Why should local films suffer for foreign ones?

Bangladeshi film industry has been turning on a dime with its own competence. In recent years, films like "Hawa", "Poran", "Priyotoma", and "Shurongo" have proved that the industry is growing rapidly. These films have also made waves in the global arena.

Following the trend, every month, a good number of films are released in cinemas. In the coming week, two films were slated to be released on September 8. One of them is Dipankar Dipon's much-awaited cyber-crime thriller, "Antarjal", while the other is Mushfiqur Rahman Gulzar's government-granted film, "Dushshahoshi Khoka", based on the life of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

However, these films have been postponed due to the arrival of Bollywood's much-hyped action film "Jawan", which will have a global release simultaneously in Bangladesh, creating history in our local theatres.

Under the SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area) agreement, approved by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on April 10, films have been imported in exchange for Bangladeshi productions. Within this year, two Hindi films have been imported—"Pathaan" (in exchange for "Panku Jamai") , "Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan" (in exchange for "Koshai") and "Jawan" (in exchange for Nabab LLB). 

However, now, the question arises— when popular Bangladeshi films, such as Mejbaur Rahman Sumon's "Hawa" and Raihan Rafi's "Poran", are available, why are Bangladeshi movies, which failed to generate revenue even in local theatres, are being exported in exchange for big-budgeted Bollywood films?

Dipankar Dipon

The postponement of two films now raises another question— how justified is it to halt the release of local films due to the arrival of foreign ones? According to Mohammad Sadequl Arefeen, one of the producers of "Antarjal", they have been requested by the hall owners to shelve their project. "It is not about lack of our confidence, but we had to come to a mutual understanding," he told The Daily Star. "We have considered this because the hall owners have been waiting for this historical moment for a long time. Also, we know that "Jawan" is a film with great potential, but sadly, we were not given the opportunity to share halls and have screenings at the same time."

Arefeen also informed that "Antarjal" will be globally released on September 22 alongside local theatres. Meanwhile, Dipon shared his thoughts in this regard, "As a director, I feel there should be some proper guidelines that must be maintained to support our local films. We could have competed with an Indian film, but if we don't get the allocation of halls, then how can we prove it to the audience?"

We spoke with the cast of "Antarjal"— Bidya Sinha Mim, ABM Sumon and Sunerah Binte Kamal— they shared that they were disappointed by the delay. However, they have nothing much to do at the moment other than accept reality.

Mushfiqur Gulzar

Mushfiqur Rahman Gulzar informed that his film, "Dushshahoshi Khoka", has been delayed until the last week of September. "It is true that no one actually forced us to postpone the release, but we had to keep their request," he shared.

Interestingly, there are unwritten rules that if there are already two films scheduled to be released in the same week, then another one cannot be on the same line to get premiered. We spoke to Khorshedul Alam Khosru, president of Bangladesh Film Producers' Association, who informed that they did not receive any letter for the preview of "Jawan" from the ministry until September 4. "Being a censor board member, I have not been informed about any such letter yet. Thus, it is not confirmed if the censor board would approve it on time."

Mia Alauddin, vice president, Exhibitor Association, said, "Local films should be our first priority, however, the people associated with the business are now desperate for the release of "Jawan". There is nothing I could do."

"We also understand that a delay in the release of a film loses its charm to the audience. We noticed similar incidents when "Pathaan" and "Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan" were released in our theatres. Consequently, the halls incurred financial losses."

Action Cut Entertainment is the importing company of "Jawan". Its owner, Anonno Mamun, told the media, "We have diligently followed all the protocols in importing this film. The authorities responsible for permitting its exhibition are certainly not naive. They have approved it with full awareness of the situation. There is no rationale behind creating unnecessary protests to safeguard our industry."

antarjal_poster

Now, the question still remains— if the producers and directors of "Antarjal" and "Dushshahoshi Khoka" had not stepped back, then, according to the rules, there wouldn't have been a chance for "Jawan" to hit theatres in Bangladesh. Certainly, we need comprehensive guidelines, and they need to be followed strictly to encourage local films instead of creating barriers for them. All of the concerned associations should come together to re-evaluate this condition.