Entertainment Desk //

A new breed joins Bangladeshi film success in the international arena. Three domestic films have found a place in the list of ‘Asia’s 20 Best Movies of 2025’ published by the renowned film website Asian Movie Pulse. Mehedi Hasan’s ‘Balur Nagarite’ is at number 5 on this list, Soumitra Dastidar’s ‘Julai 36: Rashtra vs Nagorik’ is at number 17 and Nuhash Humayun’s ’26’ is at number 19.

This website has been regularly publishing lists of the best movies in Asia since 2019.

The report on contemporary Asian cinema says that the cinema of this region is gaining a stronger position day by day. Countries that were once lagging behind in the film race are now coming forward with artistic and bold productions. The questions of history, memory and state violence are being presented in a new perspective, which can be said to be relatively rare in the international arena.

In the context of Bangladesh’s ‘Balur Nagari’, which came in fifth place in the list of the top 20 films, Asian Movie Pulse wrote in their report that it is a small-scale yet rare arthouse gem—with a smooth rhythm, a calm pace, and a deep atmosphere. The film stars Victoria Chakma as the central character Emma. In 2025, the film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic.

In the report on the Bangladeshi film ‘July 36: State vs. Citizen’, which is number 17 on the list, Asian Movie Pulse said that it is an important document of resistance—which restores history and brings forward courageous voices. This film, made in the context of the anti-authoritarian movement, is directed by Soumitra Dastidar.

And about the film ’26’, which is number 19, the report said that the film captivates the audience with some extraordinary stories. Despite some weaknesses, it is a commendable anthology.

Meanwhile, the list is topped by the film ‘It Was Just an Accident’, which won the Palme d’Or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. It was directed by internationally renowned Iranian film director Jafar Panahi. The film, which revolves around the story of revenge of a man tortured in prison, has received much praise in the international community.

The second place on the list is occupied by the Iraqi film ‘Irkala: Dreams of Gilgamesh’. And the third place is occupied by another Iranian film titled ‘Cutting Through Rocks’.

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