Cinema halls see a new lease of life again

It appears that the golden age of cinema is returning once more. Audiences are going to theatres to see Bangla films instead of Hollywood flicks. This Eid-ul-Azha, five notable films were released, capturing people's attention.

Even though many movies were released in the last six months, none have surpassed the popularity of Raihan Rafi's "Poran" and Mejbaur Rahman Sumon's "Hawa". However, the good old days of Bengali cinema are returning as audiences flock to theatres and tickets sell out like hotcakes.

"Priyotoma", starring Shakib Khan, was the only film to be released in more than a hundred halls. In terms of release and audience reception, the film has already smashed numerous records. Afran Nisho's "Shurongo" is not far behind, drawing large crowds and having already shattered the 200-day ticket sales record of "Poran" in just 9 days.

Since its premiere, "Shurongo" has received attention for the number of screenings increasing and for people not being able to even purchase tickets, due to them being sold out. Even at present, a majority of "Shurongo" screenings are sold out. The film is slated for release in Kolkata on July 22.

Raihan Rafi is really happy with the wonderful reception to "Shurongo."

"Our film 'Shurongo' is performing extremely well in theatres. I am completely amazed by everyone's love. It's great to see people going to the movies. The movie surpassed the ticket sales of my previous film, 'Poran,' in just 9 days, a record that took 'Poran' 200 days to achieve. This accomplishment is a testament to the immense support and appreciation from the audience, not only for myself but for the entire 'Shurongo' team," said Raihan Rafi.

The Shakib Khan starrer, "Priyotoma" was the only movie to be released across 100 halls. Since its release, the film has constantly been in the news, due to the number of screenings continually increasing and shows running houseful.

Both "Shurongo" and "Priyotoma" have given audiences faith that Dhallywood is here to stay. As a result, fans of Shakib and Nisho are demonstrating their support for the two films by attending theatres in masses.

Chayanika Chowdhury's "Prohelika", starring Mahfuz Ahmed and Shobnom Yesmin Bubly, is also receiving positive feedback from viewers. Many movie theatres have increased the number of screenings already. The film has also sold out in numerous theatres. According to the director, several people had to return home after not being able to get tickets.

"I am really happy that 'Prohelika' is able to entertain the audience and that it has made people visit theatres. This is a wonderful news for the entire team," shared Chayanika Chowdhury.

Despite the fact that Eid has passed, people are still lining up to visit cinema halls to watch these films. The three most talked-about films of this Eid, "Priyotoma", "Shurongo", and "Prohelika", are continuing to dominate in theatres. Aside from these films, Apu Biswas' "Laal Shari" and Saikat Nasir's "Casino" are also doing well in theatres.

Iftekhar Uddin Naushad, the owner of Madhumita Hall told this afternoon, "Shakib Khan's 'Priyotoma' is doing extraordinarily well in theatres. People were drawn in by Shakib Khan's star power and the film's narrative. More films are needed to save our theatres. If we can provide good films to our audiences, our theatres can be rescued."

Mia Alauddin, senior vice-president of Bangladesh Hall Owners Association owns a cinema hall in Narayanganj called "Sathi".

"If we can release 5-7 films like 'Priyomta' in a year, we might be able to save our cinema halls. We desperately need good films, and good films will undoubtedly bring audiences back to the halls," Mia stated.

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