The Bangladeshi film industry went through several changes in 2012. Although commercial movies were not aplenty, many young directors took on the challenge of making noteworthy feature films. Few of them were also applauded in the international arena. Trends were leaning towards making more digital films. Some of the movies were also commercially successful. Here is a brief review of the industry's ups and downs in the past year.
Forty-seven movies were released in 2012. Shakib Khan was the busiest lead male actor, while Sahara was the most active among the actresses — the two appeared in thirteen and six films respectively. After Sahara, the busiest actress in the industry was Apu Biswas.
Ananta Jalil released two movies last year, both of them super hits at the box office. He was under the limelight throughout the year, with special appreciation from the youth.
Misha Shawdagar appeared in the most number of films as a villain — with eighteen of his films released last year.
Dhaka's movie scene welcomed many new faces last year, including Shwadhin, Sreya, Jahangir, Jhinuk, Simon, Sadique, Sarah Zerin, Sayeed Khan, Sathi, Bappi, Mahi, Kalyan, and Zinnia.
Absent from the silver screen were seasoned actors like Rubel, Moushumi, Poppy, Purnima, Shimla, Samrat and Jona. Riaz was busy as an entrepreneur; Poppy started work on some films, but focused more on TV dramas; Shimla worked in Animesh Aich's movie “Na Manush”, which is yet to be wrapped up; Moushumi was busier with TV dramas, commercials and her role as a reality TV show judge.
Year 2012 saw ten new directors bringing a fresh wave in Dhaka movies. The new talents behind the lens include Shwapan Ahmed, Shahnewaz Kakoli, Saiful Islam Mannu, Ananta Heera, Noman Robin, Ananya Mamun, Ashrafur Rahman, Masud Akhand, Redoan Rony and Mohammad Ruhul Amin. They directed movies like “Laal Tip”, “Uttarer Sur”, “Charulata”, “O Amar Desher Mati”, “Common Gender”, “Most Welcome”, “Tumi Ashbe Bole”, “Pita”, “Chorabali”, and the latest release of the year “Naiyori”.
Among the Forty-seven released films, the most successful and talked about movies included “Most Welcome”, “The Speed”, “Laal Tip”, “Bhalobashar Rong”, “Khoda'r Porey Ma”, “Ghetuputro Komola”, “Shey Amar Mon Kerechhe”, “Manik Ratan Dui Bhai”, “Don Number One” and “Obujh Prem”. The busiest directors were Sohanur Rahman Sohan, Badiul Alam Khokon and Shahin Sumon.
Judge Multimedia Limited was praised for its initiative to introduce digital technology to 40 cinema halls of the country. Judge Multimedia Limited also produced the movie “Bhalobashar Rong”, which created a stir among movie enthusiasts.
Although it has not yet been released in the country, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki's film “Television” was acclaimed internationally. The film “Uttarer Sur” was praised at a Kolkata film festival, as well as being included in a French film festival.
Pijush Bandopadhyay was appointed the new managing director of BFDC in 2012, while the government announced April 3 as the National Film Day.
Purnima, Shakib Khan and Romana won their first National Film Awards in 2012. Kabir Bakul completed his hat trick of National Film Awards, winning the best lyricist award. The best director award went to Zakir Hossain Raju, while the Lifetime Achievement honors were reserved for Anwar Hossain.
Actress Shabnur spent most of 2012 in Australia. Three of her movies were however released — “Atmogopon”, “Bhalobasha'r Saint Martin-e” and “Jiddi Bou”.
Iconic actor Faruk suffered from a sudden illness last year. He travelled to Bangkok for treatment, and returned home healthy a month later.
Legendary actor Razzak had his first modelling stint last year. Among the senior artistes, Sohel Rana was the busiest with acting. Ferdous was more active on the Kolkata cinema scene than in Bangladesh.
Nirob and Emon both were busy doing movies last year, with Emon leading the race. Lux superstar Mehzabien also acted in a movie titled “Porobashini”.
Source: The Daily Star
