Protests question the impact of foreign films on Bangladeshi cinema

Bangladeshi films “Antarjal” and “Dushshahoshi Khoka” shifted their releases to a later time due to the date conflict with Indian film “Jawan”.

The Shah Rukh Khan starrer “Jawan”, “Antarjal” and “Dushshahoshi Khoka” were all previously supposed to release on September 8. 

This change has led to an open dialogue within Bangladeshi cinema and the impact of foreign films on the industry.

Bangladesh formerly imported several Bollywood films almost four months after initial release, including “Pathaan” and “Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan”. However this caused major losses for importers as the films were commercial failures, forcing them to release “Jawan” at the same time as its global release. 

A group of influential filmmakers, including Delwar Jahan Jhantu, AQ Khokon, Badiul Alam Khokon, Saimon Tariq, and among others have banded together to protest the film’s release in Bangladesh.

Delwar Jahan Jhantu states, “‘Jawan’ is set to release in Bangladesh without adhering to our established regulations of importing Hindi films. If it is required, we will take to the streets to protest– we cannot sit idly and allow our film industry, which we have painstakingly nurtured, to be overshadowed by foreign productions.”

Anonno Mamun stated in response, “We have diligently followed all the protocols to import this film. The authorities responsible for permitting its exhibition are certainly not naive. They have granted approval with full awareness of the situation. There is no rationale behind creating unnecessary protest in the guise of safeguarding our industry.”

The previously released film “Pathaan” was also protested by the Bangladeshi filmmakers over the same concerns raised.