The state of Eid cinemas
Unlike the previous Eid, this one was quite special for the Bangladeshi film industry, as a total of eight films were released in theaters. The movies released were: "Leader Amie Bangladesh", "Jinn", "Kill Him", "Paap", "Shotru", "Prem Pritir Bandhan" and "Adam".
Due to the release of so many films, more than 100 halls, that were previously closed, were reopened during Eid—outside the existing 60 halls in the country.
Since its release, the Shakib Khan and Bubly starrer, "Leader Amie Bangladesh", has been attracting a large audience. The film was released in 100 theatres across the country, the highest number from these eight films. Due to its popularity, Blockbuster Cinemas (Jamuna Future Park) increased the number of shows from three to five. Only time will tell if this film will help Shakib Khan regain the craze he held in the film industry.
Apart from "Leader Amie Bangladesh", other films like "Jinn", "Kill Him", "Local", and "Paap" have also been performing well at the box office. Some shows have even been running houseful in the theatres for the seven other films.
The Bappy starrer film, "Shotru", directed by Suman Dhar, was released in 24 cinema halls. The film is doing well on single screens outside Dhaka. Some of its shows even went houseful. However, the film is not doing well at the multiplexes. Now, we have learned that "Shotru" will be released in even more single screens in the second week.
One of the most hyped films of this Eid was the Puja Chery and Sajal starrer, "Jinn". Jaaz Multimedia's horror project was able to generate a lot of curiosity among the audience, due to its unique promotional campaign. The film was released in 14 theatres this Eid, with some shows going houseful. Interestingly, it has been seen that this film is popular among female audiences.
"Local", directed by Saif Chandan, was released in 11 theatres across the country. The movie stars Shabnom Bubly and Ador Azad in the lead roles. The movie has performed well in multiplexes across the country since its release. The film's production house said that more halls would be added in the second week of screening.
The Saikat Nasir directorial, "Paap", starring Bobby and Ziaul Roshan, was released in eight theatres. The storyline and performance of Ziaul Roshan were appreciated by the audience. Although, due to the lack of promotion by the production company, the film was unable to attract the audience.
Another highly anticipated film this Eid was Ananta Jalil's "Kill Him". The film was released in 11 theatres. Directed by Mohammad Iqbal, Kill Him portrays Ananta Jalil in the role of an agent. This movie has also been performing well in multiplexes.
"All of the films released this Eid have been performing well at the box office. If this continues, then the films will also do good in the second week. From these eight movies, two or three will become superhits, I hope. Screenings of "Leader Amie Bangladesh", "Jinn", "Kill Him", "Local", "Adam" and "Paap" are going houseful here. I believe that Bengali cinema will turn around if it continues like this," shared Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, Manager, Media and Marketing Department, Star Cineplex.
"We have been getting a very good response since Eid. People are coming here since Eid day to watch Shakib Khan's "Leader Amie Bangladesh". I believe the film will continued to do well in the future. The rest will be clearer next week," said Iftekhar Uddin Naushad, owner of Modhumita Cinema Hall.
Meanwhile, 7 out of 8 movies released in Lion Cinemas in Old Dhaka. Here, "Leader Amie Bangladesh" and "Jinn" have been doing well. "Kill Him", "Local", and "Paap" are also running fairly well.