Shakib Khan’s upcoming film “Borbaad” is setting new records ahead of its release, securing the highest booking fee among Eid releases this year. With theatre bookings already underway, the much-anticipated film has cleared earlier uncertainties, and the cast and crew are now fully focused on release preparations.
Deepto TV has announced a week-long special programme to mark Eid-ul-Fitr, featuring a lineup of Bengali films, including three world premieres.
These include Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury’s “Boli”, Shankha Dasgupta’s “Priyo Maloti”, Amitabh Reza Chowdhury’s “Rickshaw Girl”, Akram Khan’s “Nokshi Kanthar Zamin”, Nurul Alam Atique’s “Peyarar Subash”, Gias Uddin Selim’s “Kajol Rekha”, Dhrubo Hasan’s “Fatima”, Mishuk Monir’s “Deyaler Desh”, and Raihan Rafi’s “Toofan”.
This year, an estimated 50 Bangladeshi films have been released. Among these, only a handful have achieved commercial success. Then again, despite not performing well at the box office, other cinematic aspects like actors, actresses, and film songs have managed to remain at the centre of discussions throughout the year.
Star Cineplex, a leading choice for cinema enthusiasts with refined tastes, has maintained its position as a crowd favourite. While Hollywood films dominated the scene a few years ago, the rising wave of Bangladeshi cinema has gradually shifted the spotlight.
A variety of films have graced the silver screen—some commercially successful, others not quite so. Let’s bid adieu to the year, as we look back at some of its film offerings.
Star Cineplex, the country’s most advanced cine-theatre, has marked 20 years since its establishment. This milestone year witnessed a groundbreaking achievement with the Shakib Khan-starrer “Toofan”. The global blockbuster became the most successful movie at Star Cineplex, surpassing Hollywood and Bollywood hits.
Shakib Khan’s latest film, “Dorod”, which premiered on November 15, is set for an international release. Directed by Anonno Mamun, the movie will open in 18 cinemas across Malaysia on December 6.
The highly anticipated film “Dorod”, featuring Dhallywood’s leading star Shakib Khan, is scheduled to hit theatres this Friday (November 15).
The film “Toofan”, starring Shakib Khan, Mimi Chakraborty, and Nabila, hit theatres last Eid-ul-Azha and quickly garnered significant attention from audiences nationwide. Directed by Raihan Rafi, the film sparked interest even before its release, especially with the launch of the song “Dushtu Kokil” on June 26, which was featured on two prominent YouTube channels.
The much-anticipated film “Toofan,” starring superstar Shakib Khan, has finally hit theatres in Malaysia starting August 23, following two previous delays.
After breaking records in Bangladeshi theatres, “Toofan” also won over audiences in the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East. The film is now all set to be released in Malaysia.
Raihan Rafi's “Toofan” has not only gained popularity in Bangladesh but has also performed well in theatres in the US, Australia, and Canada.
Due to the ongoing situation surrounding the quota reform movement, no new domestic movies were released in theatres across the country. However, the Eid-special film “Toofan” and “Ajob Karkhana”, which premiered on July 12, are still being screened. Additionally, the new Hollywood film “Deadpool & Wolverine” premiered in several multiplexes, including Star Cineplex, yesterday. The third instalment to the Deadpool franchise had its international release on July 26.
In recent years, attendance at Eid-special movie releases saw a significant surge. However, this Eid, the Shakib Khan starrer "Toofan" not only met but exceeded records set in the past few years. The film's demand remained robust even post-Eid, prompting the country's largest multiplex to add more screenings each week.
The song “Laage Ura Dhura” from the Eid special release “Toofan” quickly gained widespread popularity online, upon its release. Featuring vocals by Pritom Hasan and Debosrie Antara, the track has not only been trending in Bangladesh but has also made its mark on YouTube's global trending chart.
Tama Mirza and Raihan Rafi have delivered hits when they worked together, starting with the web film "Khachar Bhitor Ochin Pakhi" and continuing with the commercial movie "Shurongo". Many movie enthusiasts assumed that the National Award-winning actress would appear in Raihan Rafi’s blockbuster film "Toofan".
Due to the ongoing unrest over the quota reform movement, the country's cinemas are facing significant difficulties. Even five weeks into Eid, last week's audience interest in movies was noticeable. Weekend crowds were also evident. Those involved in the film industry were hopeful about the future. However, the sudden instability in the country has concerned cinema hall authorities. Although some single-screen cinemas have reopened today, the audience turnout is not the same as before. The multiplexes, however, remain uncertain about their reopening.
The Raihan Rafi directorial was expected to run for the foreseeable future before the quota reform protests started. According to the producers, the film earned around Tk 25 crore, a rare feat for a Bangladeshi film. Even though some people did go see the film at the start of the movement, cinema halls had to close down after nationwide violence started, claiming the lives of many involved.
