Shawki’s Gulmohor breathes life back into Bangladeshi storytelling

In recent years, Bangladeshi web series have experienced a noticeable drought. After a streak of gripping and high-quality productions, the momentum seemed to fade. It's not that the newer series were entirely unwatchable, but their mediocrity dulled the spark that once made the "Made in Bangladesh" label so exciting.

But here's the good news: Bangladeshi web series finally seem to be making a strong comeback. At last, a new series has arrived that, instead of recycling tired formulaic patterns lacking true heart and soul, is firmly rooted in organic Bangladeshi storytelling—capable of weaving together different elements with genuine sincerity.

And guess what, the creator of the series is none other than Syed Ahmed Shawki, the visionary whose earlier works like 'Taqdeer' and 'Karagar' captivated local audiences as well as crossed borders, leaving a lasting impression in India and beyond.

For nearly two and a half years, audiences had to patiently await his next project. But the wait proved more than worthwhile. With 'Gulmohor', he makes a triumphant return, hitting it out of the park right from the word "go".

Ever since 'Gulmohor' went into production, it swiftly became the centre of attention for Bangladeshi viewers, not only because it marked Shawki's much-anticipated return to directing, but also as his debut on the local OTT platform Chorki.

Anticipation soared even higher with the announcement of Saswata Chatterjee's involvement. The acclaimed actor from Kolkata was set to make his debut in a Bangladeshi series through 'Gulmohor', drawing countless fans eager to see how he would shine in this new setting.

Needless to say, Saswata is in top form in 'Gulmohor', delivering a brilliant performance—not as a Bangladeshi character though, but as someone from across the border, bringing depth and authenticity to the role.

Yet, the best news for Bangladeshi viewers is that 'Gulmohor' is far from a one-man show. While Saswata plays the most pivotal character, the series does not revolve solely around him. In fact, he doesn't even appear in the first half of this eight-episode saga, during which Bangladeshi actors command the screen entirely.

Watching them, it's impossible not to acknowledge that, in recent memory—whether on OTT platforms, local television, or cinema—there has hardly been any content where the ensemble cast performs with such fierce competitiveness. Their incredible performances alone make 'Gulmohor' a must-watch from start to finish.

Veteran performers like Sara Zaker lent gravitas to the series, while gifted talents such as Intekhab Dinar, Mostafizur Noor Imran, Mostafa Monwar, and Sushama Sarker shone brightly in their respective roles, each delivering their absolute best.

Among them, Imran stands out for his nuanced rendition. Though his character leans towards the darker side, he is also a devoted father haunted by loss—a man who finds no peace unless his son is safely in his arms.

Imran's portrayal of this fractured, deeply human psyche stands out as one of the most memorable performances in the entire series.

Mir Naufel Ashrafi Jisan also deserves special praise. Though less experienced than most of his co-actors due to his age, his acting emerged as the most gut-wrenching one throughout the series. 

The fight scene between him and Mostafizur Noor Imran was particularly impressive, executed with remarkable intensity and skill.

Another young actor, Sarika Sabah, too, delivered a surprisingly excellent performance, adding yet another compelling layer to the ensemble. Though she appears quite young on screen, that does not diminish the raw emotion she conveys as a mother whose son has gone missing.

Amid so many outstanding performances, even Saswata and Sara Zaker, despite their undeniable legacy as actors, occasionally felt somewhat overshadowed by others, which probably speaks volumes about the exceptional calibre of acting this series achieved.

Still, beyond the actors' brilliance, the true strength of 'Gulmohor' lies in its story. This is far from a run-of-the-mill crime thriller. 

'Gulmohor' isn't just another web series with a star-studded cast—it's a reminder of how powerful Bangladeshi storytelling can be when it's grounded in a sincere understanding of our own socio-economic conditions and cultural-political realities.

At its core, it is a deeply layered family drama, interlaced with psychological conflicts, the chilling resurgence of past crimes, and perhaps most strikingly, an unflinching portrayal of local politics and illegal occupation that is both raw and unsettling.

In a nutshell, 'Gulmohor' is set in Aynarhat, a suburban town near the Indian border. After the death of the local Union Parishad chairman, his family gathers to divide what they believe is their inherited property. Amidst these tense proceedings, a young child from the family disappears.

The story unfolds through the complex battles over the estate and the desperate search for the missing child, gradually revealing long-buried secrets of the family.

Perhaps the storyline itself doesn't break new ground. Even so, what truly makes such narratives compelling is the ability to maintain a mysterious atmosphere from start to finish—a quality often lacking in South Asian cinema and series, where it is all too frequently drowned out by excessive action.

Shawki's brilliance lies precisely in his masterful crafting of this atmosphere within the story he co-penned with Maruf Proteek. 

The screenplay and dialogues seamlessly blend with extraordinary background music and stunning cinematography, fully immersing viewers and creating a haunting, unforgettable experience.

At the end of the day, 'Gulmohor' isn't just another web series—it's a reminder of how powerful Bangladeshi storytelling can be when it's grounded in a sincere understanding of our own socio-economic conditions and cultural-political realities.

With our country currently at a crossroads, this is the kind of content we may not deserve but certainly need.