This Eid, the silver screen is set for a massive showdown as five films of diverse genres – ranging from literary adaptations and female-centric narratives to thrillers, high-octane violence, and commercial potboilers – vie for audience attention.
The festive lineup features Shakib Khan’s ‘Prince: Once Upon a Time in Dhaka’, Afran Nisho’s ‘Domm’, the female-led ensemble ‘Pressure Cooker’, Siam Ahmed’s ‘Rakkhosh’, and the star-studded ‘Banalata Express’.
According to theatre distribution data, Shakib Khan maintains his traditional, absolute dominance over single-screen theatres. Distributors have confirmed that ‘Prince: Once Upon a Time in Dhaka’ has been released in approximately 130 halls.
However, the film failed to secure any shows at Star Cineplex on the first day of Eid. Cineplex authorities confirmed the absence was due to the Digital Cinema Package (DCP) not being submitted in time.
In a strategic shift, three films – ‘Banalata Express’, ‘Domm’, and ‘Pressure Cooker’ – have initially been released exclusively in multiplexes. Production sources indicated that their release in single screens has been postponed for the time being.
The competition for multiplex showtimes remains fierce. ‘Domm’ currently leads the pack with a total of 27 shows at Star Cineplex, while ‘Rakkhosh’ has secured 13 shows. The schedule for ‘Pressure Cooker’ is yet to be announced, as it was the final film to submit its DCP.
Ultimately, while Shakib Khan holds a firm grip on the traditional single-screen market, Afran Nisho and Siam Ahmed have emerged as the primary figures of reliance for multiplexes.
This Eid, the battle for the box office unfolds across two distinct arenas: the heritage of single screens and the modern appeal of multiplexes.
