Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh’s film industry has been going through changes and vital upheavals across every sector during the last couple of months but here the situation remains jumpy with stakeholders facing insecurity.
From producers to technicians, cinema hall owners to actors, stakeholders across the film industry are facing mounting challenges, and many are uncertain about when normalcy will return.
The disruption began earlier this year, when the commercial success of Toofan, starring Dhallywood megastar Shakib Khan, offered a glimmer of hope for the industry. Released during the Qurbani Eid, the film was a box-office hit, but the subsequent political unrest led to widespread protests demanding government job quota reforms.
The unrest resulted in the ouster of the Hasina regime and a halt to Dhaka’s cinema scene, reports UNB.
As protests intensified, the country’s cinema industry was forced to come to a halt. Film shootings and screenings were suspended, and several cinemas across the country were vandalized on August 5, amidst the political turmoil. The ensuing instability created a chilling effect, with many producers and filmmakers reluctant to invest in new projects during this uncertain period.
With the formation of the interim government, several measures were introduced to overhaul the country’s film industry, including the disbanding of the long-standing Censor Board and the formation of the Film Certification Board. In addition, seven new committees were announced to oversee grant distributions for full-length films and short films, as well as script selection and film certification appeals.
However, despite these steps, the industry remains at a standstill, and many are questioning whether the proposed changes will be enough to reinvigorate the sector.
The prolonged stagnation is taking a severe toll on the livelihoods of many in the film industry. Producers are hesitant to take risks, fearing further instability, while artists, technicians, and support staff are facing unemployment and financial hardship. With no new major productions underway, many workers are grappling with an economic crisis, unsure when the situation will improve.
“The past few months have been extremely difficult for everyone in the industry,” said a leading actor, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “There is no work, no income, and we’re all waiting for things to settle down, but it’s hard to predict when that will happen.”
Technicians and crew members, who rely on film production for their livelihoods, are also bearing the brunt of the crisis. “We’ve had to find other sources of income just to survive,” said a technician. “The film industry used to be a stable source of work, but now we’re left in the lurch.”
The economic downturn is also affecting cinema halls and multiplexes, which have long been a central part of Bangladesh’s movie-watching culture. While theaters once drew long lines for local hits like Poran, Hawa, Surongo, Priyotoma, and Rajkumar, the lack of new Bangladeshi films has left halls running foreign movies to fill the void.
“The absence of quality local films is affecting our revenue. We’re seeing fewer and fewer customers,” said a cinema hall owner in Dhaka. “Audiences want to see homegrown content, but we’re not getting enough to show them. It’s been very tough for us.”
Some theaters have been forced to halt operations altogether. The Roots Cineclub in Sirajganj, a popular venue for local films, has completely stopped screening movies due to the dearth of Bangladeshi content. Across the country, cinemas that once featured a robust lineup of domestic films are now limited to foreign releases, further undermining the local industry’s prospects.
Another concern for industry stakeholders is the potential long-term impact on audience habits. The prolonged absence of Bangla films from cinema halls has raised questions about whether audiences will return in full force once the industry recovers. With foreign films taking over the big screens, some worry that audience interest in local productions could wane.
“Once people get used to watching foreign films in theaters, it might be hard to bring them back for Bangla films,” said a film critic. “We need a strong resurgence of local cinema to reignite public interest, but that requires both new content and stable conditions for filmmakers.”
As the industry looks toward recovery, many are calling for greater support from both the government and the private sector to restore confidence and stability. Industry representatives are urging the interim government to prioritize the revival of the sector by offering financial incentives, improving infrastructure, and ensuring a conducive environment for film production.
“We need a clear roadmap for the future of the film industry,” said a prominent film producer. “It’s not just about the technical committees or new reforms. What we need right now is a sense of security and a commitment to supporting the creative sector.”
Despite the current challenges, there remains hope that Bangladesh’s film industry can bounce back. Filmmakers, actors, and other stakeholders are eager to return to normalcy, and many believe that with the right support and investment, the industry can regain its former glory.
