Thanks to the release of the nationally beloved film “Utshob” on OTT, it has found its way into social media discussions. Lauded for its family-friendly, emotional, and evocative script, the film arguably peaks in the scene between Sunerah Binte Kamal and Zahid Hasan. A lighter facet of the emotional reunion of the father-daughter duo is Sunerah screeching, “How come this coffee is 350 taka? Outrageous!”, a humorous dialogue which has unexpectedly set off debates on social media.

An entire year has passed since the blood-red chapter of July 2024; a trauma we never anticipated facing in an independent country. The survivors of the Liberation War of 1971 are still wounded by the atrocities of Pakistani rule, and yet they witness their countrymen, their children, having their blood spilled. Just as our generation saw the monstrosities of 1971 through visual documentation, the generations after us must also know what we fought for in 2024. With that in mind, several photographers came to the front lines. One such person is Jibon Ahmed, whose solo exhibition “Witness to the Uprising” captures the spirit and sacrifice of those days.

Deepika Padukone is transitioning from acting to producing for the upcoming Hindi adaptation of the 2015 Hollywood film “The Intern”. 

British actor Ray Brooks, best known for narrating the classic children’s series “Mr Benn” and for his roles in “The Knack … and How to Get It”, “Big Deal” and “Taxi!”, passed away on Saturday (August 9) at the age of 86.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs, in association with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, will host the premiere of the docu-drama “36 July” this evening at 7pm at the National Theatre’s main auditorium. Written and directed by Abdullah Khan, the production will be performed by Turaag Shilpi Goshthi, the cultural arm of the Tamirul Millat Central Students’ Union (Taksu).

Irish rock band U2 has spoken out against the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging immediate measures to protect civilian lives. In a statement shared on Instagram, the group described the situation as having entered “uncharted territory” due to the blocking of humanitarian aid and reports of a planned military takeover of Gaza City.

Renowned Rabindra Sangeet artiste Sahana Bajpaie has expressed concern over what she describes as the gradual erosion of Bengali identity, particularly in the cultural sphere. In a recent Facebook post, she criticised the growing trend of prioritising Hindi songs over Bangla music, even at quintessentially Bengali celebrations such as Pohela Boishakh and Durga Puja in Kolkata.

Indie band “Dads in the Park” made their Australian debut in style, delivering a high-energy performance at Adelaide’s iconic Ed Castle.

On the 101st birth anniversary of SM Sultan, Dhaka’s Faculty of Fine Arts came alive with a vibrant festival celebrating his legacy. Though Sultan’s own paintings were absent, contemporary artists showcased works inspired by his powerful, realistic style. Organised by Charupith Art Research Institute and partners, the event included exhibitions, seminars, and film screenings, reaffirming Sultan’s lasting impact on Bangladeshi art and culture.

Hosted by Joy Shahriar, the event highlighted personal stories and career milestones of Shafin Ahmed and Hasan Abidur Reza Jewel, offering an intimate glimpse into their lives and contributions to Bangladeshi music. The programme concluded with prayers for the eternal peace of their souls.

The Yamaha Flagship Center in Tejgaon came alive with the sound of guitar as the second edition of the “Guitar Master Class” (GMC), powered by WD-40, brought aspiring guitarists face-to-face with one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated musicians—Ershad Zaman. Organised by Team Alpha, the 4-hour session combined practical lessons and candid mentorship, giving young players a rare opportunity to learn directly from their idol and leave with skills, insights, and inspiration.

In “Pendulum”, written by Masum Reza and directed by Nasir Uddin Yousuff, Afzal Hossain will step back onto the stage for the first time in three decades. The play is being co-produced by Dhaka Theatre and Desh Natok, bringing together two of the country’s most respected theatre groups.

Netflix has confirmed an early renewal for its live-action adaptation of “One Piece”, announcing the season three pickup during an annual celebration of Eiichiro Oda’s iconic manga in Tokyo. The news comes months before the premiere of season two, slated for 2026, and much earlier than the season two renewal, which arrived weeks after the show’s 2023 debut.

Vicky Zahed and Afran Nisho have teamed up for some of the most talked-about projects in recent years, including “Punorjonmo”, “Chirokal Aaj”, amongst others.

Netflix has released the official trailer for “The Thursday Murder Club”, Chris Columbus’ film adaptation of Richard Osman’s bestselling novel. The mystery thriller, premiering August 28, brings together an impressive cast led by Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie.

Born on August 10, 1924, in Machimdia, Narail, Sheikh Mohammed Sultan — affectionately known as SM Sultan — abandoned formal schooling early due to financial hardship. Encouraged by local zamindar Dhirendra Nath Roy, he enrolled at the Kolkata Government Art College but left in 1943 before completing his studies.

The Toronto International Film Festival is scheduled to run from September 4 to 14.

On his fifth death anniversary this year, Alif Alauddin has paid a heartfelt tribute by collaborating with several musicians for an unplugged session of his most popular songs, works that continue to influence and inspire others.

The terrace slowly filled with people, with members of different indigenous communities and Bengalis alike. A white wooden shed displayed the main artworks of the exhibition, while the rest of the walls were lined with photographs capturing indigenous life and culture. In front of a hand-painted banner promising a day of art, poetry, music, and discussions, the event “Culture for Identity: From Soil to Soul” began.

The English-language Bangladeshi feature film “Dot” has received clearance from the Film Censor Board, paving the way for its release. Producer Barua Manojit Dhiman confirmed the news, adding that the official release date will be announced soon. The film is directed by Barua Sunanda Kakon.