Eid releases have kept cinemas lively well into the season, with films such as ‘Prince: Once Upon a Time in Dhaka’, ‘Rakkhosh’, ‘Bonolota Express’, ‘Domm’ and ‘Pressure Cooker’ continuing to draw audiences across the country.
Multiplexes in particular have reported steady footfall. However, a government directive requiring shopping centres to close after 7:oo pm has cast fresh uncertainty over the industry.
Although the order does not directly target cinema halls, most multiplexes operate inside shopping malls. As a result, evening screenings have effectively been curtailed, raising concerns among filmmakers and exhibitors.
Producer leader and K Screen Multiplex owner Khorshed Alam Khasru said the decision, while understandable in the current global context, should take into account the fragile state of the local film industry.
With cinema halls already in decline and releases inconsistent throughout the year, he stressed the need for special consideration during peak periods such as Eid.
Tanim Noor, producer of Bonolota Express, warned of a sharp drop in revenue. “A large number of the audience comes to the cinemas in the evening. If cinemas are not kept open during these hours, at least 20 per cent of ticket sales will be lost,” he said, adding that many films have yet to recover production costs. Prolonged restrictions, he noted, could affect future investments.
Mahbub Rahman, assistant manager at Blockbuster Cinemas, said multiplexes have little choice but to comply. “Since cinema halls are operated within shopping centres, closures directly affect us. Without access and facilities, it becomes difficult to operate,” he explained.
Star Cineplex, however, struck a more cautious tone. Senior marketing officer Mesbah Uddin Ahmed said national interest should take precedence. “There will be losses, but given the situation, it is important to support the government’s decision,” he said.
Exhibitors Association president Awlad Hossain proposed a compromise, suggesting that screenings be allowed between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm. “Business is minimal during the day. Evening shows are crucial, especially during Eid. Allowing this window could significantly reduce losses,” he said.
In a joint statement, producers and directors expressed respect for the directive but urged authorities to reconsider its impact on cinemas.
They further argued that halls should not be treated like retail outlets, noting that in the past, screenings were allowed to continue even when shopping centres were closed, without any security concerns.
Industry stakeholders now hope the government will review the policy and consider limited exemptions for multiplexes, allowing audiences to enjoy Eid releases while giving producers a fair chance to recover their investments.
