A major highlight for the year is the return of Allen Swapan, with director Shihab Shaheen and actor Nasir Uddin Khan teaming up once again. OTT is looking to register its strongest yet, with a newfound freedom of speech.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DESK

While 2024’s July Revolution shook the showbiz industry, it still fights on in a battle of existence. What can we expect from various sectors of Entertainment in 2025? Let’s have a look.

Films

2025 seems to be the year for action-packed cinemas. After a short hiatus, Afran Nisho will star in and as Dagi in Shihab Shaheen’s redemption-themed film, sparking excitement among fans eager to see him reunite with Tama Mirza on-screen. Another highly anticipated project is Raihan Rafi’s Lion , featuring Kolkata’s superstar Jeet alongside Bangladesh’s Sariful Razz. The film will mostly be shot in jungles and sea.

Other films like Kobi , Chokkor 302 , Jongli and Esha Murder were supposed to be released in 2024, but they were mostly halted due to some technical issues. However, this year we might witness all this film coming together in theaters.

An Eid without Shakib Khan’s film is unimaginable, and thus, we can look forward to two movies this year. Mehedi Hassan Hridoy’s Borbaad is scheduled to be released on Eid-ul-Fitr. Raihan Rafi and Shakib Khan will be coming together once again for the high-octane film Tandob . It is set to be released on Eid-ul-Azha.

OTT

Raihan Rafi’s Black Money is set to premiere on Bongo on January 2. The series explores the fierce and dangerous battle for control over immense wealth, involving mafia bosses, politicians, and businessmen. Featuring an impressive cast including Puja Chery, Rubel, Intekhab Dinar, Salahuddin Lavlu, Pavel, Mukit Zakaria and Sumon Anwar, the film promises intense drama and action.

Another project to look out for is Vicky Zahed’s Ondhokarer Gaan , starring Abul Hayat, Mosharraf Karim, Zakia Bari Mamo, and Shahnaz Sumi. The narrative revolves around Mosharraf Karim’s character.

Chorki has unveiled an exciting lineup of content for audiences to anticipate. Leading the charge is the original series Feu , inspired by true events. The gripping storyline centers around a harrowing incident where four to five thousand people were killed within three days. Directed by Sukorno Shahed Dhiman, the series features a stellar cast including Chanchal Chowdhury, Tariq Anam Khan, and Mostafizur Noor Imran in key roles, alongside Tanvir Apurbo, Hossain Jibon, Tahmina Othoi, and local artistes from Khulna.

Another notable project is the web-film Jaha Bolibo Mittha Bolibo , which draws from real-life crossfire incidents. This film marks the return of acclaimed actor Zahid Hasan to Chorki, under the direction of Raihan Rafi.

Syed Ahmed Shawki joins forces with Chorki for the first time with his political thriller web series Gulmohar , exploring themes of power, politics, and transformation. The series will also see celebrated Indian actor Saswata Chatterjee making his debut as the lead in a Bangladeshi web project.

Audiences can soon witness a unique love story unfold on Chorki. Directed by Zahid Pritom, the film stars fan-favorites Tanjin Tisha, Pritom Hasan, and Parsha Mahjabeen. The web film is titled Ghumpori .

Several more films from Ministry of Love are expected to release in 2025. Chorki has announced that content based on the July-August movements will also be produced.

A major highlight for the year is the return of Allen Swapan , with director Shihab Shaheen and actor Nasir Uddin Khan teaming up once again. Additionally, the hit series Internsheep will return for a second season. Directed by Rezaur Rahman, the new season promises to bring even more fresh comedic moments.

New content will start streaming on Chorki from the night of January 1. The platform’s first release of 2025 will be Antora , the third episode of the Chorki original series Dui Shaw , directed by Nuhash Humayun.

Meanwhile, under the direction of Amitabh Reza Chowdhury, Bohemian Ghora tells the story of Abbas, a truck driver played by Mosharraf Karim, who secretly maintains seven wives across seven districts. Each wife remains unaware of the others. The series is currently listed in the ‘coming soon’ section on Hoichoi.

Music

2024 was a crucial year for musicians. More than the releases themselves, the bravery of the musical fraternity in forming Get Up, Stand Up to rise against the authoritarian government was the highlight of the year. However, rising political uncertainty has led to the diminishing number of shows being hosted countrywide. January 2025 will start with Bappa Mazumder’s mellifluous voice, as he performs at the Yamaha Flagship center on the 3rd. Pakistani artiste Kaavish and Indian playback sensation Sunidhi Chauhan will perform in Dhaka on January 10 and 11, in an event called Dhaka Dreams . Bangladeshi acts Arnob, Armeen Musa and Level Five will also be a part of the concert. We also look forward to previously shadow-banned artistes, including the likes of Asif Akbar, Ethun Babu and Baby Naznin to integrate once again into the industry and give us new tracks. Rap music has been on the forefront of the July revolution, so we are sure to see more defiant hits from the likes of Shezan and Hannan. On the band music front, we are soon to get a new EP from Ershad Zaman’s band, EZ. The former Artcell lead guitarist has confirmed the news to The Daily Star himself.

Theater and Exhibitions

2024 has been a turbulent year for Bangladesh’s theatre scene, marked by political unrest, cancelled plays, and leadership changes. The July uprising led to the resignation of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy’s longest-serving Director General, Liaquat Ali Lucky, with Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed stepping in. As the year closes, the Academy, central to the country’s cultural fabric, is preparing for a new phase of growth, initiating reforms to address long-standing challenges. A new committee is working to ensure the Academy’s regulations align with its mission as an autonomous institution for arts practice and research. Plans also include the establishment of a “Conservatory Cell” to nurture emerging talent and support indigenous communities.

Looking ahead, Shilpakala Academy has over 60 cultural events planned for January alone and countless others all throughout the new year around the country. Leading theatre groups such as Prachyanat, Swapnadal, and Aranyak Natyadal are preparing for an exciting year. Prachyanat’s popular productions like Achalayatan and Kinu Kaharer Thetar will be staged nationwide. Swapnadal will also host the Natyacharya Selim Al Deen Smaran Utsab 2025 festival to commemorate the 17th death anniversary of theatre legend Selim Al Deen. Swapnadal will also continue staging Chitrangada , Helen Keller , and Macbeth in the coming year with special arrangements on Hiroshima Day and International Women’s Day.

Meanwhile, the Dhaka phase of the Hill Film Festival will run from January 2-5 at Shala: Neighbourhood Art Space and Drik, celebrating diverse cinematic voices, particularly Indigenous languages. The Alliance Française de Dhaka will present Aubak Jolpan , a puppet show by Jolputul Puppets, on January 7. Additionally, Edge Gallery and EMK Centre will host exhibitions showcasing the vibrant culture and creativity of Bangladesh.