On October 16, 2013, during the Eid-ul-Azha festival, five Bangladeshi films were released in cinemas nationwide, three of them starring Shakib Khan. Among these, ‘Full and Final’, directed by Malek Afsari, was initially expected by theatre owners to dominate the box office and therefore received the highest number of screens.
In contrast, ‘Purnodoirgho Prem Kahini’ opened in only a handful of cinemas but went on to expand to 130 theatres by its 100th day in release.
Directed by Safi Uddin Safi, Purnodoirgho Prem Kahini ultimately became one of the highest-grossing Bangladeshi films of 2013, the focus of today’s Times Blockbuster feature.
Veteran filmmaker and academic Matin Rahman praised the film’s performances in his review, writing that the cast delivered “natural and disciplined” acting throughout.
He noted that Saju Khadem’s comedic timing was free of exaggeration, while Jaya Ahsan and Arifin Shuvoo stood out as the film’s most captivating performers. Rahman lauded Shuvoo’s expressive solo scene atop a taxi and his unique dialogue delivery, describing it as “commendable.”
However, he felt the background score lacked sufficient depth and that the two male leads’ theme songs could have been more distinct. Lyricist Kabir Bakul, he added, showcased his mastery of words, while Chandan Sinha’s rendition of ‘Tumi Achho Bole Tara Nibhe Jole’ was “rich with vitality.”
He also praised the choreography and song picturisation for their thematic consistency.
Still, Rahman offered pointed criticisms, questioning moments such as the portrayal of Dhaka’s Hatirjheel bridge as if it were in Malaysia, the implausible transformation of a lodging master into a wealthy doctor and the fantastical elements involving sudden stabbings and miraculous recoveries. He described these as weaknesses in narrative logic.
These criticisms were echoed by many viewers. Yet, Purnodoirgho Prem Kahini achieved major commercial success.
Film industry analysts attribute its box-office performance to several key factors. It marked the first on-screen pairing of Shakib Khan and Jaya Ahsan, a combination that drew strong audience curiosity. It was also the first and only film to feature both Shakib Khan and Arifin Shuvoo, who at the time was transitioning from a successful television career to cinema, bringing along his own loyal fanbase.
With stars such as Razzak, Bobita, Sohel Rana, Anwara and Diti in supporting roles, the film boasted an ensemble cast rarely seen in Dhallywood productions.
Another major contributor to the film’s success was its music. The songs, written by Kabir Bakul and composed by Shawkat Ali Emon, were immensely popular, particularly ‘O Priyo Ami Tomar Hote Cha’i and ‘Ami Nishsho Hoye Jabo’, both of which resonated with audiences across age groups.
Produced by Friends Movies, the film’s success led to a sequel, ‘Purnodoirgho Prem Kahini 2’, released in 2016. The original film, written and scripted by Rumman Rashid Khan, won four categories at the 2013 National Film Awards and three Meril-Prothom Alo Awards, further cementing its place as a modern Dhallywood hit.
