The year 2025 has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in Bangladeshi cinema, with several films capturing critical attention for their artistic merit and bold storytelling. From psychological dramas to social commentaries, these films have pushed boundaries and redefined contemporary Bengali filmmaking.
Boli
Directed by Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury
Among the early 2025 releases, "Boli" emerged as the most striking. This debut feature from young filmmaker Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury took shape as an intense psychological drama, earning praise for its sophisticated cinematography and depth of character development. The transformation of the central character particularly left an impression on critics from a performance standpoint. While theatrical attendance remained limited, the film generated significant discussion on social media, establishing "Boli" as one of the most important cultural works of 2025.
Utshob
Directed by Tanim Noor
After extensive experience in television, Tanim Noor brought a distinctive cinematic language to the big screen with "Utsob". Set against the backdrop of family, conflict, daily life, and celebration, this story weaves personal emotions with subtle markers of social reality. The film's strength lay in its visual tone and music-driven narrative. Despite its slow-paced storytelling, the disciplined screenplay and fluid performances from the cast established "Utshob" as one of the year's most mature works. Critics noted that even with limited release in 2025, "Utsob" successfully carved out its own space between commercial appeal and artistic sensibility.
Anyadin…
Directed by Kamar Ahmad Simon
Each work by Kamar Ahmad Simon generates distinct excitement among critics— "Anyadin…" proved no exception. With its semi-documentary style of storytelling, depicting human existence, temporal unrest, and daily struggles, the film stands as a profound humanistic canvas. Though its slow-paced artistry and abstractness made it challenging for some audiences, critics embraced it as the year's most mature and refined cinema. The film also garnered attention at international festivals. Despite 2025's structural challenges, "Anyadin…" demonstrated that artistic language in Bengali cinema continues to evolve.
Directed by Leesa Gazi
Released mid-year, "Barir Naam Shahana" is based on a true story about a woman's dream and struggle to live independently. Aanon Siddiqua leads the cast, joined by Lutfur Rahman George, Iresh Zaker, Kazi Ruma, Kamrunnaha Munni, and others. The screenplay was written by director Leesa Gazi and Aanon Siddiqua, with cinematography by Zohaer Musabbir and music direction by Sohini Alam.
Fereshteh
Directed by Murteza Atashzamzam
"Fereshteh" portrays an underprivileged family's story, with Joya Ahsan in the central role. The cast includes Suman Faruk, Shahiduzzaman Selim, Shahed Ali, Rikita Nandini Shimu, Shaheen Mridha, and child artiste Sathi. The film won the National Award for Humanitarian Message at Iran's prestigious Fajr Film Festival and received acclaim at India's International Film Festival of Goa.
Delupi
Directed by Mohammad Touqir Islam
Toward year's end, Touqir Islam's "Delupi" breathed some life into an otherwise stagnant cinema scene. In this young filmmaker's hands, folk elements, religion, myth, politics, superstition, and human psychology emerged through intricate weaving. Though released in limited theaters, most viewers praised the film. The performances, sound design, locations, and cinematography combined to make "Delupi" a bold step from new-generation filmmakers. Critics included it among the year's finest works in their reviews.
