For the past few years, Eid has become a prime time for movie releases. While only a handful of films are released throughout the year, directors consider Eid the perfect occasion to launch their movies. This year’s Eid-ul-Azha was no exception, with six new films hitting theaters. Since their release, movie lovers have been flocking to cinemas. Every day, people are heading to different theaters with friends, family, and relatives to watch their favorite stars on the big screen. Some hold tickets in hand, while others stand in long lines—all determined to catch the movie they’ve been waiting for.
To meet audience demand, multiplexes have increased the number of daily shows. Still, the rush hasn’t slowed. In most theaters, tickets are selling out in advance. The high demand has left not only viewers but even some actors unable to get tickets. Some cinemas have reportedly started midnight shows to accommodate the crowd. According to multiplex authorities, “Eid means houseful shows for Bangla movies now.” They say the biggest reason behind this is that people are more interested in watching films with their families. Going to the movies has become a form of family entertainment.
Meanwhile, the ticket rush has made it difficult for many to even get in. Tickets are nearly impossible to find at major theaters across the country. Places like Star Cineplex, Jamuna Blockbuster, Madhumita in Dhaka, Sena Auditorium in Savar, Silver Screen in Chattogram, and Modhuban in Bogura have seen viewers waiting for hours just to get a ticket. Because of limited seating, theater owners are unable to meet the soaring demand. Long lines have become a common sight in front of cinema halls. Some people, despite showing up with high hopes, have had to return disappointed without tickets.
Theater owners say this overwhelming demand for Eid screenings has been happening for a few years now, and it brings them a lot of joy. With offices closed during Eid, the pressure on ticket sales tends to increase. They’re doing everything they can to make sure everyone gets a chance to see the films.
They also noted that they’ve added more shows based on viewer demand. But the number of people coming in is so high, it’s hard to satisfy everyone’s wish to watch the movies at the same time.
Alongside the audience, celebrities are also visiting theaters. They’re busy promoting their own films and are even sitting with viewers to experience the audience reaction firsthand.
Stars like Jaya Ahsan, Chanchal Chowdhury, Aupee Karim, Azmeri Haque Badhan, and Sadia Ayman have been spotted watching films with fans in various theaters. They’ve also held several press conferences to promote their movies.
Tasnia Farin has also been actively promoting her first commercial film, Insaaf, visiting different theaters to get direct feedback from the audience. She was seen accompanied by actor Sariful Razz, along with the film’s director and producer.
This Eid’s movie lineup brought a few surprises. Several films featured special guest appearances. Much like in Hollywood and Bollywood, popular stars appeared in cameo roles to surprise the audience, and those guest appearances quickly became the talk of the town.
Afran Nisho and Siam Ahmed stole the spotlight with their unexpected cameos in Taandob. Although there were early rumors about their involvement, the director had kept their names under wraps. When they finally appeared on screen, viewers erupted in excitement. Meanwhile, Chanchal Chowdhury’s appearance in Insaaf added an extra layer of thrill for the audience. Until the release, no one knew he was in the film. His intense look—shaved head, blood-stained machete in hand, and playing a violin—startled many viewers. Some even said his presence completely shifted the tone of the film.
Despite the packed theaters this Eid, not everything went smoothly. In single-screen cinemas across the country, Shakib Khan’s Taandob continues to dominate, and the same is true for many multiplexes. However, some producers of other films have expressed dissatisfaction over showtime allocations in the multiplexes. The producer of Insaaf mentioned that not only were they given fewer shows, but the show timings were also unfavorable. Afternoon shows were particularly scarce. As a result, many viewers who came to see Insaaf either had to leave without watching it or ended up watching something else. The director of NeelChokro (Blue Circle) voiced similar concerns.
Still, complaints and criticism aside, there’s no denying that Bangla films are doing well. There’s growing hope and confidence that Bangla cinema will go much further in the days ahead.