Four films to watch this puja

With three local films already in cinemas and another set to release later this week, Durga Puja has brought four Bangladeshi productions into the spotlight this October.

From a crime drama set in the garment-scrap trade to stories of university life, family ties and admission struggles, the films offer moviegoers different narratives to explore over the festive period.

Chirkut

Directed by Muntashir Akib, Chirkut takes viewers back to Rajshahi University in the 1990s, drawing on a real incident from the campus. The film explores friendship, romance and student life against the backdrop of a bygone era.

Shamol Mawla and Azizun Mim lead the cast, alongside Quazi Nawshaba Ahmed, Sumon Patwary and Mahira Hasan, among others. The production also features around 250–300 Rajshahi University students, bringing a sizeable student ensemble into the film.

For viewers drawn to campus stories and nostalgic portrayals of youth, Chirkut offers a glimpse of university life beyond today's familiar setting.

Cut-Piece

For a crime drama with a more contemporary setting, Cut-Piece explores the garment industry's fabric-scrap trade, commonly known as the jhut business.

Directed and produced by Iffat Jahan Momo under Black Papers Films, the film centres on the money, political influence and competing interests surrounding the trade.

Rafah Nanjeba Torsa makes her big-screen debut as Mala, opposite Shifat Amin Shuvo. Imran Ahmed Saudagar, Elina Shammi, Bappi Ashraf and Saiful Kabir also feature in the cast.

The film brings an underexplored corner of Bangladesh's garment economy into a commercial cinematic setting.

Sneher Bondhon

Directed by Kamruzzaman, Sneher Bondhon turns to family relationships and emotional conflicts. Starring Joy Chowdhury and Mou Khan, the film follows the tensions and misunderstandings that can strain relationships within a family.

The cast also includes Kazi Hayat, Shiba Shanu, Saberi Alam, Nader Chowdhury and Rina Khan.

With its focus on family ties and reconciliation, the film offers an option for viewers looking for a relationship-centred social drama.

Onnopata

Scheduled for release on 23 October, Onnopata offers a student perspective on the struggles surrounding university admission in Bangladesh.

Made under SJA Productions, the film brings together more than 40 students from BUET, CUET, the University of Dhaka and the University of Chittagong. The team funded the project through personal savings and earnings from tuition jobs.

Directed by CUET student Md Shahjahan Anny, the film explores financial hardship, family expectations, identity and young love. Shahria Shakil and Prottasha Ghosh play the lead roles.

The film's student-led production adds another dimension to a story rooted in an experience familiar to many young Bangladeshi

Moviegoers should check local cinema listings for current showtimes and availability before heading out.