On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr today, Bangladesh's film industry finds itself in an intense battle for limited cinema screens. With six films set for release, securing prime spots in multiplexes and single-screen theatres has turned into a high-stakes negotiation. The last-minute addition of Shakib Khan's long-delayed "Antaratma" has further complicated matters, forcing some films into an even tighter competition for screen space.
Shakib Khan dominates the release slate
Three years after his last Eid release, Shakib Khan is making a comeback with two films—"Borbaad" and "Antaratma". While "Borbaad" was always part of the Eid lineup, "Antaratma" unexpectedly entered the race, shifting the dynamics for other films. As a result, titles like "Daagi", "Jongli", "Jinn 3", and "Chokkor 302" are facing a tougher fight for theatres. Some producers are now considering an extended release strategy, focusing on securing more screens in the third week rather than the opening weekend.
The numbers game: How many screens are available?
According to theatre owners and production sources, Bangladesh has around 80 active theatres, with another 80 reopening for Eid, bringing the total to approximately 170-180 screens. With six films in contention, exhibitors are making strategic choices based on commercial potential, forcing some films to adjust their release plans, as per Prothom Alo.
'Borbaad' leads in exhibitor interest
Among the Eid releases, "Borbaad", starring Shakib Khan alongside Idhika Paul in the lead roles, has drawn the most interest from theatre owners. According to Prothom Alo, despite its high booking fee, exhibitors have shown confidence in the film, leading to its confirmation in at least 120 theatres nationwide, including both multiplexes and single screens. Manihar Cinema, one of the country's largest theatres, prioritised "Borbaad" over other releases. The film's producer, Shahreen Akter, told the media, "We could have taken more screens, but considering the overall competition, we finalised 120.".
'Daagi' plays the long game
Despite securing only 16 screens initially, "Daagi" is not concerned about its theatre count. Producer Shahriar Shakil, who previously worked on "Surongo" and "Toofan", is focusing on quality screens rather than quantity. "The additional 80 theatres that have been opened today primarily cater to Shakib Khan's films. We're not worried about numbers. Our goal is to establish a strong presence in multiplexes, with a gradual nationwide expansion in the following weeks," he said. "Daagi" features Afran Nisho and Tama Mirza in lead roles.
'Antaratma': A late entry sparking debate
Shakib Khan's second film, "Antaratma", is releasing today. It was not originally in the Eid lineup. Its sudden inclusion raised eyebrows, with some questioning whether it was an opportunistic move. However, producer Sohani Hossain dismissed the speculation to the media, stating, "We had always planned for an Eid release. We felt this was the right moment." The film has secured 13 single-screen theatres and eight multiplexes, with an expansion strategy focused on post-Eid screenings. The film stars Shakib Khan and Darshana Banik.
'Chokkor 302' opts out of the box office battle
Unlike its competitors, "Chokkor 302" is avoiding the theatrical race entirely. Producer-director Sharaf Ahmed is not concerned with screen counts or box office competition. Instead, he is relying on strong storytelling and positive word-of-mouth. "If a film is good, the audience will find it," he said. Our film has opened exclusively in Star Cineplex and a few select theatres, with a focus on long-term performance rather than immediate box office success. Mosharraf Karim stars in the lead role.
'Jongli' eyes the international market
With a budget exceeding Tk 2.5 crore, "Jongli" is looking beyond local theatres to recoup its investment. The film's producer, Zahid Hasan of Abhi Kathachitra, revealed that they have already recovered 20% of their budget through sponsorship deals and expect a significant chunk of revenue from OTT rights. Additionally, "Jongli" is set for an international release, which Hasan believes will ensure profitability. "If the film performs well, we'll increase screen count in the second week," he added. The film stars Siam, Shobnom Bubly, and Dighi.
'Jinn 3' sticks to multiplexes
Unlike previous Jaaz Multimedia productions that targeted both multiplexes and single screens, "Jinn 3" is being released exclusively in multiplexes. Producer Abdul Aziz believes this strategy will maximise profitability. "We're skipping single screens for now. If needed, we might expand after Eid. But even if we don't, this approach won't hurt our business," he said. The film features Shajal Noor and Nusraat Faria in lead roles.
Who will win the box office race?
With Eid traditionally being the most lucrative season for Bangladeshi cinema, the competition for screens has never been fiercer. While "Borbaad" leads in initial bookings, "Daagi" and "Antaratma" are playing the long game, and "Jongli" is banking on foreign markets. Whether this high-stakes battle will benefit the industry remains to be seen.
