Minister of Information, Hasanul Haq Inu, and chairman of Star Cineplex Mahboob Rahman, cut a cake with other eminent guests. Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Minister of Information, Hasanul Haq Inu was the chief guest of the event. “I would like to congratulate Star Cineplex for reaching such a tremendous milestone,” said the minister. “I firmly believe that more investments as such are needed in order to further rejuvenate the film industry like Cineplex did.”

Mahboob Rahman, the chairman of Star Cineplex was visibly emotional during his inaugural speech. “When we started our journey, the film industry was almost dead,” he said. “The challenge was to enhance the cinema-going experience and bring people back to the halls, and I believe that we achieved that.” The chairman thanked everyone who supported the organisation over the years, and revealed that branches of Cineplex are in the works at Rifle's Square, Mohakhali and other places near the tri-state area, as well as in Cox's Bazaar.

Sharmili Ahmed receives a lifetime achievement award at the event from actor Farooque and minister Hasanul Haq Inu. Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

A short clip commemorating Star Cineplex's 14-year journey was shown to the guests, after which the festive atmosphere was enhanced by a dance performance from Purnima, one of the most popular stars in the film industry. A lifetime achievement award was given to one of the legends of Bangladeshi cinema and television – Sharmili Ahmed.

Shakib Khan, Ferdous, Riaz and Omar Sunny share the stage and convey their best wishes to Star Cineplex. Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

The veteran actor, adored as “mother” of the industry, thanked Star Cineplex and mentioned that she was elated to receive the award from veteran actor Farooque and the Minister of Information. Fourteen films were presented with crests for performing the best in their respective years – Molla Barir Bou, Daruchini Dip, Monpura, 3rd Person Singular Number, Guerilla, Chorabali, Projapoti, Zero Degree, Hridoyer Kotha, Chandragrohon, Shikari, Aynabaji, Bhuban Majhi and Dhaka Attack. Producers, directors and actors of the aforementioned films were present to receive the honours. Four juggernauts of the film industry- Shakib Khan, Ferdous, Riaz and Omar Sunny shared the stage and conveyed their best wishes to Star Cineplex.

The festive atmosphere of the event is enhanced by a dance performance from popular actor Purnima. Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

The event closed off with a magnificent performance from Kona, with choreographed renditions of classics and originals. It mesmerised the crowd that left with an assurance made by the Cineplex authorities – this is only the beginning of what promises to be a revolution in Bangladeshi cinema hall culture.