Television

As an American I'm getting completely bored with US TV & Film. I find Asian cinema to be really refreshing and interesting. I'm late to the party with this film Television and am so glad to have seen it. Beautifully shot in Bangladesh (the country just pops with color), authentic characters, wonderful script, with an absolute killer plot twist in the end. Can't say enough about this film. SEE IT!

This move was very fantastic beside it was educational.

I went to the cinema on the very first show with enormous positive anticipation about this film as it has got the highest media hype in our country. The film entertained me on various angles but I was not mesmerized or something like that. I was convinced that it was a good film because of the intriguing content, standout performance by one of the main actors - Mosharraf Karim, and the twist in the later part of the movie. The cinematography could have been much better. The director used the "handheld camera" technique in random sequences and it didn't serve the point. As we all know that this technique is mainly used to create intensity in an intense sequence. Misunderstanding this concept, can create viewing disturbance. I would have talked about some more aspects but unfortunately I won't. Because this film does not deserve the actual criticism. Let me tell you why.

The main shocking fact about the film is, this film is a total conceptual copy of another Turkish film "Vizontele". The main concept in both films is, bringing a television to a remote village and creating the story of how the people and the society react to it. The design of the script in both movies are aimed to entertain the audience by the situational humor and the shocking ending. I would say that in case of disturbing ending, the Turkish film was light years ahead. It slaps you hard out of nowhere. In "Television", the same scripting design was followed by the writer and it might move you if you didn't see the Turkish one. But as a Director like Sarwar Farooki, I am deeply disappointed by this silly attempt of deceiving the audience. After finding all these, I totally lost all the charm about this movie and I think the director should answer this grand theft.

Mostafa Farooki is a very popular director and a creative one. But if he starts thinking that he can watch the less known movies of world cinema (in fact, "Vizontele" is not so less known) and make movies out of those, he should just join the mainstream Bangla Cinema and do the Bollywood rip offs. It would be easier, isn't it?

Television, directed by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, is a thought-provoking Bangladeshi film that explores the impact of modern media on rural life and cultural traditions. Set in a small village, the story centers around the character of Apu, a simple man who becomes embroiled in a local controversy after a television set is introduced to the community.

The film brilliantly juxtaposes tradition and modernity, highlighting the transformative power of television. It showcases how the arrival of a TV can change social dynamics, bringing both excitement and conflict to the village. Apu, played convincingly by the talented Chanchal Chowdhury, is portrayed as a reluctant yet relatable protagonist, caught between his conservative upbringing and the allure of the new media. His internal struggles and eventual decisions form the emotional core of the film.

Farooki's direction is commendable, balancing humor with serious social commentary. The screenplay effectively blends satire with drama, providing sharp insights into the clash of values and the complexities of human relationships in a changing society. The dialogues are witty and engaging, adding to the film's appeal.

The cinematography captures the essence of rural Bangladesh beautifully, with vibrant visuals that enhance the storytelling. The music, featuring a blend of folk and contemporary styles, complements the narrative and adds to the film's overall charm.

One of the film's strengths is its ability to provoke thought without being overly didactic. It encourages viewers to reflect on their own relationships with technology and the media, while also addressing broader themes of identity and cultural preservation.

However, some viewers may find the pacing uneven, with certain scenes feeling prolonged. Nevertheless, the film's engaging narrative and relatable characters keep the audience invested throughout.

In conclusion, Television is a captivating film that successfully merges entertainment with meaningful commentary on the effects of modern media on traditional values. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the evolving cultural landscape of Bangladesh and the ways in which technology shapes our lives.

The subject of the film is both a literal and a metaphorical one at the same time. I was lucky to see the very 1st show of 'TELEVISION'. Farooki Mostofa Sarwar and his team has taken Bengali cinema to a new level. He has dealt with a bold subject, seldom explored in world cinema and has hit it quite hard! This cinema deserves world-wide exposure. Mark the day fellow film-lovers, this is a proud moment. Watch it and spread the word. 'Television' is the only movie in the history of Bangladesh that just had a houseful first day first show. A must see for locals, and for foreigners if you want to taste a Bengali film- this could be your appetizer and main dish!