Filmmakers urge delay of ‘Pathaan’ release

The Bangladeshi film industry has been seeing a restoration of sorts because of the films that were released recently. Almost all the producers and directors of these films are getting positive responses for their films. It is now being reported that the upcoming Bollywood movie ‘Pathaan’ is going to be released on May 5 via importation.

The makers of the Eid-released films, including ‘Leader Aamii Bangladesh’, ‘Local’, ‘Paap’, ‘Kill Him’, ‘Prem Preeti Bandhan’, and ‘Adam’, have now come together and are demanding a delay in the release of Pathaan’.

According to them, films that were released during Eid are doing so well in cinemas; the release of Hindi films could potentially harm the success of local films. As a result, they have called upon the relevant authorities to postpone the release date of ‘Pathaan’ on May 5. Other prominent industry figures such as director Delwar Jahan Jhantu, producer and director of ‘Kill Him’ Mohammad Iqbal, director Saikat Nasir, Solaiman Hossain Lebu, Tapu Khan, Saif Chandan, cinematographer Joy Chowdhury, Ador Azad, and producer Shamsul Alam spoke at the press conference.

Director Saif Chandan said, “We are not opposing the release of ‘Pathaan’. We want it to be postponed by two more weeks instead of May 5. By doing this, the films released on Eid will be able to withdraw the invested money. As a result, the producers of films released on Eid will get back their invested money”.

The country’s film industry, which has been on the brink of collapse, is now breathing new life as Eid films are receiving a positive response from audiences. However, if ‘Pathaan’ is released at this time, the industry could be set back once again. The filmmakers are calling for a delay in the release of ‘Pathaan’ to ensure that the Eid films continue to do well and to secure the future of the local film industry.

Bangladesh cinemas were recently allowed to import Indian films, subject to certain conditions. Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Pathaan’ has now been permitted to release in Bangladesh cinemas on May 5, after being approved by the Censor Board. However, many in the industry are calling for a delay in the release date to ensure that local films are not overshadowed.

Anonno Mamun, who is releasing ‘Pathaan’ in Bangladesh via import said, “A deadline has been set by the government for the release of the film ‘Pathaan’. Eid week is over. Next week is going too. I gave all the VAT and Tax to the government. For this film, I have given seven lakh taka to the Government as VAT. All the pictures of Eid together could not pay VAT of seven lakh taka. I brought movies not to keep in the fridge. I have brought it for release.”