Eid-ul-Fitr releases ‘Prince: Once Upon a Time in Dhaka’ and ‘Rakkhosh’ are set to premiere on the new OTT platform Utshob from May 21, marking the platform’s official launch.
The announcement was confirmed by Utshob chief executive Zahid Hasan Apu, who said agreements had already been finalised with the films’ production houses and preparations for release were complete.
He said the platform would begin its journey with the two big-budget titles and aims to build a modern, international-standard digital service for Bengali audiences.
Shakib Khan-starrer Prince, directed by Abu Hayat Mahmud, features Tasnisha Fardous and Jyotirmoyee Kundu in key roles. Following its Eid theatrical run, the film drew strong audience interest, although technical issues including DCP and server complications affected screenings in some cinemas.
The production house said the digital version has been reworked for OTT release, with improvements made to sound, colour grading and visual effects. It added that earlier viewer concerns had been addressed to present a more polished version on the platform.
Meanwhile, Siam Ahmed-led Rakkhosh, directed by Mehedi Hasan Hridoy, was one of the most discussed Eid films and is now set for wider digital release.
The filmmaker, who previously directed the hit ‘Borbaad’, has described Rakkhosh as part of the Borbaad universe, with audiences reportedly noting that influence in its theatrical run.
The romantic action thriller also stars Sushmita Chatterjee, Ali Raj, Sohel Mondol and others, while Bollywood actor Natalia Janoszek appears in a special song sequence.
According to the platform, Rakkhosh has also been receiving attention in international screenings, prompting its wider OTT distribution to reach a larger audience.
Utshob CEO Zahid Hasan Apu said the platform’s goal is to make Bengali content more accessible globally, allowing viewers anywhere in the world to easily watch films, dramas and web series through a unified digital service.
Users will initially be able to access the platform via its website through a subscription model. The service will also offer more than a hundred films, dramas and web series.
An Android app will be launched soon on Google Play Store, with further expansion planned across iOS, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Samsung Smart TV devices.
