From New York to Rangamati, Shakib Khan wraps 'Rajkumar' shoot

After a whirlwind 18-week filming marathon spanning various locations across the United States, renowned Dhallywood actor Shakib Khan returned to Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Wednesday morning via an Emirates airline flight from New York. Waste no time, Khan swiftly embarked on his next filming destination, Rangamati, travelling by helicopter at 4pm.

"Rajkumar," the ambitious project helmed by director Himel Ashraf, has seen its production traverse continents, marking a significant milestone in Bangladeshi cinema. According to Ashraf, filming for "Rajkumar" will conclude within the next two days in Rangamati, bringing an end to an extensive shooting schedule that has taken the crew to diverse locales.

Taking to social media, director Himel Ashraf shared insights into the cinematic journey of "Rajkumar," highlighting the film's shooting locations, which include Dhaka, Pabna, Kushtia, Manikganj, Tangail, Gazipur, India and the United States. The film's editing process is currently underway, promising a visual spectacle that transcends geographical boundaries.

Ashraf expressed his enthusiasm for pushing the boundaries of Bengali cinema, stating, "The filming of 'Rajkumar' took place in locations and setups that were once considered a dream for Bengali cinema." Notably, the production crew collaborated with international talents, including American and Indian professionals, to elevate the film's quality and appeal.

"Rajkumar" boasts a stellar cast and crew, with renowned choreographers Adil Shaikh from Mumbai and Ashok Raja from Tamil Nadu contributing to captivating dance sequences filmed in New York and Dhaka, respectively. The film's action scenes, filmed in Chennai, feature the expertise of Courtney Coffey and a diverse ensemble of actors portraying villains and fighters from across continents.

Director Ashraf teased audiences with promises of surprises awaiting them in theatres, including mesmerising songs, breath-taking locations, and stellar performances from the cast. He underscored his vision of "Rajkumar" propelling Bangladeshi cinema to new heights on the global stage, confidently asserting that the film will surpass the impact of his previous groundbreaking work, "Priyotoma."

"As I announced the movie 'Priyotoma,' I wrote, 'Priyotoma is coming, to change history.' And the film indeed reshaped much of Bengali cinema's history. Today, I affirm that the film 'Rajkumar' will surpass 'Priyotoma' significantly... The new chapter of Bengali cinema will be inscribed with 'Rajkumar,'" concluded director Himel Ashraf, hinting at the revolutionary potential of his latest cinematic venture.