Dhaka, Apr 05 (V7N) — This Eid, Bengali cinema is experiencing an extraordinary resurgence, with record-breaking crowds at multiplexes across the country. Films like Shakib Khan’s ‘Barbad’, Afran Nisho’s ‘Dagi’, and Siam Ahmed’s ‘Jungli’ are drawing housefull audiences, leaving cinema halls struggling to meet viewer demand.

From Eid day through the fifth day, almost all tickets at leading multiplexes including Star Cineplex, Lion Cinemas, and Jamuna Blockbuster Cinemas have been sold out—many within just an hour of counters opening. Star Cineplex’s website shows that only front row seats are available, while in most cases, tickets are completely booked for two days in advance.

This rush for Bengali films during Eid has been building over the past few years. Since the massive success of ‘Paran’ and ‘Hawa’ in 2022, Eid releases have consistently attracted large crowds. That momentum continued with Shakib Khan’s ‘Priyatama’, ‘Rajkumar’, and ‘Tufan’, along with Nisho’s ‘Suranga’—and now reaches new heights with this year’s lineup.

Senior Manager of Media and Marketing at Star Cineplex, Mesbahuddin Ahmed, said:

“Star Cineplex has always prioritized local films, and this Eid is no different. We’re extremely happy with the audience response to Barbad, Dagi, and Jungli. It’s been overwhelming.”

The popularity of ‘Barbad’ has led to intense public interest. In Ishwarganj, Mymensingh, frustration over ticket shortages even led to vandalism at a local theater. Meanwhile, to accommodate the overflow of eager viewers, midnight screenings have been introduced.

  • In Bogra’s Madhuban Cineplex, a special show began at 11:55 PM from the second day of Eid.

  • Lion Cinemas also added a late-night 10:50 PM show, specifically for Barbad due to “unprecedented demand.”

To cope with the surging interest in Bengali films, multiplexes have drastically cut back Hollywood screenings, allocating nearly all showtimes to local movies. Still, they are unable to meet the full demand.

Outside the Bashundhara branch of Star Cineplex, many families were seen disappointed and returning home empty-handed. A frustrated viewer remarked,

“We couldn’t get tickets for Barbad, Dagi or Jungli even after standing in line for an hour. Are we not going to watch any of them?” The answer from staff was a firm, “No.”

Alongside the top three hits, Mosharraf Karim’s ‘Chakkar 302’ and Sajal’s horror sequel ‘Jeen-3’ have also garnered solid responses. Overall, this Eid marks one of the most successful box office periods for Dhallywood in recent memory.

As the Eid crowd continues, theater owners are urging audiences to book tickets in advance and consider off-peak showtimes to avoid disappointment. With demand showing no signs of slowing, this festive season has proven — once again — that Bengali cinema is back in the hearts of the people.

END/MSS/AJ