The Bangladeshi film industry, also referred to as Dhallywood, has become widely popular in the past few decades. Thanks to over-the-top (OTT) media platforms like Bongo, Binge, BanglaFlix, and others, watching Bangladeshi films has never been more convenient. Bangladesh is steeped in culture and history, and several movies do an amazing job of portraying this aspect of the nation. But there are other movies with genres ranging from romance to crime.

Matir Moina (2002)

Matir Moina or The Clay Bird is one of the most famous Bangladeshi movies of all time. The movie won a prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2002 and also bagged an Oscar nomination. Directed by Tareque Masud, the movie takes viewers back to nationalist mass movements during the late 1960s in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan). It tells the story through the eyes of the young village boy Anu, whose orthodox father sends him to study in a madrasah, a Muslim seminary, to protect the boy from Hindu beliefs. How the story unfolds then is astonishing and moving.

Aynabaji (2016)

Aynabaji is a popular Bangladeshi crime thriller that performs exceptionally well in areas, such as acting, direction, and cinematography. The film tells the story of a man named Ayna, who often disguises himself as various convicts in exchange for money. Ayna’s acting as different short-term prisoners is so brilliant that he starts enjoying playing different characters. Soon enough, the man set himself up for big trouble. Directed by Amitabh Reza Chowdhury, the film authentically displays the culture and heritage of Old Dhaka.

Jibon Theke Neya (1970)

If you feel like watching an old and timeless Bangladeshi movie, then Jibon Theke Neya must be your pick. It is directed by Zahir Raihan, one of the most influential Bangladeshi authors and filmmakers. The movie is set against the backdrop of the Bengali Language Movement under the Pakistani regime. The film portrays a tyrannical elder sister who controls the lives of her husband, brothers, and servants. It actually alludes to the totalitarian leadership of Ayub Khan in East Pakistan at the time. It is said that when the movie was launched in the ’70s, it served as an inspiration to overthrow the authoritarian regime and gain freedom.

Lalsalu (2001)

Lalsalu , internationally known as “ A Tree Without Roots ”, is an adaptation of the famous eponymous Bengali novel written by Syed Waliullah in 1948. The story begins when a homeless man comes to a new place in search of lifelong shelter and food. On finding an old grave, he cleans it up and declares it a shrine. Eventually, he garners more power and marries twice. The movie shows how he misuses religion to become wealthy and greedy.

Monpura (2009)

Directed by Giasuddin Selim, Monpura is a must-watch romantic tragedy set in rural Bangladesh. Due to some unfortunate circumstances, Shonai, the protagonist of the film, is sent to an island called “Monpura”. There he falls in love with a woman, and romance blossoms between the two. Watch the movie to find how the tragedy takes place. What follows is a set of circumstances that renders this film heartbreakingly touching. The movie features a strong cast that includes Chanchal Chowdhury, Farhana Mili, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Mamunur Rashid, and others. Monpura is also known for its songs, which were released ahead of the film’s screening and became instant hits in the country.