Amid a prolonged dry spell for Bangladesh's television drama industry, "Mon Duari" has arrived as a much-needed surprise. Released under the banner of CMV for Valentine's Day, the one-hour-thirty-minute production has garnered over 12 million views on YouTube in just six days, defying the industry's half-year "view drought" and topping YouTube's trending charts.

While hitting millions of views on YouTube isn't unusual these days, "Mon Duari" has struck a chord, not just with the numbers but with the audience's hearts. Many are crediting the drama with breathing life into an industry that has been struggling to capture widespread attention.

Directed and written by Jakaria Showkhin, the drama stars Ziaul Faruq Apurba and Naznin Nahar Niha in the lead roles, alongside veteran actress Dilara Zaman. The narrative revolves around Apurba, a US-based expatriate who returns to his village intending to take his grandmother, played by Zaman, to the US for a "better life." 

However, she resists the offer, preferring to remain tied to her familial roots. A clash of values ensues, as Apurba's cousin, played by Naznin Nahar Niha, and other family members oppose his plans.

This simple yet emotionally charged storyline, combined with stunning cinematography, heartwarming family sentiment, and romantic undertones, has struck a chord with audiences. 

Many viewers in the YouTube comment section have expressed regret that the production wasn't released as a feature film in cinemas, with some even calling it a "full-length cinematic experience." The family-driven climax and breathtaking visual storytelling have transported viewers back to the golden age of Bengali cinema.

Reflecting on the overwhelming response, director Showkhin told local media, "12 million views in just six days, with over 18,000 comments and 200,000 likes—it's unbelievable! The love and support from the audience have been extraordinary. I don't have enough words to thank you. Your love is like the sea—endless. All I can promise is to honour your love by continuing to bring you stories that touch your hearts."

Producer and distributor SK Sahed Ali shared that CMV plans to continue investing in big-budget family dramas that resonate on a larger scale, with productions like "Pothe Holo Deri" and "Mon Duari" being just the beginning. 

"Our goal is to make Bengali dramas global," said Ali. "We're working toward creating even more ambitious productions in the days to come."

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