Netflix and the other streaming giants are scarcely touching regional languages for their original stories and the Bengali is even more neglected than the other languages. But the reason is that Bengali already has established OTT platforms like Hoichoi and Chorki that have very trusted subscriber bases.
But Nuhash Humayun has said that he plans to do a big Netflix special and to show to the world that Bengali stories are worth giving time too. Humayun indeed is one of the most popular filmmakers in Bangladesh and he has impressed both in his own country and in India with stories like ‘Pet Kata Shaw’ and ‘Moshari’. His ‘Moshari’ was backed by Riz Ahmed and Jordan Peele very recently and if there is someone who can take Bangladeshi films to the international stage, there is no doubt that it will be through Nuhash Humayun.
But will Netflix do a project with Nuhash Humayun? That is the big question. But there is no way that Netflix can establish its regional content slate if it does not allow the initial stories to come from directors like Humayun. The viewer base places more trust on the director rather than the platform and it might help if filmmakers of Humayun’s stature come up with stories for Netflix. He has done wonderful short films, anthologies and is a true genius when it comes to horror. The niche themes and pre-established fandom can help the platform whereas it will help the director with an international forum. And it will be a win-win for both parties if it is actualised.