Acclaimed actress and singer Zinat Sanu Swagata is set to make her directorial debut. This foray into the world of direction is under the expansive umbrella of the BTV project “Chhoto Chhobi, Boro Shwapno” (Small Films, Big Dreams), where she will be at the helm of a short film. Titled “Otoyeb”, this marks her inaugural endeavour into directing, promising a fresh perspective in the realm of storytelling.

The film, as described by Swagata, revolves around a love story tainted by the echoes of unsuccessful love, drawing parallels to iconic tales such as Romeo and Juliet and Shirin-Farhad. It delves into the complexities of love hindered by social disparities, portraying a narrative where love struggles to reach its fruition. Despite the familiarity of the theme, Swagata expresses her desire to present it uniquely, infused with her personal touch.

Having pursued studies in the Film and Media Studies department at Stamford University, the idea of crafting a short film was conceived during her master’s programme. The script for “Otoyeb” took shape during this academic period. Although the formal celebration of her master’s degree is pending, the project is now set to unfold.

Several months ago, Swagata submitted the script for “Otoyeb” under the BTV project “Chhoto Chhobi, Boro Shwapno”. After an initial selection, an interview process ensued. Having successfully navigated through all the necessary procedures, an official announcement was made by BTV on November 23, declaring Swagata as the chosen director for this cinematic venture.

The cast for “Otoyeb” is yet to be finalised, and Swagata expresses her eagerness to collaborate with new and emerging artistes. While a few names are in consideration, formal discussions are yet to take place. Prior to the commencement of shooting, Swagata will undergo a seven-day workshop, shaping her vision for the film.

“After completing that,” Swagata states, “decisions will be made about the actors.”

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After a two-year-long hiatus, the actress is gearing up to start shooting her upcoming film “Story of Dodo”.

Since the birth of her son Rajya, Pori Moni had taken a break to not only regain herself but to also spend quality time with her son.

The film was awarded Tk 60 lakh as a film grant by the government in the financial year 2021-2022.

Story of Dodo is being directed by Reza Ghatok and produced by record label G-series.

Porimoni is acting opposite actor Symon Sadik in the film. She will portray the character of Kajal Chowdhury in the upcoming film and Symon Sadik will play a photographer named Raihan.

‘I have been eagerly waiting to return in front of the camera for the past two years. The film is based on an atypical story. I hope that film lovers will enjoy it,’ said Porimoni, who signed up for the film in September.

Reza Ghatok said, ‘Story of Dodo will revolve around the struggles of a mother. I also want to depict the life of farmers in the film.’ Story of Dodo also stars Ahsan Habib Nasim, Khairul Alam Sabuj, Monira Mithu and others.

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Bangladeshi actress Azmeri Haque Badhan makes her debut in the Hindi film industry with Khufiya, which will premiere on OTT platform Netflix today.

Written, directed, and produced by Vishal Bhardwaj, Khufiya is a Netflix original neo-noir based on the espionage novel, “Escape to Nowhere”, by Amar Bhushan, a former senior officer of the Indian Police Service. The film stars prominent Bollywood bigwigs, such as Tabu, Ashish Vidyarthi, and Ali Fazal, alongside Badhon. The movie has generated considerable buzz and anticipation amongst film enthusiasts.

The trailer of “Khufiya” was released last month, offering a glimpse into Badhon’s character and the intrigue surrounding the film. In the 2-minute and 39-second trailer, glimpses of her character have already piqued the interest of fans.

Badhon plays a pivotal role in the film with limited screen time. When asked about her character, Rehana Maryam Noor’s brightest star, Azmeri Haque Badhan, stated, “I have portrayed a very minor character in ‘Khufiya’. I won’t reveal much about it now, but I can say that I play the role of a Bangladeshi. That’s why they sought an actress from Bangladesh.”

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Popular Bangladeshi small screen actor Ziaul Faruq Apurba will make his Tollywood debut with the Pratim D Gupta-directed thriller Chaalchitra, Indian Bengali news channel ABP Ananda reported.

Apurba shared the news released by ABP Ananda on its official Facebook page on Wednesday.

The film also stars Tota Roy Choudhury, Shantanu Maheshwari, Raima Sen, and Swastika Dutta, amongst others.

“Chaalchitro” revolves around the life of four police officers in Kolkata. The special detective branch of Kolkata Police, led by the skilled officer Kanishk Chatterjee, tries their best to solve a crime that dates back to twelve years ago.

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A legal notice was served on Sunday to halt the promotion, broadcast and screening of Pori Moni-starrer web film ‘Puff Daddy’ within three days for undermining religious sentiments and existing laws, and spreading obscenity among youths.

On Sunday, Bangladesh Supreme Court and Cumilla Judge Court lawyer Zainal Abedin Mazhari sent the notice to chairman of Bangladesh Telecommunication Company Limited, managing director of OTT platform Bongobd, chairman of Bangladesh Film Censor Board, secretary of information and broadcasting ministry and vice chairman of Bangladesh Film Censor Board.

Zainal Abedin Mazhari wrote in the legal notice that vested interest groups were using OTT platforms to make easy money and spread obscenity among the younger generation of the country as there were no specific policies regarding OTT platforms.

Puff Daddy, a bongo original web film, was released on Bongobd on September 7.

The web film has been co-directed by Shahid Un Nabi and Mushfiqur Rahman Manzu.

It stars Azad Abul Kalam, Pori Moni, Sajal, Shahiduzzaman Selim, Intekhab Dinar, Faruk Ahmed and others.

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At the end, actress Pori Moni and her husband Shariful Raj have parted ways. Pori Moni sent a divorce notice to Raj on 18 September. A source in her family confirmed this to Prothom Alo. However, neither Pori nor Raj could be reached for a comment on the matter.

On 10 January, 2022, the news about Raj and Pori’s relationship came to light on Facebook.

On 22 January of last year, they tied the knot in a small wedding ceremony with a Muhr of Tk 101, in the presence of the members of the two families. On 21 January, their Haldi ceremony was held.

After 10 months, the couple was blessed with a baby boy. The actress revealed her son’s name along with his picture the following day. She mentioned that she named him Shaheem Muhammad Rajya, matching it with his father Raj.

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Ekushey Padak winning dancer and television actress Zeenat Barkatullah died of old-age complications at her own residence in the city’s Dhanmondi area on Wednesday afternoon, reports news agency BSS.

She is survived by two daughters, actress Bijori Barkatullah and Nusrat Barkatullah Kajori.

The news was confirmed by her daughter Bijori Barkatullah, who is also a noted actress and dancer.

In her illustrious career, Zeenat Barkatullah served as the director of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (production department), while overseeing its dance and music departments.

She was recognised for her performances for a wide range of dance styles, including the likes of Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, and folk dance.

In the year 2022, the artiste was honoured with the second highest civilian award, Ekushey Padak, for contributions to the field of dance.

She also achieved other accolades such as Sher-e-Bangla Memorial Award (1985), Natya Shabha Award (1987), Cadet Core Award (1989), UNESCO Award (1996), Tarokalok Award (1997), Millennium Award (2000), Amritabazar Award (2001), and the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Award (2008).

She was featured in around 80 tele-fictions during her career, which began with the project “Maria Amar Maria” in 1980. She was later seen in “Ghore Baire”, “Osthayee Nibash”, “Boro Bari”, and “Kotha Bola Moyna”, among others.

Born on October 3 in 1951, Zeenat Barkatullah was a student of Gazi Alimuddin Mannan, while she was only four years old. She earned her Master’s in Sociology from the Dhaka University and joined the Performing Arts Academy.

She also completed a six-year certificate course from Bulbul Lalitakala Academy and later in ballet and dance choreography from North Korea.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs, K M Khalid expressed deep condolences on the passing of the stalwart and extended heartfelt sympathy to the grieving family in a condolence message.

In the message, the minister emphasised the significant role played by Zeenat Barkatullah in the cultural movement of independent Bangladesh. He also stated that she will remain a vital figure in the development of dance discourse through her work.

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Ekushey Padak winning film director, producer and film writer Syed Salahuddin Zaki died at a city hospital on Monday night. He was 77.

The family said that Salauddin Zaki fell sick on Monday night. He was taken to United Hospital in Dhaka where duty doctors declared him dead.

Syed Salahuddin Zaki was born on August 26 in 1946 in Tangail.

His first movie, Ghuddi, was released in 1980 and he won the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Dialogue for the film.

Zaki joined FDC as the operative director in 1981. Later, he served as the director general of Bangladesh Television for five years from 1996.

He also served as the chief executive officer of SATV for few years.

Some other notable films of Zaki are —Lal Benarsi, starred by Alamgir and Rozina, and Aina Bibir Pala, starred by Ilyas Kanchan and Anju Ghosh.

Zaki was awarded Ekushey Padak in 2021.

Director Chayanika Chowdhury expressed deep shock at his death on her verified Facebook page.

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Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Hindi-language action thriller film titled Jawan has received uncut censor certificate in Bangladesh today.

Filmmaker Anonno Mamun, owner and director of Action Cut Entertainment, confirmed the news in the noon.

‘Jawan has received uncut censor certificate today and there is no longer any barrier to screen the film in Bangladesh,’ said Anonno Mamun.

‘The film will be screened in the cineplexes from today and in the single screens across Bangladesh from tomorrow,’ added Anonno Mamun.

However, Anonno Mamun did not confirm the number of cineplexes and single screens to screen Jawan in the country.

The film is imported to Bangladesh by Action Cut Entertainment and Rongdhonu Group.

Jawan is co-written and directed by Atlee, produced by Gauri Khan and Gaurav Verma under Red Chillies Entertainment.

The film stars Shah Rukh Khan in a dual role, Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, Deepika Padukone and others.

Jawan have its world premiere today. This marks the first time a Hindi movie will be making its global debut in Bangladesh.

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Dhallywood star Shakib Khan has sent a legal notice to SMC Enterprise for breaking the brand advertisement contract between the two parties. As compensation for his losses, the star has demanded Tk 4 crore from the enterprise.

The notice, addressed to SMC Managing Director Abdul Haque and General Manager Khandaker Shamim Rahman, was sent on Tuesday through registered post and email, said Shakib Khan’s lawyer Wolora Afrin on Wednesday.

The notice detailed that Shakib Khan had a one-year contract with SMC Enterprise Limited which expired on June 30, 2022. Since the expiration of the contract, the company has continued to use the actor’s image and brand without renewing or cancelling the contract.

This action has prevented Shakib Khan from entering agreements with other firms, causing him significant losses, the notice claims.

Due to the unauthorized advertisement broadcast over the past six months, a compensation claim of Tk4 crore has been made.

Shakib Khan became affiliated with SMC Enterprise Limited in March 2019, with the contract lasting until June 30 last year.

Wolora Afrin said the legal notice has been sent under Section 35 of the copyright law as SMC Enterprise Limited continued its promotion even after the expiration of the contract.

The issued party have been instructed to act in accordance with the notice within seven days, failing which further legal action will be initiated against them, she added.

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