul. The melodious tunes, including the title song 'Beder Meye Josna,' sung by Andrew Kishore and Runa Laila, cemented its immortality in the world of Bangladeshi cinema. Read more: Coke Studio Bangla concert to return with an ensemble line-up on Nov 10 at Army Stadium Shopner Thikana | Tk 19 Crore 'Shopner Thikana,' directed by MA Khalek, offers a window into the legacy of legendary hero Salman Shah. The film, which was scripted by Chatku Ahmed, takes its inspiration from a story by Nurul Islam Parvez. Released on May 11, 1995, 'Shopner Thikana' featured Shabnoor and Sonia as Salman Shah's lead co-artists. 'Shopner Thikana' presented a compelling narrative centered around the dynamics of rich-poor relationships and love triangles. Almost all of the cinema's songs, including 'Ae Din Se Din Koni Din,' acquired top positions of the radio charts. All thanks to the creative genius of renowned composer and music director Late Alam Khan. Hawa | Tk 16 Crore 'Hawa' stands as a unique mystery-drama film that weaves a tale based on a myth. The production company, Sun Music and Motion Pictures Limited released the cinema on July 29, 2022. Read more: ‘In time we will say more’: Friends stars say after Matthew Perry’s death There was an ensemble cast under the direction of Mejbaur Rahman Sumon. Chanchal Chowdhury, Nazifa Tushi, Sariful Razz, Sumon Anowar, Shohel Mondol, Nasir Uddin Khan, and Rizvi Rizu were among the main actors. The film portrays the intriguing journey of an all-men team aboard a fishing trawler. Their encounter with a beautiful yet mysterious young girl sets the stage for a series of inexplicable events. The film was selected as Bangladesh's entry for the 'Best International Feature Film' category at the 95th Academy Awards. The film also garnered a place on the shortlist for the 80th Golden Globe Awards. Read more: Shakib Khan set to star Pan-Indian film 'Dard' alongside Sonal Chauhan Priya Amar Priya | Tk 15 Crore This Badiul Alam Khokon-directed romantic action movie marked a turning point in Shakib Khan's career. Produced by Monir Hossain under the banner of Asha Production, this film was released on June 13, 2008. The film's story was crafted by Puri Jagannadh, with the screenplay penned by Sachin Nag. 'Priya Amar Priya' showcases the performances of Sahara along with Shakib in the lead roles. The movie established itself as the top-earning Bangladeshi film of 2008 and earned its place as one of the all-time highest-earners in Bangladesh. Furthermore, the movie stands as the pinnacle of Shakib's cinematic journey up to 2019. His exceptional performance earned him the Meril-Prothom Alo Awards for Best Actor, the Euro-CJFB Performance Awards, and the Channel I Performance Awards. Read more: Chirkutt’s Sumi to join global music conference in Norway

Bongo BD, an OTT platform of Bangladesh, is going to release the Bengali version of South Indian comedy film 'F2: Fun and Frustration' on its platform this week. Cast by renowned actors including South superstar Daggubati Venkatesh, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Varun Tej, 'F2: Fun and Frustration' this movie promises a riot of laughter and a rollercoaster of emotions. 'Nun 2' narrowly edges 'A Haunting in Venice' over quiet weekend in movie theaters The film's narrative takes a hilarious twist as it unfolds the story of two Indian young men who find themselves in a sticky situation, caught by foreign police under allegations of molesting two women on the street. However, there's a comical twist—these men claim that one of the women is the wife of one, and the other is destined to be the wife of the other! Yes, they were indulging in what's colloquially known as "Eve teasing" with their own wives. To uncover the secrets behind this uproarious scenario, viewers are encouraged to tune in and enjoy the rollicking ride of 'F2: Fun and Frustration.' Masud Karim to bring Assam’s historic Bengali language movement into documentary This South Indian comedy gem offers a delightful blend of action, romance, and emotions, all wrapped up in the side-splitting quarrels and escapades between husbands and wives. Ariful Islam, Assistant Manager of Digital Marketing at Bongo BD, expressed his excitement about bringing this unique comedy genre film on the platform. English Language Netflix Originals Coming in October 2023 He stated, "Bongo always strives to offer diverse and engaging content to our audience. 'F2' is a prime example of such eclectic content. We're delighted to bring this comedy masterpiece to our viewers, with the hope of putting smiles on their faces. The movie is already generating buzz on various social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, which is a source of great joy and pride for us."

Don, the well-known anti-hero spanning two generations of Bollywood, is set to return to the production stage after an era. Created in 1978 by the renowned writer duo Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan, the character came to life through the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, famously known as Big B. Thanks to Bollywood King Shah Rukh Khan, the 2006 and 2011 installments propelled the character to soaring stardom. This time, in the upcoming film Don 3, Ranveer Singh will be taking over the reins. Let's get to know how this significant change is going to impact movie lovers. Don 3: A New Era in the Don Franchise On Wednesday, August 9th, the production company Excel Entertainment released the teaser for Don 3. Ranveer Singh's appearance as the new Don introduced an explosive approach to a new era in the franchise. Excel Entertainment acquired the rights to the 1978 film titled "Don" and remade it in 2006. Following the success of the film, its sequel was released five years later. Now, after a twelve-year gap, the same producer and director are gearing up for the third installment. Farhan Akhtar will be writing and directing the movie, produced by Ritesh Sidhwani. The film is currently in its early stages of production, with a target release date of 2025. The story has already been completed, and co-written by the director himself and Gayatri. Read more: Upcoming Netflix Originals in September 2023 The musical trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy will continue to compose the film's music. The team, consisting of Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani, and Loy Mendonsa, is renowned for creating the iconic theme music of Don. The most significant change will be in the casting. Just as the lead actor is changing, so is the female lead. However, the actress set to portray the character Roma has not yet been officially announced. The 1978 version featured Zeenat Aman, while Priyanka Chopra delivered a standout performance in the remake and sequel. Although Kiara Advani has joined the Don 3 team, her role as Roma has not been confirmed yet. The teaser has been promoted in theaters during "Gadar 2" and "OMG 2." Ranveer Singh will commence shooting for this film immediately after completing Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Baiju Bawra". The production team is also weaving a grand plan for future Don movies in collaboration with Singh. Read more: ‘Hero or villain?’ Shah Rukh Khan teases with new ‘Jawan’ poster How the Role Went to Ranveer Singh from Shah Rukh Khan During the Covid-19 pandemic, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani engaged in several discussions with Shah Rukh Khan about the film. Unfortunately, King Khan expressed no interest in reprising this role. He has shifted his focus towards world-class commercial films. He aims to attract diverse audiences from various cultures. He intends to keep himself occupied with these types of movies, and he didn't find the Don movie aligns well with his vision. To sustain the franchise's vitality, the team aimed to emphasize Don's evolution over time. Based on this vision, they chose to introduce a rising star. However, SRK, who recently completed "Dunki" and "Jawan," did not embrace the idea.

“Barbie”, the movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in lead roles, released globally on July 21, 2023. The movie is an homage to the iconic line of fashion dolls created by Ruth Handler.  Over the last six decades, Mattel has sold over a billion Barbie dolls which helped to cement the line’s legacy. Barbie and Ken are often considered two of the most popular dolls in the world.  The movie brings their story from Barbieland. Here are some exciting facts you may want to know before heading out to watch the film on the big screen.  History of Barbie  Back in the 1950s, all the children’s dolls were made to be infants without many customizable options. Ruth Handler noticed that her daughter Barbara played with paper dolls and gave them adult roles to play.  She quickly realized that there could be a demand for a grown-up play doll with different roles for kids. Making them customizable would be even more lucrative to unleash the inner creativity of the young ones. Ruth and her husband Elliot co-founded Mattel to go forward with the idea.  Read more: Top 12 South Indian Films Being Released in August 2023 Initially, Elliot and the board of directors at Mattel were hesitant about a customizable adult-looking doll. But the first “Barbie”, named after the nickname of Barbara, was a massive hit in her signature zebra striped swimsuit in 1959. Barbie was marketed as a teen fashion icon and sold over 350,000 units globally in the first year of its release.  Barbie made Mattel the second most valuable toy company in the world right after Lego. Back in 2006, the company estimated that they have sold over a billion Barbie dolls across the world in 150 countries.  Interesting Facts about “Barbie” Movie  Mattel Films is one of the production companies   The success of Barbie's line of dolls prompted Mattel to expand its horizon as a multimedia franchise. Over the years, the company has produced several animated feature films and video games featuring the duo of Barbie and Ken.  For the movie, Mattel Films worked with director Greta Gerwig and Warner Bros to design the set of the film. The company contributed to keeping the old-school charm of the set intact throughout the movie.  Read more: Barbie movie: Their life in plastic looks fantastic The movie is the first live-action adaptation of Barbie and the first successful collaboration between Mattel and Warner Bros.  A long list of lead actors for Barbie  The idea of a live-action Barbie is nothing new. It has been floating over for more than a decade until its culmination with the Robbie and Gerwig duo.  Initially, Universal Pictures acquired the rights to the film but it later went to Sony Pictures in 2014 due to lack of developments. Amy Schumer was slated to play the lead role and work on the screenplay. But she dropped out due to some unknown reason in 2017. After that Anne Hathaway was chosen for the role but that too didn’t see any progress.  Finally, Warner Bros picked up the rights in 2019 and settled with Greta Gerwig to direct the film.  Read more: "Mission: Impossible" sequel tops North American box office Margot Robbie was initially hesitant to play Barbie  Robbie is one of the producers of Barbie. When Greta shared her vision for the lead Barbie in the movie, Robbie felt that she might not be the perfect fit as the lead. Robbie grew up in the Gold Coast of Australia and much of her playtime was outdoors in the sand or the mud. She even claimed to have never owned a Barbie doll as a kid.  Robbie felt that Gal Gadot brought in the “Barbie energy” that Greta had been looking for. But ultimately Greta went with Robbie. 

Amidst the success of Bangladeshi films in theatres across the country on the festive occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, makers of Afran Nisho’s debut feature film ‘Surongo’ have said that the film is all set to make its global release across different continents. However, a particular country being on that list sparked interest among film enthusiasts, as this is reportedly the first time a Bangladeshi film will hit theatres in Saudi Arabia. On Monday (July 03, 2023), the film’s lead actors Afran Nisho and Tama Mirza, director Raihan Rafi, Chorki CEO Redoan Rony and Alpha-i Managing Director Shahriar Shakil addressed several issues regarding the film, including the global release details, to journalists during a press briefing at Star Cineplex in SKS Tower, Mohakhali, Dhaka. Why is the Barbie movie banned in Vietnam? Addressing the media, Shahriar Shakil said, “As part of our global release, ‘Surongo’ will be released in seven countries in the Middle East in phases. This is most probably the first Bangladeshi movie to be released in Saudi Arabia, a country which has a great fanbase of Nisho among the expat Bangladeshi community.” “We have also finalised Surongo's release in the United States, Canada, and Australia as well. It will be released on July 7 in six cities, including Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, and Darwin in Australia, and then on July 21 in New York, USA, and Canada. Then will be released in other states across the US from July 28,” Shakil added. At the press briefing, the makers of ‘Surongo’ informed that the film is slated to be released by India's Shree Venkatesh Films (SVF) under import-export policy.  Dhallywood eyes a festive Eid as movies become the talk of the town again SVF is one of the film conglomerates in India, and Surongo has already been sent to the Indian censor board for approval. If the film gets approved, it will be released across India on a large scale, makers of the film said. In the Middle East, ‘Surongo’ is scheduled to be released with Arabic subtitles, they added. Released on the day of Eid-ul-Azha, ‘Surongo’ has been successfully running at multiplexes and single-screen movie theatres across the country. 10 Most Hyped Bangladeshi Movies Releasing on Eid-ul-Azha 2023

If you are a movie or music enthusiast, then you know that having a great sound system can make all the difference in your entertainment experience. A home theater system is a perfect way to enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, and music in the comfort zone of your own home. But with so many different options available, choosing the right system for your needs can be overwhelming. This article aims to provide a comprehensive buying guide along with the basics, key components, and an overview of the price ranges of home theater systems in Bangladesh. Things to Consider to Buy a Home Theater When buying a home theater system, there are several important factors to consider to make an informed decision. Here are some things to keep in mind: Size Consider the space where you plan to set up your home theater system. The size of the room will determine the size and power of the system you need. A larger room will require more power and a larger speaker system, while a smaller room may be better suited for a compact system. It's also important to consider the placement of the speakers to ensure that they are positioned correctly for optimal sound quality. Read More: Air Conditioner Brands, Buyer Guide, Models, with Price in Sound Quality Consider the audio quality of the system. A home theater system's audio quality depends on the speakers, the amplifier, and the audio source. Look for a system that can handle high-quality audio formats such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, and make sure that the speakers can produce a balanced and immersive sound. Video Quality Then comes the video quality of the system. If you plan to watch movies or play games on your home theater system, you will want to ensure that it can handle high-quality video formats such as 4K Ultra HD or HDR. Look for a system with a high-quality display, whether that be a TV or projector. Connectivity You should also check the connectivity options of the system. Look for a system with multiple input options, such as HDMI or Bluetooth, so you can easily connect all your devices to the system. Also, consider whether the system has Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity for streaming content. Read More: Walton Home Appliance & Electronics products can make your life convenient Cost Lastly, consider the overall cost of the system. A high-end home theater system can be a significant investment, but it's important to consider the value that it will provide. Determine your budget and look for a system that fits within that range while still meeting your needs and providing good-quality components. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect home theater system that meets your needs and fits within your budget. Price Range of Home theater in Bangladesh - Features with Price Top Home Theater models under TK 10000 Redmi MDZ-34-DA The Xiaomi Redmi MDZ-34-DA TV soundbar is a type of speaker that can be connected to a TV using Bluetooth or wired connectivity. It has an output power of 30W and a frequency response range of 80Hz-20KHz. The speaker has an impedance of 4ohm and accepts inputs from AUX, Bluetooth, and SPDIF interfaces. Read More: Air Purifier Price in Bangladesh: A Comprehensive Buying Guide The body of the speaker is made of ABS and metal, and it is black in color. The dimensions of the speaker are 64 x 63 x 780mm, and it weighs 1.50 kg. The packet includes the soundbar, a SPDIF cord, screws, an expansion rubber plug, an EVA foam pad, and a manual. The part number for this soundbar is MDZ-34-DA, and it comes with a 6-month warranty. The soundbar is made and assembled in China. The soundbar costs around 4,000 taka. F&D T200X 2:1 Bluetooth Soundbar The F&D T200X is a Bluetooth soundbar with a 2:1 channel system that can be connected both wirelessly and with wires. Each channel has an RMS of 17.5 watts and the subwoofer has an RMS of 35 watts, providing an output power of 70 watts. The satellite speakers have a frequency range of 135Hz-20kHz, while the subwoofer has a range of 30Hz-104Hz. The soundbar also has a memory card slot that can support SD cards and a USB port. The Bluetooth range is up to 15 meters with version 4.0. The device also features LED lighting, automatic multi-color LED on the subwoofer, and a bright white LED display. The soundbar is sleek and can fit discreetly under flat-panel TVs. Read More: Best Vacuum Floor Cleaner under Tk10000 in Bangladesh The subwoofer and satellite speakers can be used separately or combined to form a soundbar. The device also has crystal clear sound and heart-thumping bass, an uninterrupted digital FM with up to 100 station storage, and a plug-and-play USB/SD card reader. The device comes with a one-year warranty, with no warranty for the remote. It will cost you around 9,000 taka. Top Home Theater models under TK 20000 F&D F5060X The F&D F5060X is a Bluetooth-enabled multimedia home theater system with a 5:1 channel configuration. It has an output power of 135 watts, with each of the five channels providing 15 watts of RMS power and the subwoofer providing 60 watts of RMS power. The frequency response range is between 60Hz-20KHz for the satellites and 25Hz-85Hz for the subwoofer, and it has a signal-to-noise ratio of 73dB. The system is equipped with multicolored LED themes, PLL FM storage, and a 2-way acoustic design, and it features a sleek matte finish with a minimalistic yet elegant design. Additionally, the F&D F5060X comes with a full-function remote control and an app for multi-functional control. The system also includes a 1-year warranty. Read More: Microwave Oven price in Bangladesh with Buying Tips Philips B5305 2.1 Channel Soundbar The Philips B5305 Soundbar System boasts a Wireless Subwoofer that enhances the audio experience. It has two Full-range drivers (15W x 2), Bluetooth, and an array of inputs including 3.5mm audio, optical, Aux-In, Bluetooth, Optical, and HDMI (ARC), which can be conveniently controlled with your TV remote. Our evaluation revealed that the Philips B5305 performed remarkably well, particularly for video playback. The LED indicates the audio mode; white for Music, green for Movies, and red for News. The Philips B5305 Soundbar Speaker has an attractive design and durable build quality, providing reliable and optimized performance for movies and games. However, it does not come with a parts warranty. The latest price of the Philips B5305 2.1 Channel Soundbar Speaker in Bangladesh is 20,000 taka. Top Home Theater models around TK 30000 JBL Bar 2.1 Soundbar The JBL Bar 2.1 Soundbar has a more streamlined appearance, featuring Dolby Digital and JBL Surround Sound. The audio performance for your movies and music is great with its 300W power output, and JBL Surround Sound brings your movies to life without the need for extra wires or speakers. Read More: Projector Buyer Guide and Price Ranges in Bangladesh It comes with a 6.5" (165mm) wireless subwoofer, which provides rich and deep bass and flexible placement. Bluetooth 4.2 powers it, enabling you to stream all of your favorite music wirelessly from any mobile device. You can connect your devices with HDMI IN/ 1 HDMI out (ARC) and make your home entertainment setup simpler. This JBL soundbar works with several of the latest TV remote controls, so you can use your current TV remote control for both your TV and soundbar. With a frequency response range of 40Hz to 20KHz and a maximum SPL of 99db, you can enjoy a broad range of audio performance. It offers various input options, including 1 Analog, 1 Optical, Bluetooth, and USB audio. There is no warranty provided with it. The present price of a JBL Bar 2.1 Soundbar with a Subwoofer in Bangladesh is 32,000 taka. Sony HT-S350 is a 2.1ch Soundbar The Sony HT-S350 is a 2.1ch Soundbar that boasts a powerful wireless subwoofer and a total output of 320W, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to enhance their home theater experience. Thanks to the S-Force PRO Front Surround technology, you can enjoy cinematic sound without the need for additional rear speakers. Read More: Power Bank Buyer guide with Price Ranges in Bangladesh The soundbar also features a 16 cm speaker unit and a 28-liter volume that delivers a deeper, richer bass sound, perfect for enjoying your favorite music tracks and dramatic action scenes. It's effortless to set up and can be connected to your TV via HDMI ARC with a single cable. If your TV isn't compatible with HDMI, you can connect via the optical input. Plus, with Bluetooth v5.0 connectivity, you can easily stream all your favorite music wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet. The Sony HT-S350 comes without any warranty, and it's priced at 31,500 taka. Samsung HW-Q60T 5.1ch Soundbar The Samsung HW-Q60T 5.1 Ch Bluetooth Soundbar offers a more powerful audio experience with clear tones. Samsung's Acoustic Beam technology delivers sound that appears to be precisely where the action is taking place on screen, providing an immersive viewing experience. With Q-Symphony technology, the soundbar syncs with Samsung TVs to create a harmonious sound. Read More: Gaming PC Buyer guide & Price Ranges in Bangladesh It also supports HDR 10+ content for an even more impactful audio experience. The soundbar can be controlled with a Samsung TV remote and can also be connected to a Samsung TV via Bluetooth for easy access to your favorite content. The Samsung HW-Q60T 5.1ch Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer comes with a 1-year service warranty and is priced at 33,500 Taka. Conclusion Choosing the right home theater system is quite confusing. Our discussion has covered how to buy a home theater. We have also discussed some popular home theater systems under various price ranges in Bangladesh. Take your time to do your research and make an informed decision that fits your needs and budget. Investing in a home theater system can enhance your movie and music experience in the comfort of your own home. Read More: WiFi Wireless Router Buyer Guide with Price Ranges in

Like every year, the season of love is upon us. As romantics from all over the world celebrate love on the 14th of February, Chorki has lined up content to fit the occasion. This year too, Chorki has decided to make valentine’s day memorable with their latest web film “Unish 20” starring Arifin Shuvoo and Afsana Ara Bindu. Here’s a look back at the star cast and their works.  Shuvoo’s Critical Run Continues  Arifin Shuvoo has been a regular in the movie scene of Bangladesh. However, Shuvoo became an overnight sensation with the release of Mission Extreme in 2021. His dedication to the role and the grueling physical transformation got heaps of appreciation. The movie was an instant box office hit in Bangladesh and revived the struggling industry. The same year Shuvoo was featured in the Zee5 web series called “Contract”. And likewise, Shuvoo’s performance received rave reviews.  Read More: Pathaan Movie Box Office Collection: Breaking Records in 2023 Fast forward to 2023, and the critical acclaim continues with the release of Mission Impossible 2: Black War. The scale and grandeur at which the movie is pitched are unprecedented in the local cinema scene. This year Shuvoo also has several lineups ready with Raihan Rafi’s Noor and Shyam Benegal’s Mujib: The Making of a Nation based on the life of the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.  “Unish 20” is Shuvoo’s first collaboration with Mizanur Rahman Ariyan with the movie being Shuvoo’s second release for 2023.  Bindu’s Comeback  Afsana Ara Bindu’s first appearance was on Lux Channel i Superstar back in 2006. She was the first runner-up in that season and became an instant face in the media. Bindu started her career with modeling and then subsequently moved to drama and movies.  Read More: Vicky Zahed's First Web Series 'Silence' to Hit Binge this February

"Birkonna Pritilata," a government grant recipient movie based on the life of revolutionary Pritilata Waddedar, premiered Wednesday at Star Cineplex. The film, based on the novel "Bhalobasha Pritilata" by novelist Selina Hossain, is set to hit the theatres on Friday. Popular actress Nusrat Imrose Tisha played the role of Pritilata, one of the leaders and the first female martyr of the anti-British movement, and Manoj Pramanik the role of revolutionary Ram Krishna in this film. Team Birkonna joined today's event alongside director Pradip Ghosh. Trisha said, "Portraying Pritilata was very challenging as we had no video documentation of her time. We had to prepare ourselves by reading books to get into the characters. But we tried our best." Pritilata was born in a middle-class Vaidya Brahmin family on May 5, 1911, in Dhalghat village in Patiya upazila of Chattogram. In 1929, she got admitted to Eden College before joining the Independence Movement of the Indian Subcontinent in 1932 to liberate the region from British colonial rule. Regarded as "Bengal's first woman martyr," she ended her life by consuming potassium cyanide on September 24, 1932, at the age of 21. Read more: 'Omanush' released in 41 theatres

Showcasing 252 films from 71 countries, the 21st Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) will begin Saturday (January 14, 2023). One hundred and twenty-nine full-length feature films and one hundred and twenty-three short and independent films are scheduled to enthral the moviegoers at the festival. Bangladesh will be represented at the festival through 81 films, including 12 full-length feature films and 69 short and independent films. Read more: Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Association finally begins journey with full panel Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen will inaugurate the festival as the chief guest at the main auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum at 4pm. Prime Minister's Private Industries and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman will join the ceremony as the special guest, which will be presided over by State Minister for Foreign Affairs and DIFF chief patron Shahriar Alam. "Rainbow Film Society has been organising the DIFF every year since 1992 with support from different organisations. Unfortunately, that support is dwindling," festival director Ahmed Muztaba Zamal said at a press conference in the capital Thursday. Read more: It's a 'Dream Run' to Florida film fest! "To continue this acclaimed festival in the future, we need proper financial assistance from the government and elite members of society and corporations, the driving force behind every other successful film festival across the world." About the unavailability of suitable venues for the festival, newly elected Jatiya Press Club (JPC) General Secretary Shyamal Dutta said the JPC is going to serve as one of the venues for the upcoming edition of the DIFF. Films will be screened at the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib auditorium (main auditorium) and Poet Sufia Kamal auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum, National Art Gallery auditorium, Nandan Theatre open ground and Jatiya Sangeet and Nrityakala auditorium of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), Star Cineplex (Bashundhara City) and Alliance Francaise de Dhaka (Dhanmondi) in the capital. Read More: Indian Movie RRR’s Success at Golden Globe 2023 They will be screened under nine categories – Asian cinema competition section, retrospective, wide angle, Bangladesh panorama, cinema of the world, children's films, women filmmakers, short and independent films and spiritual films. The 21st DIFF will also feature the Ninth Dhaka International Conference on Women in Cinema 2023 at the Samson Lounge, Dhaka Club, from January 15 to 16 and West Meets East: Screenplay Lab from January 15 to 18 at Alliance Francaise de Dhaka. This year, the festival will also host a day-long master class for the first time on January 21 at Bangladesh National Museum. It will be led by filmmakers Jon Jost from the US and Anja Strelec from Belgium. Read More: 2022 Highest Grossing Movies Worldwide There will also be a special session where script pitching, film studies, and practical filmmaking experience will be discussed by Sadia Khalid Reeti and filmmaker Tasmiah Afrin Mou. Bidhan Rebeiro will conduct the master class sessions. The 21st Dhaka International Film Festival will draw to a close on January 22.