Film Exhibitors Association to regulate eid releases after recent flops

In a decisive shift, the Bangladesh Film Exhibitors Association plans to regulate the number of films released during Eid-ul-Azha, following the dismal performance of the 11 films released during last Eid-ul-Fitr, including an unexpected poor performance of "Rajkumar" by Shakib Khan.

Sudipta Kumar Das, advisor of the Bangladesh Film Exhibitors Association, emphasised that the upcoming Eid festivities will see a more curated selection of films. 

"We will carefully vet the films released this time," he said. To finalise the selection process, the association's key figures will meet with cinema owners, producers, and distributors from across the country on June 8.

At least seven films, including Shakib Khan's "Toofan", are slated for release this Eid. However, Sudipta Kumar made it clear that not all will make the cut. "Only high-budget, potentially successful films will be released during the upcoming Eid," he stated.

When asked about the fate of the other films, Sudipta mentioned that these will be scheduled for release one to two weeks post-Eid, with two films being released each week. 

"We cannot allow a flood of films all at once. Therefore, we have called a meeting with cinema owners, producers, and distributors to discuss and decide on the films to be released during Eid."

Sudipta explained the criteria for film selection, drawing on his 40 years of industry experience. "In the '90s, many films were commercially successful, but even then, they were carefully selected before release. We will ensure that every cinema owner, distributor, and producer benefits from this process."

The advisor had previously suggested bringing order to the film release process. "I proposed before Eid-ul-Fitr that from the 12 films, only three or four should be reserved for Eid-ul-Azha. While some agreed, others opposed, preventing us from limiting the releases."

He called for unity among cinema owners to reach a consensus. "If someone doesn't follow our decision, they can screen their films wherever they want, but we will not be responsible. We aim to resolve this matter collectively."

Addressing rumours about a lottery system for film releases, Sudipta dismissed the idea. "Someone suggested a lottery, but it is not a viable method. If we end up with four films that only get two shows, what then? We cannot allow that."

The films rumoured for release this Eid include "Toofan", "Jongli", "Neelchakra", "Masud Rana", "Mayurakshi", "Pulsirat", and "Dark World".

The decision to regulate film releases during Eid-ul-Azha comes as a strategic response to the failures of the recent past. The move aims to enhance the overall quality of films presented to audiences, ensuring that only those with the potential for commercial success and high production value reach the cinemas, stated Sudipta.