| Starring: | see Cast section |
| Country: | Italy |
| Language: | Italian |
| Num Series: | 1 |
| Num Episodes: | 8 |
| Runtime: | 25–29 minutes |
| Company: | Fandango Rai Fiction |
| Network: | RaiPlay |
Bangla - La serie (English Bangla - The series) is an Italian comedy romance television series created for RaiPlay, by Emanuele Scaringi, who wrote the script along with Phaim Bhuiyan & Vanessa Picciarelli. Scaringi directed the series, along with Phaim Bhuiyan, the latter of whom directed the previous film Bangla which this series is a sequel of.[1] The series is produced by Laura Paolucci and Domenico Procacci of Fandango along with Rai Fiction.[2]
The series was filmed across Rome, mostly shot in Tor Pignattara, where the director and main cast Bhuiyan was born.[3] Some clips of the ending episode was filmed on Fiumicino Airport.[4] Simone D'Onofrio served as the cinematographer, with Micaela Natascia Di Vito, Steve Flamini, and Gianluca Scarpa being the editor of the series.[5] The series screened at Torino Film Festival in 2021.[6]
Phaim Bhuiyan is a second-generation boy born and raised in Italy with strong traditional values instilled by his Bangladeshi parents. However, things take a turn when he falls in love with Asia, a rebellious and free-spirited girl from an atheist family.
Despite the significant clash of their cultural backgrounds, Phaim and Asia are willing to compromise to experience the genuine love they share. However, Phaim's families culture and traditions put the relationship in a crisis.
Phaim's father Shipon, a dreamer and an idealist, who wants to move to London. On the other hand, Asia's father Olmo is explosive and overwhelming, but passionate about everything except his back pain and constant conflicts with his ex-wife. Along with Olmo, Asia's mother also shows her approval of their relationship.
Phaim's sister Navila is in constant "siblings" conflict with him, while his cousin and roommate Sumaya tries to help him navigate his personal and love life. His friend Matteo always sits in the same bench, giving him advice and smoking weed.
In contrast, the Imam of the local mosque, Rifat, who is also a friend of Phaim, helps him through this crisis and supports him. Asia's best friend Fede is always there to support her in her decisions as well.
As they both try to navigate their love and cultural differences, they also find themselves surrounded by other quirky characters in their lives, like Fayruj, Tangir, and Shoshi, whom are Phaim's singing bandmates. Also, Bob Corn, a singer of desperate loves who loves to accompany the strangest couples with his bizarre and heartfelt notes.
The series was primarily shot in Tor Pignattara, exactly like the film it's based on call Bangla.[7] The series is an ironic and multi-ethnic portrait of Italy, seen through the eyes of the new generation of immigrants born and raised in Italy.[8] The series released on 13 April 2022, on RaiPlay and later streamed on Rai3 on 27 April.[9] After the success achieved in streaming, Bangla-La serie arrived in Netflix on 20 July 2022.[10]
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Premi Flaiano | Best Male Performance in the Youth Section | Phaim Bhuiyan | [11] | -- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator --> | |
| Nastro d'argento | Miglior Serie Commedia | Bangla-La serie | [12] | |||
| Terni Film Festival | Miglior serie televisiva | Bangla - La serie | [13] | |||
| Diversify TV Awards | Representation of Race and Ethnicity – Scripted | Bangla-La serie | [14] |