Abu Hayat Mahmud directs Prince: Once Upon a Time in Dhaka with Shakib Khan in the lead. While Times of Bangladesh had earlier revealed the title, the production company officially announced it on Friday.
The announcement came through the release of a poster on Creative Land’s official Facebook page. The poster is dominated by red, symbolizing violence. On both sides, a variety of weapons are displayed, while Shakib Khan stands in the middle with his hands raised high.
Sharing the poster, the caption read: “A new chapter begins – the city will recognize its true hero.” It was officially revealed that the film will be released during next year’s Eid-ul-Fitr.
A couple of years ago, the director had announced Once Upon a Time in Dhaka with Shariful Raaz in the lead, stating then that the film would be based on the life of the infamous gangster Kala Jahangir. However, in an official statement, the producers clarified: “The film we are undertaking is not based on any specific individual’s life. From Gulistan to Gulshan, we are making it on a larger-than-life scale for all audiences to enjoy. Set in 1990s Dhaka, the story will blend crime, love-action-emotion, and family drama.
Initially, Shakib Khan’s co-star was supposed to be popular Indian TV actress Madhumita Sarkar. But later reports suggested that Shakib did not want a Bangladeshi or Indian actress for this film – he preferred a Pakistani heroine. At his request, the producers have already reached out to several Pakistani actresses.
Shakib Khan is taking a record-breaking remuneration for this project. At first, he demanded Tk 3 crore but eventually settled for Tk 2.5 crore. Out of this, he has already received Tk 2 crore in advance.
Currently, Shakib Khan is in the United States, fulfilling requirements for his Green Card. There he is spending time with his younger son Shehzad Khan Bir and his ex-wife Bubly. He is expected to return to Bangladesh next month. Altogether, the director is planning to begin shooting for Prince in October.