Shonibar Bikel

"Saturday Afternoon" is an exceptional film that showcases the immense talent of Bangladeshi filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki. The film explores the intricacies of human relationships and the fragility of life, leaving a lasting impression on its viewers.

Farooki's direction is masterful as he skillfully weaves together the lives of the film's characters with a powerful narrative. The story unfolds over the course of a single afternoon, as a group of friends reunite to celebrate the homecoming of one of their own. However, as the day progresses, hidden truths and long-held secrets come to light, leading to unexpected consequences.

The cast of "Saturday Afternoon" is outstanding, delivering nuanced and authentic performances that draw the audience in. Their chemistry is palpable, and the genuine emotion they bring to their roles is both heartbreaking and uplifting.

Visually, the film is stunning, capturing the vibrant energy of Dhaka, the city in which it is set. The cinematography and editing are impressive, creating a seamless flow that adds to the film's impact.

Overall, "Saturday Afternoon" is a must-see film that showcases the best of Bangladeshi cinema. It is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a moving and unforgettable cinematic experience.

This film is inspired by the real-life Holey Artisan attack in Dhaka, Bangladesh. But rather than make a film about the tragedy faced by real families, the filmmakers chose to create a fictional story based on a same premise: a group of terrorists attack a restaurant in Dhaka during the month of Ramadan and hold the patrons hostage, claiming to do so in the name of religion, murdering many of them over the course of the hostage crisis.

The characters depicted as the terrorists, hostage, and the restaurant staff, are all fictionalized. New characters are invented each of whose circumstances shed light on the hollow baselessness of the terrorists' botched mission.

Given that this is a film shot in a single take, it has the distinct feel of a one-act play, in which character drama unfolds through the dialogue. Despite the dark and tense premise, some of the dialogue elicited awkward chuckles from those of us watching and many of the lines of dialogue struck a chord as well.

I don't want to go into the details of the many interesting nuances of the film because I really think it's best to go in knowing nothing about the characters and learning about each of them as the narrative unfolds.

When watching this movie, the heart does bleed and an unearthly wave also flows. An amazing film. Hats off to Mostofa Sarwar Farooki. It's his masterpiece.

A visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that captures the complexities of grief and identity with grace and sensitivity. An absolute must-watch.

A masterful work of art that leaves a lasting impression. The cinematography is breathtaking, and the story is both universal and personal. A truly remarkable movie.

I liked it so much and the acting level was great!! Suggested for anyone who loves true-story based movie!! Also acting level was great!!

"Saturday Afternoon" is a deeply emotional film directed by the talented Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, exploring a similar context to "The Holy Artisan Attack" which refers to a terrorist attack that took place on July 1, 2016, in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. The target of the attack was the Holey Artisan Bakery, a popular café located in the Gulshan diplomatic zone of Dhaka. The attackers entered the café and took several hostages, including both locals and foreigners.

The storyline unfolds as a diverse group of individuals becomes trapped in a restaurant on a Saturday afternoon in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Farooki's skilled direction creates a palpable sense of tension within the confined space, effectively using it as a backdrop to delve into the characters' innermost fears, regrets, and desires.

The stellar performances of the cast, especially Nusrat Imrose Tisha in one of the lead roles and Zahid Hasan also, both contributed to the film's emotional depth. Infusing the film with genuine emotion, and the chemistry among the rest of the cast enhances the impact of the unfolding drama.

Visually, "Saturday Afternoon" offers a stunning cinematic experience. "Saturday Afternoon" is noteworthy not only for its compelling narrative but also for its remarkable camerawork, particularly the ambitious use of a single-shot technique. The film is crafted to appear as though it unfolds seamlessly in real-time, shot in a continuous take without any noticeable cuts. The cinematography and editing contribute to a seamless narrative flow, immersing the audience in the characters' lives.

However, opinions on the film's reception vary. While some laud it as a masterpiece that leaves a lasting impression, others express disappointment in what they perceive as a lack of story build-up and scattered plot elements.

I really liked the film personally and will recommend it to everyone.

8/10.

"Saturday Afternoon" is a thought-provoking film directed by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki that takes you on a journey of introspection and self-discovery. The film tells the story of a group of individuals who find themselves in a unique situation that forces them to confront their deepest fears, regrets, and desires.

Set in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the film centers around a group of individuals who are trapped in an elevator on a Saturday afternoon. As the group becomes increasingly agitated and frustrated, they begin to reveal their true selves and past traumas. The film expertly weaves together the stories of each character, exploring themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.

The performances in "Saturday Afternoon" are outstanding, with each actor delivering a powerful and nuanced portrayal of their character. Nusrat Imrose Tisha, who plays the lead role of Rupa, is particularly impressive, bringing depth and emotion to her performance.

Farooki's direction is masterful, creating a sense of claustrophobia and tension within the confines of the elevator. The use of flashbacks and dream sequences adds depth to the characters and helps to explore their motivations and fears.

Overall, "Saturday Afternoon" is a captivating and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of the human condition. The exceptional performances and expert direction make it a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the depths of the human psyche.