"It is a layered story where music speaks."
Bangladeshi actor Arifin Shuvoo is set to make his Bollywood debut with the upcoming Sony LIV web series Jazz City.
The Bengali original series places its entry within a politically charged narrative linked to the liberation of Bangladesh.
Sony LIV unveiled the teaser recently, immediately drawing attention for its sombre tone and historical backdrop.
Set in 1971, Jazz City explores the struggle against Pakistani oppression while highlighting India’s covert involvement during the war.
The story unfolds between violence and music, using a Kolkata jazz club as its emotional and narrative anchor.
Created by filmmaker Soumik Sen, the series blends history, politics, and culture through an ensemble-driven narrative.
Shuvoo leads the cast alongside Sauraseni Maitra, Santanu Ghatak, and Aniruddha Gupta in pivotal roles.
Supporting performances are delivered by Tanika Basu and Sayandeep Sen, adding further texture to the layered storyline.
The teaser opens with the brutal killing of a Bengali man by a Pakistani mercenary, establishing immediate emotional stakes.
It then shifts to Kolkata, where underground tunnels lead into a thriving jazz club pulsing with secrecy.
These clubs are portrayed as unlikely catalysts, where music and whispered conversations fuel revolutionary momentum.
Sony LIV described the series as a story where language, sound, and silence collectively ignite national awakening.
Shuvoo appears in multiple looks, ranging from restrained greys to expressive white costumes reflecting the era’s spirit.
His retro styling and controlled physicality evoke the 1970s while underscoring the character’s internal conflicts.
One standout aspect of his performance is delivering dialogues across Bangla, Hindi, Urdu, and English seamlessly.
Speaking about the project, Shuvoo said: “It is a layered story where music speaks as much as dialogue.”
He added that the series uses rhythm, pauses, and emotion to create a deeply immersive jazz-infused atmosphere.
The show does not merely dramatise history but attempts to humanise resistance through art and cultural expression.
By centring music within political unrest, Jazz City positions creativity as both refuge and rebellion.
The series reflects a growing trend of South Asian collaborations exploring shared histories across borders.
For Arifin Shuvoo, the project marks a significant international milestone after years of acclaimed work in Bangladesh.
The series will premiere on February 6, 2025, streaming on Sony LIV in Bengali, Hindi, and English.
With its ambitious scope and cross-cultural cast, Jazz City aims to resonate with a wider audience.
Watch the Trailer:
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