‘Alpha’ Tops Netflix Buzz in Bangladesh as ‘Operation Safed Sagar’ Ranks Second

Several films and series have found a strong audience among Bangladeshi viewers after arriving on Netflix. Interestingly, some titles that failed to make a major impact in cinemas have gained renewed popularity on the streaming platform.

Among the films attracting attention in Bangladesh are ‘Alpha’, ‘Facing El Chapo’, ‘Cocktail 2’ and ‘Main Wapas Aaunga’. Meanwhile, ‘Musafir Cafe’ and ‘Operation Safed Sagar’ are among the most-watched series on the local Netflix chart.

Movies

‘Alpha’

Yash Raj Films’ spy-universe movie ‘Alpha’ failed to make the expected impact at the box office after its theatrical release. The film also received a lukewarm response from critics. However, its fortunes have changed after arriving on Netflix. The movie is now performing strongly in Bangladesh as well as six other countries.

Directed by Shiv Rawail, ‘Alpha’ stars Alia Bhatt as Sita, a woman who grows up with a mysterious past and is portrayed as a formidable warrior. Sharvari plays Durga, whose life becomes intertwined with the mysterious relationship surrounding Vikrant Kaul, the chief of India’s intelligence agency R&AW.

Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol also appear in important roles. Combining action, revenge, family secrets and espionage, ‘Alpha’ follows a fast-paced spy thriller narrative.

‘Grand Theft Auto 6’

One of the most anticipated video games in history, ‘Grand Theft Auto 6’ has once again generated huge global interest.

On August 27, Netflix released an approximately 27-minute special video featuring an extended look at the game. The gameplay footage quickly attracted viewers around the world and climbed to the top of Netflix’s global chart.

The video offers fresh glimpses of the game’s massive open world, characters, action sequences and storyline. Rockstar Games confirmed that the footage was captured entirely from the PlayStation 5 version of the game.

While video-game trailers are usually released on YouTube or during major gaming events, Rockstar chose Netflix for the first presentation of the ‘GTA 6’ extended look. The video was later released on Rockstar’s official website and YouTube channel.

‘Facing El Chapo’

‘Facing El Chapo’ is a crime thriller centered on Mexican drug lord Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán. Since its Netflix release on August 21, the film has remained a strong performer on the platform.

It spent a week at the top of Netflix’s global chart and has also attracted significant attention in Bangladesh, where it currently ranks fourth.

Based on real events, the film tells the story of a night when two police officers, nearing the end of their duty, come face to face with the notorious drug lord.

Directed by Chava Cartas, the film stars Alfonso Herrera, Noé Hernández and Héctor Kotsifakis.

‘Cocktail 2’

Directed by Homi Adajania, ‘Cocktail 2’ was released theatrically in June. Although it managed a moderate box-office run, the film received harsh reviews from critics.

Its fortunes changed after arriving on Netflix. Since its streaming release, the movie has remained among the platform’s global Top 10 non-English films.

The story explores modern relationships, love and the challenges faced by couples. Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna and Kriti Sanon play the three central characters.

The popularity of the original ‘Cocktail’ may have helped the sequel attract Bangladeshi viewers. Rashmika Mandanna’s presence could also be a major factor. The South Indian actress has a strong following in Bangladesh and appears in a noticeably different avatar in the film, moving away from her familiar ‘girl-next-door’ image.

‘Main Wapas Aaunga’

Almost a month after its Netflix release, Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Main Wapas Aaunga’ continues to attract viewers. The film currently ranks fifth on Netflix’s Bangladesh chart.

Set against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition of India, the story follows 95-year-old Ishar Singh Grewal. Even at the final stage of his life, his heart remains in Sargodha, Pakistan—the place of his childhood, his home and a lost love.

At the moment of separation, he promised the woman he loved, ‘Main Wapas Aaunga’—‘I will return’. That promise and the memories surrounding it form the emotional core of the film.

The cast includes Naseeruddin Shah, Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina and Sharvari.

Series

‘Musafir Cafe’

‘Musafir Cafe’ has become one of the most popular series among Bangladeshi viewers, particularly younger audiences. Even after around a month and a half, it continues to occupy the top spot on the country’s Netflix series chart.

The series revolves around unfinished love, personal ambitions and the complicated choices people make in relationships.

Chandar returns home after leaving his job at a US-based software company. Despite having a stable career, his dream is to open a café of his own in the mountains.

His life changes when he meets Sudha, a lively and confident lawyer. Their relationship quickly becomes serious, but differences in their ambitions and life goals eventually drive them apart.

Later, Chandar meets Preeti, a calm and sensitive woman who enters his life at a different stage. The story unfolds across two timelines.

The series stars Vikrant Massey, Vedika Pinto and Mahima Makwana, with Ruchir Arun serving as director.

‘Operation Safed Sagar’

Based on the Indian Air Force’s operations during the 1999 Kargil War, ‘Operation Safed Sagar’ has received strong critical attention since its release. The series currently ranks second on Netflix’s Bangladesh series chart.

According to critics, the series is less interested in presenting an anti-war message and more focused on telling a story of courage and military duty.

Although the soldiers are occasionally portrayed as ordinary people with personal emotions and vulnerabilities, the narrative ultimately establishes them as professional warriors carrying out their responsibilities for the country.

Critics have pointed to this approach as one of the elements that separates the series from other overtly propagandistic war dramas.

Directed by Oni Sen, the series features Siddharth, Jimmy Sheirgill, Abhay Verma and Dia Mirza among others.

‘Our Sticky Love’

The Korean romantic comedy series ‘Our Sticky Love’ has been generating discussion since its Netflix release. The story combines romance, mystery, action, memory loss and connections to the criminal underworld.

The popularity of lead actor Jung Hae-in has also contributed to the series’ attention. Within days of its release, a comment by one of the main actresses, Ha Young, sparked a major controversy, further increasing public interest in the show.

The 12-episode series follows ambitious prosecutor Go Eun-se. After becoming involved in a dangerous investigation, she suffers a serious attack and loses her memory.

Her life then becomes entangled with Tae-ha, a boxing trainer who claims that Eun-se is actually his girlfriend.

With a combination of romance, mystery and action, the series has quickly attracted Netflix viewers.