1. Tell us about your career journey and what inspired you to enter the media and entertainment Industry. 

In 2002, I began my journey in computer science engineering, but deep down, I harbored a passion for storytelling. I firmly believed that movies and cinema were the most effective mediums to connect with a vast audience and share my stories. A close friend (RANA) of mine was instrumental in inspiring and encouraging me to pursue my dreams. We engaged in countless conversations about our passions and aspirations. Little did I know that those conversations would be abruptly cut short when my friend tragically lost his life in a road accident. The devastating loss left me bereft of hope, causing me to abandon my dreams and cease all creative endeavors.

However, the support and inspiration from my friends and those around me breathed new life into my aspirations. They urged me to reclaim my passion and embark on the journey I had once envisioned. Determined to pursue my dreams, I realized the importance of acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the craft. I sought out educational opportunities and courses that would equip me with the necessary knowledge and skills. Unfortunately, at that time, there were no institutions offering the specific courses I needed.

In a stroke of luck, I managed to find the email address of Mostafa Sarwar Farooki, a prominent figure in the industry. I poured my heart out in a lengthy email, hoping to convey my fervor and seek guidance. Known for his thoroughness, if he read an email, he read it in its entirety. To my great fortune, he read my email and graciously shared his contact number. For the next six months, I persistently reached out to him, determined to connect and learn from his expertise. It took time and perseverance, but eventually, I managed to reach him and began working as his assistant director in a production called Sixty Nine. As the 4th or 5th assistant director, I embarked on a three to four-year journey under his mentorship. Simultaneously, I continued my studies, striking a balance between academia and my passion for filmmaking.

In 2006, I directed my first production, “Urojahaj,” marking the beginning of my filmmaking journey. Project after project followed, and I gradually gained recognition as people resonated with my work. A pivotal moment arrived when I collaborated on the immensely popular television series “Housefull,” a joint production with Iftekhar Ahmed Fahmi. The overwhelming response from the audience reaffirmed our success. Another hit series named “FnF” further solidified our standing in the industry, garnering tremendous audience appreciation.

In 2012, I directed my debut film, “Chorabali.” This production proved to be a turning point in my career, earning five national awards, including one that I personally received. The recognition fueled my dedication and commitment to storytelling through the medium of film.

The path to pursuing my passion for filmmaking has been filled with both challenges and triumphs. Through the guidance of seasoned professionals and the support of my peers, I have been able to carve out my place in the industry. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had and remain committed to honing my craft, sharing compelling narratives, and continuing to captivate audiences worldwide.

2. As an accomplished director in the country, what were the driving forces for you to take on a challenging role of establishing a newly introduced OTT platform in the country?   

Upon learning that Netflix had earned a significant amount of revenue from Bangladesh, a realization struck me: why should a foreign company profit so immensely from our stories? In that moment, a vision took hold of me—a vision to create our own platform, one that could rival the likes of Netflix.

With a background in Computer Science & Engineering and a passion for content creation, I recognized the potential to merge my knowledge and skills to develop something extraordinary. Gathering a team of like-minded individuals, we embarked on a mission to establish an OTT (Over-The-Top) platform in Bangladesh. Three platforms — Popcorn Live by Popcorn Entertainment, Bongo, and Third Bell—were launched, generating significant popularity during that time.

However, I quickly learned that the OTT business was no small feat. Managing an OTT platform alongside a production house proved to be a complex endeavor. The intricacies of the business required meticulous attention to detail and extensive content investment, which presented unforeseen challenges. Ultimately, we had to make the difficult decision to shut down the venture – Popcorn Live.

Nevertheless, this experience taught me invaluable lessons. It provided me with insights into the nuances of running an OTT business and the necessary preparations required for success. Undeterred by the setbacks, I remained steadfast in my belief that Bangladesh possesses a treasure trove of captivating and unique stories waiting to be shared with the world. I firmly believe that our narratives surpass those found on platforms like Netflix in terms of intrigue and originality. What we needed was a platform that could showcase our stories with global standards of production value.

With this conviction, I shared my vision with Mati bhai (Matiur Rahman, Editor of Prothom Alo and Director of Mediastar Ltd) who wholeheartedly embraced the concept and recognized its immense potential. Joined by Transcom, a renowned conglomerate with the visionary leadership of Simeen Rahman and the support of Zaraif Hossain, the eldest son of the family, we embarked on the journey to create Chorki.

Chorki represents our collective vision to establish a platform that not only showcases our local stories but does so with global standards of excellence. We are determined to share our rich cultural heritage and narratives with the world, providing a platform that rivals international giants like Netflix. By harnessing the power of technology, creativity, and the untapped potential of our local stories, Chorki aims to redefine the landscape of content consumption and leave an indelible mark on the global stage.

Our commitment to excellence, storytelling, and a deep-rooted belief in the power of our narratives fuels our drive to establish Chorki as a prominent player in the global content industry. Through this platform, we aspire to bring forth captivating stories that resonate with audiences worldwide, offering a unique and diverse perspective from our corner of the world.

3. How does Chorki envision itself as an OTT platform and what factors do you believe contributed to its rapid popularity despite the presence of other similar platforms in the market? 

From the inception of Chorki, one principle guided our journey: the content we offer must be distinct from what is available on television or YouTube. To achieve this, we dedicated 1.5 years to extensive research and preparation before the platform’s launch. Our primary objective was clear—we had to meet global standards and ensure that every aspect of Chorki surpassed expectations. This meant assembling the best talents, including actors, artists, and directors, to create an unparalleled experience for our audience.

To entice subscribers and justify their investment in Chorki, We did extensive research and made strategies. Jabed Sultan Pias, CBO of Mediastar Ltd helped me a lot in this regards.  we knew that our content had to stand out and differentiate itself from platforms like Netflix. We recognized that people were willing to pay for quality content, and we had to deliver on that promise. Our goal was to produce content that adhered to global standards while incorporating local elements, capturing the essence of our culture and narratives. By striking this balance, we aimed to attract viewers not only locally but also globally.

Amidst doubts and skepticism from those around us, who believed that people in Bangladesh would not pay for content, I remained steadfast in my conviction. I was confident that by offering compelling and unique content, we could prove the naysayers wrong. Although there was a chance that my confidence could have been misplaced, I chose to trust my instincts and forge ahead.

Prior to the official launch in January, we embarked on an intensive period of platform development. As a prelude to the grand unveiling, we released experimental projects in July, such as “Unoloukik” and “Morichika.” The response from viewers was overwhelming, validating our efforts. People embraced these productions, recognizing the honesty and dedication we poured into each creation.

As we continue to grow, our focus remains unwavering—to showcase the best of Bangladesh to the world while offering a platform that resonates with viewers globally.

4. What do you think might be the reasons behind wide acceptance of OTT Platforms in Bangladesh and why the audience find value in paying for Bangladeshi content on platforms like Chorki?

The audience’s taste and acceptance of new series and content have undergone significant changes over time. They now crave fresh ideas and are willing to embrace and support quality content. This shift in the audience market has been stronger than anticipated, indicating a growing demand for innovative storytelling.

When it comes to payment gateways, viewers are required to complete the online payment process before accessing the content on the Chorki platform. While the number of individuals with proficient tech knowledge is relatively small, the audience size is substantial. People are willing to go through the necessary steps to watch the content, highlighting their enthusiasm for the platform.

One concern we had was whether the audience would be receptive to different types of projects. However, we were pleasantly surprised by their open-mindedness and eagerness for diverse concepts. Our recent project, “Myself Allen Swapan,” was a resounding success, surpassing our expectations. This demonstrated that viewers are more mature and discerning than we initially thought. Projects we envisioned for the future are resonating with audiences sooner than anticipated, resulting in an incredible response. It is remarkable to witness the audience’s willingness to invest in quality content that offers value for their time.

The audience has evolved into a more sophisticated and demanding consumer base, seeking out exceptional content that captivates and entertains. Their enthusiasm and support have far exceeded our expectations, driving us to continue delivering compelling narratives and maintaining the highest standards.

5. How does Chorki facilitate emerging directors and creative artists in the industry, and what opportunities does it provide them to showcase their work and talents to a larger audience?  

In the early days, the filmmaking industry in Bangladesh lacked a structured learning platform, leading to an unorganized process. However, with the establishment of Chorki, I was determined to bring organization and standardization to the industry. We extensively researched international firms and platforms, adapting their operational systems to our cultural context.

At Chorki, we have created an open platform that welcomes anyone with knowledge and a vision for filmmaking. The director’s reputation or experience holds no significance; what matters is their expertise and ability to pitch their ideas. This rule applies to everyone, including myself. Even if I wish to direct a new project, I must undergo the pitching process like any other filmmaker.

It is important to note that budget considerations do not determine our project selection. We prioritize quality content above all else. There have been instances where low-budget proposals were rejected because they did not meet our standards. While initially, it was challenging to convince people of our approach, we have now proven ourselves, and more individuals are coming prepared to pitch their ideas. This shift benefits both Chorki and the industry as a whole, as adhering to standardized rules fosters growth and success.

We are witnessing a positive trend where young talents and established professionals alike are embracing standardized processes. This bodes well for the future, as it paves the way for significant advancements in the industry.

6. How does Chorki prioritize the importance of quality content in terms of creating a content library to retain a long-term viewership?

Chorki recognizes the importance of capturing the audience from every age group, which is why we have incorporated content from renowned creators such as Humayun Ahmed and Satyajit Ray. By featuring these iconic series, we aim to provide a nostalgic experience that resonates with viewers of all generations.

We understand that many individuals, particularly our parents or older family members, spend their time at home alone. Having access to these nostalgic series allows them to revisit cherished memories from their past. It brings them joy and a sense of comfort.

At Chorki, our goal is to cater to diverse audiences and create a platform that appeals to a global viewership. By offering a range of content that spans different eras and genres, we strive to ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

7. In your opinion, what factors are essential to making a story successful on an OTT platform, and how do the current social media trends play the role of vital promotional tools? 

Social media has become an essential tool for promotional activities in today’s digital age. With people spending a significant amount of time on social media platforms, it has become an effective way to inform and engage with the audience. For Chorki, social media plays a vital role in keeping track of clients, following up with them after their subscription, and attracting new audiences.

However, one challenge we faced was the lack of previous data specific to Chorki. This required us to collect data from the ground level and understand the trials, patterns, and trends unique to our platform. It has been a learning process for us, as there are no fixed hacks or tricks to increase sales or attract the audience on social media. We continually learn from our past experiences and strive to improve day by day.

By analyzing data, adapting strategies, and staying attuned to the preferences of our audience, we aim to enhance our social media presence and provide an engaging experience for viewers worldwide.

8. How do you envision Chorki expanding its reach beyond Bangladesh and gaining popularity on an international scale knowing that language is no longer a barrier when it comes to audience preference?

Chorki’s reach extends to 198 countries, with viewers from the Bangladeshi diaspora around the world tuning in to our content. The global response has been remarkable, as indicated by the diverse range of currencies we receive payments in—31 in total. This signifies the immense potential for growth and impact.

Looking ahead, we have exciting plans in the pipeline. Our aim is to expand Chorki’s presence in different countries, tailoring the platform to local audiences by integrating their specific payment gateways. We are actively collaborating with Indian directors, with the upcoming launch of Chorki India. Additionally, we are developing a dedicated segment for the American market, focusing on creating content that resonates with international viewers.

This expansion is not only significant for Chorki but also holds implications for our country. The influx of foreign currencies directly contributes to the Bangladesh Bank’s reserves, positively impacting the national economy.

9. What opportunities do you see in the Bangladesh OTT market, and how do you plan to capitalize on these opportunities? 

Chorki’s current audience primarily consists of viewers based in Dhaka. However, our vision extends beyond geographical boundaries. We aim to attract talent from all over the world, including Bangladeshi professionals working in renowned studios abroad. By inviting them to contribute to our industry, we seek to enhance the diversity and expertise within our filmmaking community. To facilitate this, we recognize the importance of streamlining payment systems with foreign countries, making the process easier and more efficient.

Government support is crucial for the growth of our industry. Currently, the corporate tax rate stands at 27%, which can impact our financial capabilities. A reduction in this rate would allow us to allocate more resources to essential pre-production stages and invest in high-quality accessories. As Chorki continues to thrive, it contributes to our country’s foreign exchange and adds to our foreign reserves. This industry’s growth has the potential to become a valuable asset for our nation.

Furthermore, we are actively pursuing international collaborations and partnerships. By bringing together the best talent from around the world, we aim to create content that resonates with global audiences. Our focus on international collaboration will help us position Chorki as a platform that caters to a diverse viewership and amplifies the reach and impact of Bangladeshi storytelling.

With government support, a conducive tax environment, and a focus on international collaboration, Chorki aims to grow into a significant asset for our country’s film industry, contributing to economic development and cultural exchange on a global scale.