The highly anticipated, big-budget film ‘Operation Jackpot’, based on a historic naval commando operation during Bangladesh’s Liberation War, has remained unreleased for nearly two years, with its fate still uncertain despite multiple discussions at various government levels.
Produced at Tk 21 crore, Operation Jackpot is currently archived at the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs. Meetings regarding its release were held even during the interim government period, but no decision has been finalised.
Operation Jackpot depicts one of the most successful guerrilla missions of 1971, which drew international attention and dealt a major blow to the morale of Pakistani forces. In the early hours of 16 August 1971, naval commandos executed simultaneous operations at Chattogram and Mongla seaports, as well as river ports in Chandpur and Narayanganj.
Mines were planted on 26 vessels carrying arms, food supplies, and fuel from Pakistan and other countries, causing massive explosions and disrupting enemy supply lines. Notably, none of the participating freedom fighters were captured, making the operation a lasting symbol of courage and tactical brilliance.
The initiative to bring this historic episode to the screen began in 2017, when the Ministry of Shipping approved a Tk30 crore project and assigned Gias Uddin Selim as director. That project was eventually scrapped. In 2022, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs launched a fresh initiative.
Approved at Tk 23 crore by then Planning Minister MA Mannan, the project aimed to produce an informative and engaging film based on Operation Jackpot.
The film was later directed by Delwar Jahan Jhantu and Rajiv Kumar Biswas, with Kibria Films producing it for Tk21 crore under the supervision of Swapan Chowdhury of Antar Showbiz.
According to multiple ministry sources, concerns were raised about the film’s historical accuracy and narrative quality. Allegations emerged that the portrayal of the August 1971 operation did not fully reflect real events, and inconsistencies in the screenplay and characterisation drew criticism.
These issues led to the decision to withhold the film from public release.
Following the recent national election, changes in the leadership of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs have occurred. Officials stated that due to the sensitivity of the matter, the decision on release will be placed before higher authorities and the film will only be released if approval is granted at that level.
The film features an ensemble cast of over 100 actors, with lead roles played by Ilias Kanchan, Amit Hasan, Ananta Jalil, Roshan, Mamnun Hasan Emon, Nirab Hossain, Shipan Mitra, Sanju John, Joy Chowdhury, Aman Reza, Misha Sawdagor, Ahmed Sharif, Don, and Danny Sidak.
Sources confirmed that despite the film remaining unreleased, the full production cost has already been paid to Kibria Films by the ministry.
Completed in June 2024, the two-hour ten-minute film was submitted to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, which recommended several revisions.
During the interim government, Adviser Faruk-e-Azam held multiple meetings on the issue. The film was screened for ministry officials, many of whom raised concerns about the screenplay, characterisation, and historical representation. Some pointed to deviations from established history, prompting the adviser to instruct that the film should not be released publicly.
A ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that similar concerns were raised during both the previous and interim governments. Fearing criticism, authorities decided against releasing the film, and it remains archived.
Producer Swapan Chowdhury, however, believes the film can still be released after corrections, noting that revisions are often made even after films are submitted to the censor board.
In a recent interview with a national daily, he stressed that releasing the film is important for both national interest and the film industry. Chowdhury added that he plans to discuss the matter with the new government to explore the possibility of releasing a revised version.
