14 reviews
In a rural village in present day Bangladesh (though sometimes the village seems to have frozen in time, at times only the presence of cell phones tell us we are in the present), a strict religious elder, called the Uncle by the scared locals, has banned the presence of television, among other things, as he believes the Koran bans the creation of images. This is not well taken by the local community, who seems less bothered by the coming of modernity than he is. A subplot has the tentative, clandestine and obviously chaste romance between a pretty vivacious girl called Kohinoor, that seems to represent a more modern face of the country and the cowed son of the Uncle.
Since I have never been to Bangladesh, I don't know how realistic this film is. The movie is interesting and never boring, though it sometimes goes over the top. A more subtle approach would have served it better. For instance, the village leader is almost always portrayed as an ignorant thug, a petty tyrant over his fellow villagers. A sign of his ignorance is that his desire to go to the Hajj crashes down when he realizes that he needs a passport, yet taking a photo for it is a big no no according to his beliefs. Only in the final scene, we are able to empathize a little with him.
Since I have never been to Bangladesh, I don't know how realistic this film is. The movie is interesting and never boring, though it sometimes goes over the top. A more subtle approach would have served it better. For instance, the village leader is almost always portrayed as an ignorant thug, a petty tyrant over his fellow villagers. A sign of his ignorance is that his desire to go to the Hajj crashes down when he realizes that he needs a passport, yet taking a photo for it is a big no no according to his beliefs. Only in the final scene, we are able to empathize a little with him.
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!
"Acceptance of something new in the system is good, but completely denying the thing just on its predictable negative impacts is the foolish act, it is depended upon us, how we use it so it results'', everything has its limitations but with proper usage it could turn to be the boon and the same thing may cause the negative impact if it crosses its limitation.
2012's Bangladesh movie ''Television'' has something interesting story to know about, it's the story that revolves around the old village chairman's orthodox traditional restrictions and changing modern mind of that community youngsters, that old village chairman has some negative stereotypes regarding the changing trends and the advent of technology which may mislead its community members and about posing threat to their tradition, in order to avoid its impact he imposes various rules and bans the use of various modern gadgets like mobile and television, but the question is until what extent such practices prevails to be in action? At the end of the movie the same old village chairman who unfortunately misses the chance of visiting the pilgrim place witnesses the same pilgrim place in the television and reaches the state of euphoria and finally realising that every thing in this world has its own pros and cons, but its consequence is depended on how we use them.
The entire casting is so good that each and every artist had provided full justice to their respective roles, the story has been neatly narrated and no doubt it reaches the mind of people and evoke their emotions, very fine and incredible work done by the young Bangladesh film maker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki.
2012's Bangladesh movie ''Television'' has something interesting story to know about, it's the story that revolves around the old village chairman's orthodox traditional restrictions and changing modern mind of that community youngsters, that old village chairman has some negative stereotypes regarding the changing trends and the advent of technology which may mislead its community members and about posing threat to their tradition, in order to avoid its impact he imposes various rules and bans the use of various modern gadgets like mobile and television, but the question is until what extent such practices prevails to be in action? At the end of the movie the same old village chairman who unfortunately misses the chance of visiting the pilgrim place witnesses the same pilgrim place in the television and reaches the state of euphoria and finally realising that every thing in this world has its own pros and cons, but its consequence is depended on how we use them.
The entire casting is so good that each and every artist had provided full justice to their respective roles, the story has been neatly narrated and no doubt it reaches the mind of people and evoke their emotions, very fine and incredible work done by the young Bangladesh film maker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki.
- shreekara-1995
- Aug 30, 2014
- Permalink
After launching a quite promising festival run, Mostofa Farooki's Television finally got released at home. Like other Farooki film, this film also got a grand reception from the youth. And why not? The film is so refreshing in style, content, and treatment. Farooki handled a very delicate subject with a great cinematic sensitivity which took audience to a roller-coaster journey of humor and emotion. Generally, films with this much of depth in the content tends to end up looking very airy, too idealistic, and drab. But Television delivers a quite entertaining journey thanks to a very solid story-telling, well thought-out shot-divisions, and brilliant performance by actors. Shahir Kazi Huda, Mosharof Karim, Chanchal Chowdhury, and Nusrat Imrose Tisha's name should be mentioned specially. Like many other audiences, I am totally blown away by the film! One strange allegation caught my eyes that needs to be replied! I don't know who invented this but a kind of connection between Television and a Turkish film Vizontele has been invented by a small group of Bangladeshi over-enthusiastic people! This allegation made me and my film-buff friends so sad. Then we collected and watched Vizontele and found no similarity in the storyline, concept, style, or treatment! Two films have two different plots, two different intentions, and two different philosophy. If just 'in both the films, a TV set is brought to a remote village and that stirs lot of incident and both are humorous and both have a stunning ending'- this makes two films similar then I am very sorry to say- you will not find a single original film in the world. This is such a poor and unfounded allegation. I would wrap this review with a single line- this is the most refreshing cinema from Bangladesh.
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!
- david-scott-wadley
- Jul 28, 2017
- Permalink
- ducu-53754
- Nov 5, 2018
- Permalink
I have seen many of Faruki's film and short films. All are good. But Television is best. Though the leader has a wrong conception. But his thinking was for the well of the people of the village. He was a pure Muslim. In this film we can see how a pure Muslim should be. Amin's behave with a Hindu's was good. It proved that a real Muslim never attack or harm a non Muslim. Most of our film makers try to make a senseless film. Only fight, only romance, only sex etc.. It is so harmful for our younger generation, actually for all. But Mostofa Sarwar Fauki is really different from all. I think Faruki will make more better film for the country.
It is a near perfect film, with great acting from all the important actors. The film script and story are both interesting, relevant and appropriate. The film speaks with various voices and each of its component voices are relevant. It is a well directed film with attractive photography. The main issue around which the film is made is universal and attracts all people on the face of the Earth.
Although the film uses humor as its key ingredient to convey what it wants to say, the main idea around which this film is made is not at all humorous. The main issue is related to patriarchy and religious fundamentalism. Both these issues are presently plaguing the human society.
Although the film uses humor as its key ingredient to convey what it wants to say, the main idea around which this film is made is not at all humorous. The main issue is related to patriarchy and religious fundamentalism. Both these issues are presently plaguing the human society.
- kaushikmex
- May 7, 2023
- Permalink
Even before we have met the main characters of the story: Amin, his son Solaiman (Chanchal Chowdhury), his girlfriend Kohinoor (Nusrat Imrose Tisha), and Mojnu (Mosharraf Karim), who works under Solaiman as a help and is also in love with Kohinoor, director Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has established the main theme of his film, which won the Jury Grand Prize at the Asia Pacific Screen Award, closed the Busan International Film Festival and was Bangladesh's Oscar entry in 2013. It is now streaming on Bengali digital platform Hoichoi with subtitles.
This movie shows a strange village where no one can watch television and young people cannot use mobile phones.
I like the writing of the movie. Mostafa Sarwar Farooqi always makes such good movies. The cinematography and the screenplay was good.
Mojnu was interesting as a character and the actor made it even better. The story of Solaiman and Kohinoor's relationship was amazing. You will love it,
The acting of Chanchal Chowdhury and Mosharraf Karim was fantastic. Nusrat Imroz Tisha was a good actress in the movie.
I would suggest you to watch this movie.
This movie shows a strange village where no one can watch television and young people cannot use mobile phones.
I like the writing of the movie. Mostafa Sarwar Farooqi always makes such good movies. The cinematography and the screenplay was good.
Mojnu was interesting as a character and the actor made it even better. The story of Solaiman and Kohinoor's relationship was amazing. You will love it,
The acting of Chanchal Chowdhury and Mosharraf Karim was fantastic. Nusrat Imroz Tisha was a good actress in the movie.
I would suggest you to watch this movie.
- maharousewagdi
- May 8, 2021
- Permalink
Tisha, chanchal chowdhury and mosarrof Karim are very high profile actor.
Their contribution are so lovely in this movie.
I enjoyed this.
- kobitasaha365
- Jul 23, 2021
- Permalink
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?
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?
- sjahir_888
- Feb 6, 2013
- Permalink
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 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.
I'd waited well over a year to see this much hyped film and Mostofa Sarwar Farooki yet again doesn't disappoint; in my opinion this is probably his best work and a much more polished effort than 'Third Person Singular Number'. The fact the narrative is set in a village in Bangladesh is irrelevant because the story of its people is a universal one and the message transcends cultures. This is the story of how close mindedness and the winds of change clash in a rapidly changing world. Bangladesh's official submission to 2014's Oscars, in what was a very strong 12 months for world cinema, didn't make the final list of nominees but it doesn't really matter because this is an accomplished film that has been praised both in its home country and at the select film festivals its played at. With the exception of 'Monpura', this is the best piece of cinema to come out of Dhaka's growing film industry in the last 10 years. If I could bet on one filmmaker from Bangladesh really cracking the international film festival circuit in a big way in the future, my money's definitely on Farooki. A recommended film.
- loveyourlife
- Oct 7, 2014
- Permalink