Best Bangla Movies of All time
Mukh
O Mukhosh (1956) |
Abdul Jabbar Khan
directed this trailblazer in the history
of our cinema. In 1953, at a cultural
programme, a non-Bangalee movie producer
remarked, "The climate of this
land is not fit for making movies."
A worked up Jabbar decided to make
a movie based on his play Dakaat right
away. Making the movie was a challenge
itself. The actors and most of the
crewmembers had no experience in film;
the shooting came to a standstill
more than once due to floods. It took
two years to wrap up the whole shooting
process. The negative was then taken
to Lahore for editing and printing
and Jabbar was given a hard time there
regarding the processing and bringing
the final prints home. Eventually
the movie starring Purnima, Ali Mansoor,
Najma and others, saw the light of
day on August 3, 1956 and we got our
first "talkie."
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Asiya
(1960) |
The first film shot and developed
in FDC (Film Development Corporation),
Asiya was directed by Fateh Lohani.
Focusing on the life of a village
belle, the asset of the film was its
music, composed by legendary folk
artiste Abbasuddin Ahmed (Samar Das
and Abdul Ahad also composed numbers
for the movie after Abbasuddin's demise
during the making of the film). Featuring
Sumita Devi, Qazi Khaleque and Shaheed,
the film received the prestigious
President Award of Pakistan in 1961.
|
Harano
Din (1961) |
Directed by Mustafiz, the film made
a record as the first Bangla movie
to run for 25 weeks. The romantic
movie also presented the first popular
on-screen couple in our cinema, Rahman-Shabnam.
|
Kancher
Deyal (1963) |
One of the first feature films by
the talented director, Zahir Raihan,
Kancher Deyal stood out for a number
of reasons. Except for a few scenes
in the end, the movie was shot indoors,
more specifically in a room. The movie
revolved around an ill-fated orphan
who had to bear maltreatment at her
uncle's household. Khan Ataur Rahman's
classic, Shyamol Boron Meyeti accompanied
by the doe-eyed Sumita Devi's striking
gaze, epitomised the quintessential
Bangalee beauty.
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Shutorang
(1964) |
Directed by Subhash Dutta, Shutorang,
introduced one of the most popular
leading ladies of Bangla cinema, Kabori.
The film fetched Dutta an award at
the Asian Film Festival in Frankfurt
in 1964.
|
Roopban
(1965) |
During the 60s when our movie theatres
were being dominated by Urdu and Hindi
films, filmmaker Salahuddin made Roopban,
based on a widely known paala (folklore).
Starring Sujata in the title role,
the movie was commercially successful
and started a genre of Bangla movies
based on myths and folklores.
|
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No. Feku Ostagar Lane (1966) |
The first comedy made in this part
of Bengal, the movie was directed
by Bashir Hossain and featured Razzaque,
Sujata, and other noted actors of
the day.
|
Nawab
Siraj-ud-Daula (1967) |
The first movie based on the life of the
last sovereign Nawab of Bengal, Bihar
and Orissa and the historical events of
the Battle of Palaashi was directed by
Khan Ataur Rahman. Anwar Hossain played
the role of the doomed Nawab. Khan Ataur
Rahman and Anowara played other major
roles in the movie.
|
Jibon
Thekey Neya (1970) |
Zahir Raihan directed one of the most
feted Bangla movies, Jibon Thekey Neya,
featuring Khan Ataur Rahman, Rowshan Jamil,
Anwar Hossain, Razzaque, and Suchanda.
Raihan made a bold step with the movie
by narrating the contemporary political
turmoil in the then East Pakistan. The
mass upsurge of 1969 was brilliantly captured
in the movie by the ace filmmaker. The
movie is also special for another reason:
the National Anthem of Bangladesh, Amar
Shonar Bangla Ami Tomae Bhalobashi was
played for the first time in a Bangla
movie and the song ignited the sense of
Bangalee nationalism among the masses
|
Ora
Egaro Jon (1972) |
The first movie released on our Independence
War, most of the lead roles were played
by actors who actually fought against
the Pakistani armed forces. Directed by
Chashi Nazrul Islam, the movie is considered
to be one of the best feature films based
on the Liberation War. Khasru, Sumita
Devi, and Shabana portrayed the lead roles
in the film.
|
Rangbaaz
(1973) |
Directed by Zahirul Haque, the movie was
a trendsetter for several reasons. Rangbaaz
introduced the idea of an "anti-hero"
in our cinema. The movie took actors Razzaque
and Kabori to new heights of popularity.
The song Shey Jey Kano Elona featured
in the movie became an overnight phenomenon.
|
Titash
Ekti Nodir Naam (1973) |
The movie, directed by Writwik Kumar Ghatak,
is an in-depth look at the lives and struggles
of the community of fishermen living by
the river Titash. Featuring Kabori, Prabeer
Mitra, and Rozy, the movie received rave
reviews both in Bangladesh and overseas.
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Shimana
Periye (1977) |
Directed by Alamgir Kabir, the film narrates
a developing relationship between two
individuals from different social strata,
in the milieu of the 1970 cyclone. Bulbul
Ahmed and Jayasree Kabir were applauded
for their credible performances in the
film. Songs composed by Bhupen Hazarika,
like Bimoorto Ei Ratri Amar, became hugely
popular.
|
Boshundhara
(1977) |
Based on 23 Number Tailochitra by author
Alauddin Al Azad, the movie directed by
Subhasha Dutta was another movie that
the sophisticated moviegoers appreciated.
The movie introduced actor Iliyas Kanchan
in the character of the protagonist. Bobita
played the female lead.
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Shareng
Bou (1978) |
The movie directed by Abdullah Al Mamun
was adapted from a novel by noted writer
Shahidullah Kaiser. The film based on
the lives of people living in our costal
areas, was admired by many while stirring
up controversy for some bold statements
it made. Kabori and Faruk portrayed the
lead characters. A song from the film,
O Rey Neel Doriya, became one of the most
treasured movie tunes in our country.
|
Golapi
Akhon Train-e (1978) |
A brilliant film made by Amjad Hossain
on the oppressed have-nots of rural Bangladesh,
Golapi Akhon Train-e, enjoyed a phenomenal
success. The movie showcasing talented
actors Rowshan Jamil, Bobita, and Anowara
also brought to attention the issue of
inequitable treatment of women.
|
Dumurer
Phool (1978) |
The first film made in our country on
differently-abled children. Child artiste
Shakil was incredibly convincing in the
role, so much so, many initially believed
he was differently-abled in reality. Directed
by Subhash Dutta, the film was honoured
at international film festivals.
|
Shurjodighal
Bari (1979) |
Jointly directed by Mashihuddin Shaker
and Sheikh Niamat Ali, the film denotes
realism in the most unpretentious way
like Satyajit Ray's classic Pother Panchali
does. Among films that were financed by
the Bangladesh government, this was the
first to be released. Set in the post
World War II era, the movie depicts the
eternal struggles of the exploited poor
in our country who often become drifters.
Rowshan Jamil, Dolly Anwar, Keramat Moula,
and Elora Gohar played the major characters
in the movie, which received several National
Awards.
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Chhutir
Ghonta (1980) |
Based on a report covered by newspapers,
the movie narrates the tragic end of child
who gets locked in his school-toilet.
Directed by Azizur Rahman, the movie became
the talk of the nation for the credible
performance by child artiste Shumon in
the lead role.
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Guddi
(1980) |
Directed by Syed Salahuddin Zaki, Guddi
focused on the contemporary issues, frustrations
and inspirations of the urban youth. Known
faces of the small screen, Raisul Islam
Asad and Subarna Mustafa played the lead
characters in the film. Abar Elo Je Shondhya,
a song composed by Happy Akhand, which
was used in the film, became a major hit.
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Devdas
(1982) |
The first film made in the country that
was adapted from the timeless work by
Saratchandra Chatyopadhyay. Directed by
Chashi Nazrul Islam, the film featured
Bulbul Ahmed and Kabori in the central
roles. Through this movie, a trend of
adapting literary works by the masters
began.
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Boro
Bhalo Lok Chhilo (1982) |
An original movie about the modernised
son of a holy man in a rural area. After
the cleric's demise, the superstitious
locals decide that his son should be their
spiritual leader and the movie depicts
the educated, rational youth's dilemmas.
Hairey Manush Rongin Phanush, a song from
the movie was well liked by the audience.
Razzaque and Anju were in the lead roles.
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Shubhoda
(1986) |
The movie to receive the highest number
of National Awards so far, Shubhoda, is
a big screen adaptation of Saratchandra's
novel of the same title. The film depicted
the conservative Hindu society in the
early 20th century. Directed by Chashi
Nazrul Islam, the movie starred Razzaque,
Anowara, and Zeenat.
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Beder
Meye Jyotsna (1989) |
Commercially, the most successful Bangladeshi
movie till date, Beder Meye Jyotsna revived
a keen interest in folklore among filmmakers
and audiences alike; a trend that was
initiated by Roopban in the 1960s. Starring
Iliyas Kanchan and Anju, the movie was
so popular that even West Bengal made
a version of it.
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Chandni
(1991) |
Veteran filmmaker Ehtesham made a comeback
in Bangla films with two fresh faces --
Shabnaz and Nayeem. The on-screen couple
instantly became heartthrobs of the young
movie fans and thus made way for more
newcomers in our film arena.
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Padma
Nadir Majhi (1993) |
Based on the timeless literary work by
Manik Bandyopadhyay, Padma Nadir Majhi
was directed by Gautam Ghosh. The movie
illustrates the tumultuous lives of the
fishermen and their families, living by
the river Padma. Beautiful shots of the
river, Ghosh's flair for realism and brilliant
display of acting skills by noted actors
of Bangladesh and West Bengal, including
Utpal Dutt, Robi Ghosh, Abul Khayer, Raisul
Islam Asad, Champa, and Rupa Ganguli,
fetched the movie local and international
honours.
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Aguner
Poroshmoni (1994) |
Celebrated author Humayun Ahmed's directorial
debut, Aguner Poroshmoni is perhaps one
of the most poignant narratives of our
Liberation War. The cast consisting of
seasoned TV actors, Abul Hayat, Dolly
Zahur, Asaduzzaman Noor, and Bipasha Hayat
made the tale of a middle-class family
sheltering a Freedom Fighter in war-torn
Dhaka, gripping and convincing.
|
Dipu
Number 2 (1996) |
Directed by Morshedul Islam, Dipu Number
2, is based on a widely popular book for
children by Muhammad Zafar Iqbal. Starring
Arun Shaha, Bobita and Bulbul Ahmed, the
movie about an adolescent's adventures
was well received by the youngsters as
well as adults.
|
Hothat
Brishti (1999) |
A West Bengal-Bangladesh joint production,
Hothat Brishti, was directed by Bashu
Chatterjee and introduced Ferdaus as a
film actor. The movie was premiered on
BTV, starting a trend of releasing movies
in theatres and holding their TV premiers
simultaneously.
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Srabon
Megher Din (2000) |
The second movie directed by Humayun Ahmed.
Revolving around a folk singer, his love
interest and the local aristocratic family's
involvement, the movie offered some beautiful
folk songs like Amar Gaye Joto Dukhkho
Shoy by Bari Siddiqui. Golam Mustafa,
Zahid Hasan, Mahfuz, Mukti and Shaon played
the main characters in the film.
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Kittankhola
(2000) |
Directed by Abu Sayeed, the film was adapted
from a stage play by Selim Al Deen. Featuring
Raisul Islam Asad and Naila Azad Nupur,
the film brings to light the lives of
jatra artistes and their struggles to
make a living off the dying performing
art.
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Meghla
Akash (2002) |
Starring Shabana Azmi, Meghla Akash, was
one of the first feature films made in
the subcontinent that dealt with the issue
of HIV/AIDS. Nargis Akhter directed the
movie. Moushumi and Ayyub Khan played
other major roles in the film.
|
Matir
Moina (2002) |
Directed by Tareque Masud, the film was
initially banned from public screening
by the Censor Board as it was deemed too
religiously sensitive. The audience experiences
the social and political turmoil during
the 1960s, religious extremism and prevalent
superstitions through the eyes of a young
madrasa student. Matir Moina became the
first feature film from Bangladesh to
be selected for presentation at the world-renowned
Cannes Film Festival. At Cannes, it was
given the honour of being the opening
film of the Directors' Fortnight section,
and also won the International Critics'
Prize for best film in the section. Jayanto
Chatyopadhyay, Rokeya Prachee, child artistes
Nurul Islam Bablu and Russell Farazi delivered
commendable performances in the movie
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Lalshalu
(2002) |
Based on Syed Waliullah's timeless creation,
Lalshalu embodies the age-old tale of
superstitions and naive villagers who
are exploited by quacks posing as religious
leaders. Raisul Islam Asad as Majid was
impeccable and newcomer Chandni was impressive.
The movie, directed by Tanvir Mokammel,
was invited to several international film
festivals and was well received by critics
and movie enthusiasts.
|
Bachelor
(2004) |
After years of alienating themselves from
outlandish mainstream Bangla films, the
educated urban youth headed to the movies
to see Bachelor. Directed by Mostafa Sarwar
Farooki, the film gives a true to life
picture of the contemporary young urbanites
and the predicaments they encounter. Popular
actors Ferdaus, Shabnoor, and Aupi Karim
played the central characters of the film.
Songs in the film, composed by ace musicians
like Ayub Bachchu, SI Tutul, and Bappa
Majumdar added to the attraction.
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Jaijatra
(2004) |
Actor Tauquir Ahmed made his directorial
debut with the film. Set in the milieu
of the Liberation War, the overused theme
of young men going to war was not the
highlight of the movie. Instead it narrated
an amazing tale of human endurance and
budding relationships between people of
different classes and creed during a catastrophe.
Bipasha Hayat's famous histrionics were
aptly used in the role of a mother who
has just lost her only child in the mayhem
created by the Pakistani soldiers' entry
to the village. Other major roles played
by Abul Hayat, Humayun Faridee, Tariq
Anam Khan, Azizul Hakim, and Mahfuz were
applauded. The film has been acclaimed
nationally and internationally
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(ref:
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