{{Short description|2024 Bangladeshi Bengali drama film by Shankha Dasgupta}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}} {{Use Indian English|date=February 2025}} {{Infobox film | image = Priyo Maloti poster.jpg | caption = Release Poster | director = Shankha Dasgupta | screenplay = {{Plainlist| * Shankha Dasgupta * Abu Saeed Rana }} | story = Shankha Dasgupta | starring = Mehazabien Chowdhury | cinematography = Barkat Hossain Palash | editing = Saleh Sobhan Anim | music = Ruslan Rehman | studio = {{Plainlist| * Frames Per Second * Chorki }} | distributor = {{Plainlist| * Chorki * Jaaz Multimedia }} | released = {{Film date|df=y|2024|12|20}} | runtime = 119 Minutes | country = Bangladesh | language = Bengali }}
'''''Priyo Maloti''''' (alternate title: Whispers of a Thirsty River)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-05 |script-title=bn:শোবিজ – মেহজাবীনের 'প্রিয় মালতী'-এর ওয়ার্ল্ড প্রিমিয়ার কায়রোতে |url=https://www.shokalshondha.com/mehazabien-priyo-malti-cairo-world-premiere/ |access-date=2025-02-18 |language=en-US}}</ref> is a 2024 Bangladeshi crime drama film. Inspired by true events,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-12-20 |title='প্রিয় মালতী' দেখে দর্শকের চোখ ছলছল! |url=https://www.channelionline.com/public-reaction-after-watchin-prio-maloti/ |access-date=2025-02-18 |work=Channel i |language=bn}}</ref> the story and screenplay were written and directed by Shankha Dasgupta.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-12-06 |title=Mehazabien set to debut on silver screen with 'Priyo Maloti' |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/splash/mehazabien-set-debut-silver-screen-priyo-maloti-1011566 |access-date=2025-02-18 |work=The Business Standard |language=en}}</ref> Produced by Frame Per Second in collaboration with the OTT platform Chorki, the film stars Mehazabien Chowdhury in the lead role.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-12-13 |script-title=bn:বড় পর্দায় আসছেন মেহজাবীন |url=https://www.prothomalo.com/entertainment/dhallywood/jxmfr5bldh |access-date=2025-02-18 |work=Prothom Alo |language=bn}}</ref> It follows the journey of Maloti, a woman nearing motherhood, whose life takes a tragic turn when her husband, Polash, dies in a devastating fire.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-02-06 |title=Priyo Maloti holds a mirror to society |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/splash/priyo-maloti-holds-mirror-society-1062461 |access-date=2025-02-18 |work=The Business Standard |language=en}}</ref>
The film was released in theaters on 20 December 2024. This marked the debut of Mehazabien Chowdhury as a lead actress in a big-screen film, Shankha Dasgupta as a director and Adnan Al Rajib as a producer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-20 |script-title=bn:কেমন হলো মেহজাবীনের প্রথম সিনেমা 'প্রিয় মালতী'? |url=https://thedailycampus.com/entertainment-news/163916/amp/%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%8B-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A5%E0%A6%AE-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A7%9F-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%80?- |access-date=2025-02-18 |website=thedailycampus.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |script-title=bn:মেহজাবীনের 'প্রিয় মালতী' মুক্তি পাচ্ছে আজ |url=https://rtvonline.com/entertainment/305243 |access-date=2025-02-18 |publisher=RTV |language=bn}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Mehazabien makes big screen debut with Shankha Dasgupta's 'Priyo Maloti' |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/showtime/344547/mehazabien-makes-big-screen-debut-with-shankha |access-date=2025-02-18 |work=Dhaka Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |script-title=bn:মুক্তি পাচ্ছে মেহজাবীনের প্রথম চলচ্চিত্র 'প্রিয় মালতী' |url=https://bangla.dhakatribune.com/entertainment/89671/%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%9A%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9B%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A5%E0%A6%AE-%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%9A%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0-%E2%80%98%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A7%9F |access-date=2025-02-18 |work=Dhaka Tribune |language=bn}}</ref>
With cinematography by Barkat Hossain Palash and a fitting background score by Ruslan Rahman, the film successfully immerses the audience in the highs and lows of Malati's life.<ref>{{Cite news |last=ঢাকা |first=পৃথা পারমিতা নাগ |script-title=bn:মেহজাবীন পেরেছেন, 'মালতী' পারল কি |url=https://www.prothomalo.com/entertainment/dhallywood/b484l3g3ia |access-date=2025-02-18 |work=Prothom Alo |language=bn}}</ref> The film has received positive reviews from viewers.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-12-31 |script-title=bn:মাল্টিপ্লেক্সে মেহজাবীনের 'প্রিয় মালতী'র দারুণ খবর |url=https://barta24.com/details/entertainment/261202/mehzabeens-priya-malati-has-responded-well-in-multiplexes |access-date=2025-02-18 |work=Barta24 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=ডেস্ক |first=বিনোদন |script-title=bn:মেহজাবীনে মুগ্ধ দর্শক, শো বাড়ল 'প্রিয় মালতী'র |url=https://www.prothomalo.com/entertainment/dhallywood/e8vxa8rd7r |access-date=2025-02-18 |work=Prothom Alo |language=bn}}</ref>
==Plot== The film's backdrop centers around the life of Malati Rani Das, a struggling lower-middle-class Hindu woman. Malati Das and Polash Kumar Das, a young couple, embark on a new chapter of life together. They dreamed of a simple but happy home, where they would cherish everyday joys, playful moments, and exchange love as they enjoyed the colorful moments of life.
Their life was filled with simple yet sweet experiences—celebrating their wedding anniversary by cutting a cake while drifting on a boat, spending evenings together, or exchanging gifts. These little pleasures made their life beautiful. However, the rhythm of this happy life is suddenly interrupted by a tragic event. A devastating fire in a commercial building in the city turns their lives upside down.
How does this fire change their lives forever? What happens to Malati and Polash's future? These questions slowly unfold in the film, revealing a story of struggle, love, and an indomitable will to survive.
==Cast== * Mehazabien Chowdhury as Malati Rani Das * Nader Chowdhury * Azad Abul Kalam * Somu Chowdhury * Shaheedul Alam Sachchu * Momena Chowdhury * Kazi Anisul Haque Borun * Shahjahan Samrat * Rizvi Riju as Malati's husband
==Production== The filming of the movie took place in various locations across the country, including Dhaka and Barisal, during September–October 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-12-20 |script-title=bn:আজ আসছে 'প্রিয় মালতী' |url=https://www.prothomalo.com/entertainment/rh9eqk16uv |access-date=2025-02-18 |work=Prothom Alo |language=bn}}</ref> Iconic areas such as Sadarghat, Shankharibazar and Gulistan in Old Dhaka were used for the shoot, which added a unique touch to the film.<ref>{{Cite news |script-title=bn:মেহজাবীনের 'প্রিয় মালতী' দেখে যা বললেন আফসানা মিমি |url=https://bangla.bdnews24.com/glitz/6b32afd9e5dc |access-date=2025-02-18 |work=bdnews24.com |language=bn}}</ref>
On 19 April 2024, the teaser of the film was released on Mehazabien Chowdhury's birthday, and the official trailer was unveiled on 14 December.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Z-zlMuL6qsY |title=Priyo Maloti {{!}} Official Trailer {{!}} Mehazabien Chowdhury {{!}} Shankha Dasgupta |date=2024-12-14 |last=Chorki |access-date=2025-02-18 |via=YouTube}}</ref> The Bangladesh Film Certification Board awarded the film a 'U' certificate, confirming that it is suitable for all audiences.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-12-11 |title=Mehazabien's 'Priyo Maloti' clears censor board with 'U' certification |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/entertainment/tv-film/news/mehazabiens-priyo-maloti-clears-censor-board-u-certification-3773501 |access-date=2025-02-18 |work=The Daily Star |language=en}}</ref>
==Release== The film was showcased at the ''45th Cairo International Film Festival''<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-11-04 |title='Priyo Maloti' selected for the 45th Cairo International Film Festival |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/showtime/364178/%E2%80%98priyo-maloti%E2%80%99-selected-for-the-45th-cairo |access-date=2025-02-18 |work=Dhaka Tribune |language=en}}</ref> and the 55th International Film Festival of India.<ref>{{Cite news |title='Priyo Maloti' selected for IFFI Goa |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/showtime/365426/%E2%80%98priyo-maloti%E2%80%99-selected-for-iffi-2024 |access-date=2025-02-18 |work=Dhaka Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-11-18 |title='Priyo Maloti' to be screened at 55th IFFI |url=https://www.daily-sun.com/printversion/details/777762 |access-date=2025-02-18 |work=Daily Sun |language=en}}</ref> Later, it was released in 20 theaters across Bangladesh on 20 December 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |script-title=bn:২০ প্রেক্ষাগৃহে 'প্রিয় মালতী' |url=https://samakal.com/entertainment/article/271260/%E0%A7%A8%E0%A7%A6-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B7%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%83%E0%A6%B9%E0%A7%87-%E2%80%98%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A7%9F-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%80%E2%80%99 |access-date=2025-02-18 |website=Samakal |language=bn}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-12-09 |script-title=bn:আজ প্রেক্ষাগৃহে 'প্রিয় মালতী' |url=https://www.dhakapost.com/entertainment/330816 |access-date=2025-02-18 |work=Dhaka Post |language=bn}}</ref> Due to the positive reception from both audiences and critics, Star Cineplex doubled the number of screenings in its third week.<ref>{{Cite news |script-title=bn:মেহজাবীনের 'প্রিয় মালতী' এর দ্বিগুণ শো বাড়ল |url=https://samakal.com/dhallywood/article/273460/%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E2%80%98%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A7%9F-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%80%E2%80%99-%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%A3-%E0%A6%B6%E0%A7%8B-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A7%9C%E0%A6%B2 |access-date=2025-02-18 |work=Samakal |language=bn}}</ref>
==Reception== Prita Parmita Nag of Prothom Alo wrote, The film Priyo Malati, directed by Shankha Dasgupta, is a perfect transformation of reality onto the screen. Mehazabien Chowdhury's remarkable performance brings the character of Malati to life. The struggles of a lower-middle-class family and the realities of society are skillfully depicted in the film. The cinematography, background music, and the shooting locations in Old Dhaka add to the film's authenticity and liveliness. By highlighting a strong female character and the harsh realities of life, the film is bound to leave a deep impact on the audience's heart.<ref>{{Cite news |last=ঢাকা |first=পৃথা পারমিতা নাগ |script-title=bn:মেহজাবীন পেরেছেন, 'মালতী' পারল কি |url=https://www.prothomalo.com/entertainment/dhallywood/b484l3g3ia |access-date=2025-02-18 |work=Prothom Alo |language=bn}}</ref>
==Award== At the 23rd Dhaka International Film Festival, the film ''Priyo Maloti'', directed by Shankha Dasgupta and starring Mehazabien Chowdhury, was awarded the FIPRESCI Award in the Bangladesh Panorama section.<ref>{{Cite news |title=23rd DIFF concludes; 'Priyo Maloti' wins Best Film for Bangladesh |url=https://unb.com.bd/category/Lifestyle/23rd-diff-concludes-priyo-maloti-wins-best-film-for-bangladesh/151602 |access-date=2025-02-18 |work=UNB |language=en}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{IMDb title}} * {{BMDb title}}
Category:2024 films Category:2024 Bangladeshi films Category:2024 Bengali-language films Category:2024 crime drama films Category:2020s pregnancy films Category:Bangladeshi crime films Category:Films about arson Category:Films about women in Bangladesh Category:Films distributed by Jaaz Multimedia Category:Chorki original films