Eid-dependent Bangla cinema: A ray of hope or a major setback?

Following the mass uprising in July 2024, the release of new Bangla films had been halted for a long time. In the interim, although Shakib Khan's film Dorod was released, it did not achieve as much commercial success as his recent films typically do. Since then, film releases in Bangladesh have been nearly stagnant. However, over the last two Eids, a total of 12 Bangla films were released—six on each Eid. Among them, films like Borbad, Jongli, Dagi, Tandob, Utsob, and Insaaf received a tremendous response from audiences. Cinema halls became lively again; excitement and enthusiasm were seen everywhere, from ticket counters to inside the halls.

But right after Eid, the old scenario of cinema halls returned—audience turnout dropped, and with that, the regular flow of film releases stopped. At present, although some films are occasionally released in multiplexes in the cities, single-screen cinemas in district and sub-district towns are suffering from a drought of new releases. Due to a lack of new films, cinema hall owners are facing a deep crisis in their businesses. Meanwhile, some artists and technicians in the film industry have become busy preparing for Eid films for 2026.

This situation is being viewed from two perspectives. Some say that the audience's interest in films during Eid is encouraging, as such enthusiasm for films hasn’t been seen in a long time. Others argue that Bangla cinema’s reliance on Eid is actually a bad omen. Because if films are not released outside Eid or if audiences do not come to the halls, most single-screen cinemas in the country will shut down permanently. In that case, not just the cinema halls, but the very survival of Bangla cinema will be in jeopardy.

In light of this reality, on August 2, 2025, the temporary closure of the historic “Geet” and “Sangeet” cinema halls in Old Dhaka was announced on their official Facebook page. The cinema hall authority stated that due to a lack of new films and audience shortages, both halls were being closed. The last film shown on their screens was Togor, starring Puja Cherry. The cinema authorities also mentioned that if the situation improves, the halls may be reopened during the next Eid. The closure of a single-screen cinema hall within the capital city itself is seen as a danger signal, because in Bangladesh, there are very few examples of closed halls being revived or renovated. Views Bangladesh spoke to renowned film directors regarding the backdrop of Eid-dependent Bangla cinema. Some voiced disappointment, while others held differing opinions.

Syed Ohiduzzaman Diamond

On this matter, film director Syed Ohiduzzaman Diamond said, “The cinema industry cannot function only during Eid. If the industry becomes Eid-centric, what will the people involved with this industry do for the rest of the year?”

Shah Alam Kiron

Film director Shah Alam Kiron stated, “Eid dependency is, in fact, mostly Shakib Khan dependency. If Shakib Khan doesn’t have a film throughout the year, audiences are not interested in watching films with other heroes or heroines. As a result, investors are also reluctant to release films outside of Eid.”

Mostafizur Rahman Manik

Film director Mostafizur Rahman Manik commented, “The situation has become such that to save Bangla cinema, we need 12 Eids a year! Previously, while big films were released during Eid, many other films were also released throughout the year and had their own audiences. If we now release films only during Eid, the film business will not survive.”

Bandhan Biswas

Director Bandhan Biswas said, “This crisis stems from a lack of coordination. There is a shortage of good stories, good films, and audience interest. We—filmmakers, producers, and distributors—are all trying to overcome this deficiency together. Many good films are being released now, and audiences are also showing up. We will overcome the crisis soon.”

Rajibul Hossain

On the other hand, director Rajibul Hossain sees the problem differently. He believes, “The problem is mainly one of policy. We have no clear definition of what our ‘national cinema’ should be. Directors, in attempting to imitate culturally themed films from other countries, are losing their own uniqueness. Until we determine the character of our national cinema, these problems will persist.”

Shahin Kabir Tutul

Meanwhile, Shahin Kabir Tutul, newly elected General Secretary of the Film Directors’ Association, presented a different perspective, saying, “This is actually the most golden chapter of Bangla cinema in recent times. The audience has now proven that they want to watch good films. Investment is now much safer because, beyond the censor board, there’s also the opportunity to sell films on OTT platforms. At the same time, we’re now able to release films internationally.”

He added, “To keep cinema halls alive, there is no alternative to films. Films made for Eid should also be released outside Eid. For example, the film Hawa was commercially successful even though it was not released during Eid. Today’s producers are focusing only on Eid; but if the film is good, the audience will watch it—whether it’s during Eid or not.”

Despite the differing views on Eid-dependent Bangla cinema, the temporary closure of the “Geet o Sangeet” cinema hall is a major warning for the country’s film industry. If the trend of releasing films outside of Eid does not resume soon, not only will we lose more single-screen halls, but the future of Bangla cinema itself could fall into deep crisis.