‘Madhumita Hall was upgraded for the long haul’
Rumours of closure continue to swirl around Madhumita, one of Dhaka’s oldest and most iconic cinema halls, located in Motijheel. Having celebrated its golden jubilee just three years ago, Madhumita has been a cornerstone of the city’s moviegoing culture since its inauguration on December 1, 1967.
22 June 2025, 05:02 AM
From action to dance numbers: Farin and Sabila win hearts on the big screen
Popular actresses Sabila Nur and Tasnia Farin have been dominating the Eid-ul-Azha box office with their commercial film releases, “Taandob” and “Insaaf”. Both films have sparked widespread discussions across social media and among filmgoers, mostly in praise of the actresses’ performances.
19 June 2025, 06:38 AM
Local Eid releases fare at the box office
Six films were released across cinemas in Bangladesh this Eid. Among them, “Taandob”, starring Shakib Khan and directed by Raihan Rafi, has led the charts from Eid day through the fifth day of the holiday. The film was released in 133 theatres nationwide, with midnight screenings (12am–3am) running in venues such as Chhaya Bani in Mymensingh, Rajtilok in Rajshahi, and Modhubon Cineplex in Bogura.
14 June 2025, 04:30 AM
I tune out communication to focus on my role: Sariful Razz
Sariful Razz’s latest film, “Insaaf”, directed by Sanjoy Somadder, was released this Eid-ul-Azha initially across 16 theatres in Bangladesh. With Tasnia Farin also in a leading role, the film features Mosharraf Karim in a key role.
11 June 2025, 05:32 AM
A legacy of Tagore songs in Bengali and Hindi films
Today, on 25th Boishakh, the 164th birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, the legacy of his music continues to echo far and wide- not just in the hearts of Bengalis, but across the cinematic landscapes of both Bengal and Bollywood. While his poetry and songs remain an inseparable part of everyday life, Rabindra Sangeet has also found a cherished place in both Bengali and Hindi cinema, often adapted, referenced, or directly used to elevate cinematic storytelling.
8 May 2025, 10:06 AM
Subir Nandi’s voice still reverberates through the hearts of listeners
Today marks the sixth death anniversary of legendary singer Subir Nandi, whose timeless voice continues to resonate with generations of music lovers. Though he passed away on May 7, 2019, his melodies remain ever-present—on the radio, across streaming platforms, or simply heard in passing—stirring memories and emotions among fans old and new.
7 May 2025, 12:43 PM
‘Borbaad’ and ‘Daagi’ dominate overseas theatres
Bangladeshi films “Borbaad” and “Daagi” have sustained packed audiences in theatres both locally and internationally, even twenty days after their Eid release.
21 April 2025, 06:06 AM
A musical Eid: Songs that are still making memories
A total of six movies were released during Eid-ul-Fitr this year. Among the songs from these films, “Chand Mama” from “Borbaad” and “Konna” from “Jinn 3” have each surpassed 10 million views on YouTube.
10 April 2025, 18:00 PM
Lights, camera, vote: Bangladesh Film Artistes' Association sets stage for 2024-26 election
The Bangladesh Film Artistes' Association (BFAA) is poised for its biennial election today, with 571 voters set to cast their ballots. Amongst them, 50 are new voters, reflecting a potential shift in the association's dynamics. This follows the landmark decision in the previous election where the Ilias Kanchan-Nipun Akter panel secured victory and reinstated voting rights to 103 previously excluded artistes, signaling winds of change within the association.
18 April 2024, 18:05 PM
11-film Battle Royale: Who won?
This Eid-ul-Fitr, an astounding number of films–totalling 11– were released, offering a wide selection for movie-goers. Amongst them, the Shakib Khan starrer “Rajkumar” is predictably leading in earnings in its first week. Directed by Himel Ashraf, the film premiered in a record-breaking 127 cinemas and has been selling out in all multiplexes since its opening day. It is also performing strongly in single-screen theatres.
15 April 2024, 18:05 PM
Shakib Khan talks about 'Rajkumar', shares his plans for Eid celebrations
For over two decades, Eid festivities have been incomplete without the anticipation and excitement for Shakib Khan’s blockbuster releases. Each year, audiences eagerly await his cinematic gifts, turning Eid into a celebration not just of cultural and religious significance but also a cinematic event.
11 April 2024, 08:36 AM
I’m not afraid of competition: Puja Chery
One of the film's songs, titled “Beshamal”, has already gained significant attention from audiences. Puja opened up about her personal experience and professional journey in a conversation with The Daily Star.
3 April 2024, 13:17 PM
Khalid lives on through his melody
In commemorating Khalid's life and musical contributions, we honour not only a talented artiste but also a symbol of resilience, passion, and creativity. Though he may have bid farewell to this world, his melodies will continue to echo through the annals of Bangladeshi music.
19 March 2024, 13:07 PM
Two hits, several misses in 2024’s OTT world
In early 2024, local OTT platforms saw the emergence of several noteworthy productions, marking a shift in entertainment consumption trends. Viewers prefer the flexibility these platforms offer, allowing them to choose content according to their preferences without any constraints. If a particular content doesn't resonate, viewers swiftly move on to explore other options. Conversely, if they find something they enjoy, they readily subscribe to the platform to access it.
2 March 2024, 04:00 AM
Are producers pushing big-budget films towards Eid?
In 2023, a significant portion of the big-budgeted films screened in Dhaka primarily comprised of those released during Eid. During that period, numerous individuals within the cinema industry remarked that movies in Dhaka were predominantly scheduled around Eid. Outside of these festive seasons, production houses seemed hesitant to release big-budget films.
10 February 2024, 15:00 PM
No new Bangla movies to release in January?
A week of the ongoing year 2024 may have passed so far but there have not been any releases of Bangla movies at the theatres thereby pointing toward a stale beginning of the new year.
11 January 2024, 06:29 AM
‘People in West Bengal love me’: Shakib Khan sings, performs in Assam
Experiencing the overwhelming love and admiration of the fans, Shakib Khan sang the famous song “O Priyotoma” from his blockbuster film, “Priyotoma”. He also performed on several songs from the movie with his co-star, Idhika.
1 January 2024, 13:32 PM
Top 10 actors dominating OTT conversations in 2023
In the dynamic landscape of Bengali entertainment, 2023 has proven to be a year of cinematic brilliance, particularly in the realm of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms. The virtual space has become a battleground of talent, with actors rising to prominence through their exceptional performances in web series and films.
As we bid adieu to 2023, it's time to acknowledge and celebrate the top 10 actors who have been the talk of the town, captivating audiences with their unmatched acting prowess.
30 December 2023, 13:49 PM
The film industry in 2023: Maintaining the momentum
The trend continued as cinema culture thrived with discussions and opinions, making it a successful year for the film industry. Apart from festivals, audiences flocked to theaters more than before. The year saw the release of 51 Dhallywood films, with some achieving commercial success where some failed as well.
25 December 2023, 14:31 PM
Wedding bells in 2023: Stars who tied the knot
In 2023, quite a few celebrities in the entertainment industry tied the knot. Some got married suddenly, while others had publicly announced it. The headlines in the showbiz world have been dominated by these marriage stories.
24 December 2023, 12:42 PM
Stars we lost in 2023
In 2023, the entertainment industry witnessed the unfortunate demise of several luminaries. While they may no longer remain with us, their legacies endure through their creative works. Their remarkable contributions will continue to resonate in the domains of film, television dramas, dance, and music.
21 December 2023, 18:05 PM
Hall owners want local premiere of ‘Dunki’ with global debut
Whenever Shah Rukh Khan's or any Bollywood film is released, a significant number of Bangladeshi viewers opt to travel to India to watch the movie. Hall owners believe that releasing these films simultaneously in Bangladesh would be beneficial for our country.
17 December 2023, 11:53 AM
Celebrities eager to receive nominations in 2024 National Election
In anticipation of the upcoming 12th National Parliament election, a group of well-known actors from the entertainment industry is actively seeking nominations. This diverse lineup includes renowned figures such as Ferdous, Mahiya Mahi, Rubel, Shakil Khan, and Siddiqur Rahman. These celebrities have taken a step further by collecting nomination forms, indicating their intentions to seek endorsements from their preferred political party.
21 November 2023, 11:58 AM
People will love on-screen chemistry with Sonal: Shakib Khan
Shakib returned to Dhaka on Friday after participating in the film’s shoot for 20 days, which began on October 27. As soon as he landed, The Daily Star caught up with the star in a candid conversation, where he shared about his experience, new project and more.
18 November 2023, 12:12 PM
I’ve got a gift from a special someone: Puja Chery
In a recent development, the actress has inked a deal to work on another project with the same director, titled "Dorodiya", where she'll be sharing the screen with Ador Azad. This film will mark the third collaboration between the two actors.
24 October 2023, 12:41 PM
AB Foundation announces Ayub Bachchu museum, release of 200 songs in tribute
Today marks the fifth death anniversary of rock legend Ayub Bachchu. On this day in 2018, the iconic singer left us at the age of 56. Ayub Bachchu's untimely demise left a void in the music industry and the hearts of countless fans. Born in Chattogram on August 16, 1962, he was not only a rock guitarist but also a composer, singer, and songwriter.
18 October 2023, 05:55 AM
I watched the biopic more than 50 times to create its music: Shantanu Moitra
The esteemed musician has come to Bangladesh to attend the premiere of 'Mujib', marking his first visit to the country. In an interview with The Daily Star, he talked about the music of the film and shared insights about his experiences, as well as his thoughts on Bangladesh, during his visit.
14 October 2023, 11:47 AM
Bobby electrifies
Eamin Haque Bobby is gearing up for a return soon. She was last seen in “Paap”, where her role as an ACP officer was embraced well, despite the outcome of the film. As a producer, she has an assortment of genres under her belt, including the superhero film “Bizli”.
6 October 2023, 18:05 PM