Dhaka witnessed an overwhelming response from movie enthusiasts as the much-awaited Bollywood blockbuster, Pathaan, was released in cinemas on Friday. This marks the first time in more than half a century that a Bollywood movie has received a full release in Bangladesh. The movie, which released in India in January, set new box office records and has eagerly anticipated by fans in Bangladesh.
Despite India’s support during the independence war with Pakistan, Bangladesh had banned films from its neighboring country since gaining independence in 1971, following pressure from local movie-makers. However, with the release of Pathaan, fans can finally watch the superstar Shah Rukh Khan on the big screen.
Bangladesh’s cinema industry is in sharp decline due to poor-quality local films that are unable to compete with Bollywood’s glitz and glamour or attract audiences. The industry’s only bankable star is the aging Shakib Khan. To stay afloat, some cinemas have resorted to showing pornography illegally. Over the past two decades, more than 1,000 cinemas have closed, and many of them have converted into shopping centers or apartments.
Previously Dhaka’s most opulent movie theatre, the Modhumita Cinema Hall is presently seeing a dismal turnout with only a few seats full for the recently released Bangladeshi film Jinn. One theatre worker bemoaned the decline in attendance for regional art films and films with weak plotlines. This week, even heroin addicts sat outside the theatre.
In 2015, authorities in Bangladesh attempted to ease the prohibition on Indian films, but met opposition from local actors, resulting in the cancellation of two Bollywood blockbuster plays. However, the government announced a law this month that allows the import of 10 films yearly from South Asia or India.
Anonno Mamun, the distributor of Pathaan, confirmed its release in 41 cinemas across Bangladesh with sold-out shows in the capital. He believes that allowing Bollywood movies would be a game-changer since everyone loves Hindi and southern Indian movies. Mohammed Iftekharuddin, the owner of Modhumita Cinema and former president of the Bangladesh Motion Picture Exhibitors Association, is optimistic about the business turnaround.
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