/ ‘Adhunik Bangla Hotel’: Where culinary obsession meets chilling horror

After “Pett Kata Shaw”, this was one of the web-series I was really looking forward to, especially because Mosharraf Karim plays not just one but three different characters. Although it’s an anthology series, there are no interconnected episodes. The series, “Adhunik Bangla Hotel”, boasts a group of talented actors whose powerful performances elevate the narrative, even as the story is full of imperfections. 
At the heart of the series is an intriguing obsession with local foods, reflected in the carefully chosen episode titles. Each episode was released on Thursdays, starting with the first episode at midnight on Halloween and the last on November 14. The episodes come with unique names such as “Boal Macher Jhol” (Boal fish curry), “Khashir Paya” (goat trotters), and “Hasher Salun” (duck curry). 
What truly stands out in the series is its stunning cinematography. The serene landscapes of rural life, framed by vivid skies and lush green sycamore trees, create a visual feast that captivates from the very beginning. The first episode, rather than shocking the audience, evokes a sense of tranquility and calm. Nature plays a central role, with elements like drifting white clouds, a gloomy moon, and sudden bursts of thunder becoming symbolic voices for the unspoken tragedies awaiting the characters. 
Despite this being his first foray into the anthology format, Mosharraf Karim, being the fine actor that he is, blends seamlessly into his roles. 
In the opening episode, a retired professor (Gazi Rakayet) visits an old student, Aziz (Mosharraf Karim), to hear ghost stories and enjoy Boal macher jhol. While fishing by the lake, Aziz recounts a tale of a village where the dead rise as soon as they’re buried. The line between story and truth blurs as the mystery unfolds. Though the ending is predictable, the episode remains faithful to its psychological horror, fantasy, thriller, and mythology roots. 
The second episode is one of the weakest in the series. While Mosharraf Karim and the young child actor did a commendable job, the plot didn’t seem to make much sense to me. It was full of repetitive tropes and jump scares, to the point where it became annoying.
The story follows Rafique, a middle-aged man who has never lived alone and loves khashir paya. When a boy asks him for money to buy the dish, Rafique refuses, and strange events begin to occur. Despite starting with an intriguing premonition, the latter half fails to build the story, making it tedious and illogical. 
“Hasher Salun” redeems the disappointing aftertaste of the second episode by introducing us to a serial killer named Mozaffor Gayen, alias Moju, who murders people without mercy. After being severely injured, he stumbles upon a mysterious hotel called Adhunik Bangla Boarding. Then the question arises—who are the hotel’s tenants, and why is Moju unable to leave? 
After each murder, Moju indulges in chaler ruti (traditional rice flour flatbread) with hasher salun (duck curry) and traps pigeons in his cage. This episode, like the first, features impressive cinematography, sharp dialogues, and Mosharraf Karim’s flawless portrayal of a morally complex character, which will make you simultaneously admire and hate him. The lighting and colour work in this episode fit perfectly into the series. While not particularly scary, this episode is packed with suspense and thriller.
However, the mystery of who Moju works for and his true motives remains unsolved till the end. 
One of the greatest parts of the series is its supporting cast—Gazi Rakayet, Salahuddin Lavlu, Shilpi Sharkar Apu, AK Azad Shetu, and Nidra Dey Neha. All did a fantastic job, but I was particularly blown away by Salahuddin Lavlu. He played a character completely opposite to what fans are used to seeing from him. In “Hasher Salun”, he plays a mysterious and nonchalant receptionist whose presence adds layers to the plot right up to the end. 
Overall, director Kazi Asad did a commendable job, though I hope future seasons focus on quality storylines with fewer loose ends and perhaps more episodes. If you’re a fan of Mosharraf Karim, this anthology series is definitely worth a try. All episodes of “Adhunik Bangla Hotel” are available for streaming on the OTT platform Chorki.