On the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr today (March 21), the highly anticipated release of the film ‘Prince: Once Upon a Time in Dhaka’ turned into a nightmare for cinema hall owners and moviegoers alike. Despite being slated for release in a record 133 theaters, technical failures involving the server and DCP (Digital Cinema Package) prevented the film from screening in over 50 cinema halls, leading to widespread public unrest and vandalism.
This Eid saw the release of five films: ‘Prince’, ‘Domm’, ‘Bonolota Express’, ‘Rakkhosh’, and ‘Pressure Cooker’. Among them, ‘Prince’—directed by Abu Hayat Mahmud and starring Shakib Khan, Tasnia Farin, and Kolkata’s Jyotirmoyee Kundu—held the highest expectations.
Several cinema hall owners reported to the media that they were unable to start screenings due to server issues. Leaked WhatsApp conversations and voice notes among hall owners suggest a systemic failure.
According to sources, most theaters have used Jaaz Multimedia servers for over a decade. However, a recent transition to a new server system has proven disastrous. Owners complained that even where files were uploaded, there was no sound; in other cases, they received the movie files but never the necessary passwords to unlock them. As of Saturday afternoon, many servers had not even received the upload.
Rahul Khan, owner of Sonali Cinema in Tekerhat, shared his ordeal, “I invested several lakhs of taka to screen ‘Prince’ this Eid. By noon, the film hadn’t even loaded onto the server. I had to refund Tk 15,000 for the matinee show. Earlier, because we couldn’t run the morning show, an angry mob broke chairs in my theater.”
The crisis isn’t limited to single screens. Even Star Cineplex, the country’s largest multiplex chain, was left stranded. Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, AGM of Media and Marketing at Star Cineplex, confirmed that they intended to screen all five Eid releases.
“It is deeply disappointing. We received files for three films on Friday night and ‘Pressure Cooker’ this morning. However, we have yet to receive the DCP for ‘Prince’,” Mesbah said. “Producers want Eid releases but fail to deliver files on time. This has caused us a loss of several lakh taka.”
The film is being distributed by Action Cut Entertainment, a firm owned by film director Anonno Mamun. Frustrated cinema hall owners have pointed the finger directly at Mamun, stating they plan to form a committee within the next 3-4 days to officially demand compensation for their losses.
Attempts to reach Anonno Mamun for comment via telephone were unsuccessful. Similarly, Shirin Sultana, head of the production house Creative Lands, did not respond to queries.
Awlad Hossain Ujjal, President of the Film Exhibitors’ Association, acknowledged the chaos, stating they have received numerous complaints and are currently communicating with the distributor to find a resolution.
