On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr today, Bangladesh's film industry finds itself in an intense battle for limited cinema screens. With six films set for release, securing prime spots in multiplexes and single-screen theatres has turned into a high-stakes negotiation. The last-minute addition of Shakib Khan's long-delayed "Antaratma" has further complicated matters, forcing some films into an even tighter competition for screen space. Interestingly, according to production companies, the combined budget for these six films is approximately Tk 26 crore.

Shakib Khan dominates the release slate  

A major point of interest this Eid is the number of screenings each film secures. However, this year's landscape is unique, as two Shakib Khan-led films, "Borbaad" and "Antaratma", the latter unexpectedly entered the race, and dominated the theatre count, receiving the highest number of screenings. As a result, titles like "Daagi", "Jongli", "Jinn 3", and "Chokkor 302" are facing a tougher fight. Some producers are now considering an extended release strategy, focusing on securing more screens in the third week rather than the opening weekend. "Borbaad" has been released in a record-breaking 120 theatres, while "Antaratma" has been released in 21 theatres—13 single screens and 8 multiplexes. 

The numbers game: How many screens are available?  

The Cinema Hall Owners' Association reported to The Daily Star that the country currently has over 70 operational theatres. Additionally, around 70 more, which typically remain inactive, reopen specifically for Eid, bringing the total number of functioning theatres to approximately 150-160. 

'Borbaad' leads in exhibitor interest  

Among the Eid releases, "Borbaad", starring Shakib Khan alongside Idhika Paul in the lead roles, has drawn the most interest from theatre owners. According to Prothom Alo, despite its high booking fee, exhibitors have shown confidence in the film, leading to its confirmation in at least 120 theatres nationwide, including both multiplexes and single screens. Manihar Cinema, one of the country's largest theatres, prioritised "Borbaad" over other releases. The film's producer, Shahreen Akter, told the media, "We could have taken more screens, but considering the overall competition, we finalised 120.".

'Daagi' plays the long game  

Despite securing only 16 theatres initially, "Daagi" is not concerned about its theatre count. Producer Shahriar Shakil, who previously worked on "Surongo" and "Toofan", is focusing on quality screens rather than quantity. "The additional theatres that have been opened today primarily cater to Shakib Khan's films. We're not worried about numbers. Our goal is to establish a strong presence in multiplexes, with a gradual nationwide expansion in the following weeks," he said. Shihab Shaheen's "Daagi" features Afran Nisho and Tama Mirza in the leading roles.

'Antaratma': A late entry sparking debate  

Shakib Khan's second film, "Antaratma", is releasing today. It was not originally in the Eid lineup. Its sudden inclusion raised eyebrows, with some questioning whether it was an opportunistic move. However, producer Sohani Hossain dismissed the speculation to the media, stating, "We had always planned for an Eid release. We felt this was the right moment." The film has secured 13 single-screen theatres and eight multiplexes, with an expansion strategy focused on post-Eid screenings. The film stars Shakib Khan and Darshana Banik.

'Chokkor 302' opts out of the box office battle  

Unlike its competitors, the government-funded film "Chokkor 302" is avoiding the theatrical race entirely. Producer-director Sharaf Ahmed is not concerned with screen counts or box office competition. Instead, he is relying on strong storytelling and positive word-of-mouth. "If a film is good, the audience will find it," he said. The film premiered exclusively at Star Cineplex and a few select theatres, with a focus on long-term performance rather than immediate box office success. Mosharraf Karim is the leading star of the film.

'Jongli' eyes the international market  

With a budget exceeding Tk 2.5 crore, "Jongli" has been released in 10 theatres and is looking beyond the local scene to recoup its investment. The film's producer, Zahid Hasan of Abhi Kathachitra, revealed that they have already recovered 20% of their budget through sponsorship deals and expect a significant chunk of revenue from OTT rights. Additionally, "Jongli" is set for an international release, which Hasan believes will ensure profitability. "If the film performs well, we'll increase screen count in the second week," he added. The film, directed by M Raahim, stars Siam, Shobnom Bubly, and Dighi, among others. 

'Jinn 3' sticks to multiplexes  

Unlike previous Jaaz Multimedia productions that targeted both multiplexes and single screens, "Jinn 3" is being released exclusively in multiplexes. Producer Abdul Aziz believes this strategy will maximise profitability. "We're skipping single screens for now. If needed, we might expand after Eid. But even if we don't, this approach won't hurt our business," he said. The Kamruzzaman Roman-directed film features Shajal Noor and Nusraat Faria in lead roles.

Who will win the box office race?  

With Eid traditionally being the most lucrative season for Bangladeshi cinema, the competition for screens has never been fiercer. While "Borbaad" leads in initial bookings, "Daagi" and "Antaratma" are playing the long game, and "Jongli" is banking on foreign markets. Whether this high-stakes battle will benefit the industry remains to be seen.

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