There have been several complications surrounding the Eid release of Shakib Khan’s ‘Prince: Once Upon a Time in Dhaka’ this year.
From limited single-screen releases to issues with prints not reaching multiplexes properly, the film has struggled for various reasons. Producer leader Khorshed Alam Khosru has now added a new dimension to the ongoing controversy, highlighting issues linked to the film’s production process and suggesting that the behaviour of actors played a significant role.
Speaking at a discussion titled ‘Our Films – Today’s Perspective’, organised by the Directors’ Association, Khosru said that although the producer was widely blamed after the film’s release, little attention has been given to what actually happened during production.
Khosru claimed that despite staying in Sri Lanka for 16 consecutive days, shooting could not begin. He also said the situation became more complicated when dubbing was halted during the India schedule due to demands for additional remuneration.
The producer leader further stated, “If the Producers’ Association had been active, such a crisis would not have escalated to this point. If the association had been active, it would have been possible to investigate the reasons for the delay in shooting, find solutions after discussing with the concerned parties, and take initiatives to complete the dubbing within the stipulated time.”
Khosru added that while financial pressure during the final stages of film production is not unusual, halting work or releasing a film in an incomplete state is unacceptable. According to him, the root of such problems lies in a lack of professionalism and responsibility.
Meanwhile, the film’s director Abu Hayat Mahmud did not directly deny that shooting was disrupted in Sri Lanka, but chose not to go into detail with the media, saying that there has already been enough controversy and he does not wish to add further comments at this stage.
The film has faced criticism since its Eid-ul-Fitr release, with audiences pointing to post-production flaws, weak sound design, VFX issues and narrative inconsistencies.
Due to technical difficulties, it was not screened at Star Cineplex, one of the country’s leading multiplexes, in the initial days. Several single-screen theatres also experienced disruptions on release day, leading to reported unpleasant incidents.
Later, lead actor Shakib Khan acknowledged the shortcomings and apologised at a special screening.
Based on a 1990s gangster story, the film stars Shakib Khan alongside Tasnia Farin, Jyotirmoyee Kundu, Dibyendu Bhattacharya and Intekhab Dinar.
Prince: Once Upon a Time in Dhaka is produced by Shirin Sultana.
