As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, uncertainty surrounds the release of Shakib Khan’s highly anticipated film ‘Prince: Once Upon a Time in Dhaka’. Despite receiving censor certification yesterday, reports indicate that the production is still completing its final shoots, particularly the item song choreographed by Indian director Adil Sheikh.
The ongoing filming has sparked speculation within the industry about whether the movie can meet its festival release deadline and how the final edit will be completed in time.
The production company has sought to reassure audiences, stating that the item song will be edited immediately after filming concludes. They emphasised that shooting after receiving censor clearance is fully authorised and in compliance with board regulations. The completed song will be submitted to the censor board for final approval.
Prince stars Shakib Khan, alongside Tasnia Farin and Kolkata actress Jyotirmoyee Kundu, with supporting roles by Rashed Mamun Apu, Intekhab Dinar, Ejajul Islam and Sharif Siraj. Portions of the film were shot in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India, adding an international dimension to the production.
Early reports suggested the film was inspired by a notorious Dhaka gangster from the 1990s, but director Abu Hayat Mahmud, making his feature film debut after a career in television drama, clarified that the story is entirely fictional. He described Prince as a high-budget commercial project exploring the dark underbelly of Dhaka’s underworld, rather than a biographical account.
The film’s teaser has already circulated on social media, generating a mix of excitement and criticism. Some viewers questioned the teaser’s hurried editing, intensifying speculation that the production schedule is being pushed to the limit.
Additionally, A source on set, speaking anonymously, confirmed that most principal photography is complete, with only song sequences still being finalised. “We are working to complete everything on time. The team is confident it will be ready for Eid,” the source said.
