Released in 133 theatres across Bangladesh, “Taandob” quickly captured the audience’s attention with its high-octane plot, gritty tone, and surprise cameos from Afran Nisho and Siam Ahmed.
Six films were released across cinemas in Bangladesh this Eid. Among them, “Taandob”, starring Shakib Khan and directed by Raihan Rafi, has led the charts from Eid day through the fifth day of the holiday. The film was released in 133 theatres nationwide, with midnight screenings (12am–3am) running in venues such as Chhaya Bani in Mymensingh, Rajtilok in Rajshahi, and Modhubon Cineplex in Bogura.
In light of this overwhelming local demand, the film is now set for overseas audiences. Starting today, the film will begin screening across more than 50 cinemas in Europe, America, and Canada in a phased schedule. Notably, the overseas distribution is being managed by BiosKope Films.
This Eid-ul-Azha, actress Jaya Ahsan returned to the silver screen with two new films—“Taandob”, directed by Raihan Rafi, and “Utshob”, directed by Tanim Noor. Since Eid day, she has been visiting various theatres across the country as part of the promotional campaign.
It was during the school-free weekends when my maternal cousins and I would huddle in front of our grandparents' grey old box TV after a hearty, yet customary lunch arrangement at their place. We would take up the gap on the floor between their king-sized bed and the unforgettable TV set to watch the black and white Satyajit Ray films, and even the vibrant late 20th-century Bangladeshi cinema, previously defined by over-the-top performances. The adults would lounge about on the bed, imbuing us with not only the significance of family viewing content but also a perception of what we understood as “our cinematic language.”
As “Taandob” gears up for its theatrical release this Eid, a special press conference was held at a hotel in Dhaka’s Gulshan, featuring the film’s core cast and crew.
Regarding her experience working with Shakib Khan, Jaya shared, “Shakib Khan is a major star in our industry. I must say, he’s doing exceptionally well. Although we shared screen previously, this time while working on ‘Taandob’, I noticed he has become even more dedicated and serious about his craft.”
Dhaka’s film producers have reached a consensus on the demand for a fair share of revenue from cinema halls. On Wednesday (May 14) afternoon, several producers held a meeting at a restaurant in Gulshan-2 to address this long-standing issue. Photos from the meeting were later shared on social media.
Rafi revealed that this project is even more demanding than his previous blockbuster “Toofan”. “To protect the film’s confidentiality, strict measures have been imposed on set, including a ban on mobile phones and restricted access for outsiders. Nevertheless, a few leaks have managed to slip through.”
Zahid Hasan has been appearing less frequently in TV dramas, primarily due to dissatisfaction with the storylines. This led him to consciously reduce the number of projects he takes on. News of his acting endeavours has since become rare.
The film explores the complex struggles of modern women and family dynamics, with Sarika Subrin starring in the titular role. She is joined by Mamnun Hasan Emon, who makes his OTT debut with this project.
Tama Mirza has been honoured with the National Film Award for her performance in the movie Nodijon. She has garnered audience acclaim through both OTT platforms and films. Her role in the recent movie Surongo earned her significant praise, and she has maintained her success with performances in several web films.
Raihan Rafi’s film will be released on not just one, but two OTT platforms. The director shared the news on his official Facebook page.
The film “Toofan”, starring Shakib Khan, Mimi Chakraborty, and Nabila, hit theatres last Eid-ul-Azha and quickly garnered significant attention from audiences nationwide. Directed by Raihan Rafi, the film sparked interest even before its release, especially with the launch of the song “Dushtu Kokil” on June 26, which was featured on two prominent YouTube channels.
Following a hiatus of nearly six weeks, Tanzika Amin is back on set, shooting for a new series on MaasrangaTelevision. Directed by Nazrul Islam Raju, this drama highlights the complexities of city life.
The Bangladesh Film Censorship Board (BFCB) halted the screening of Raihan Rafi’s film "Omimangshito" on OTT platform iScreen, citing concerns that it was unsuitable for public viewing.
Numerous films faced bans during the previous administration, with some caught up in legal disputes while others were shelved for unexplained reasons. Producers voiced their frustration over films stalled in the censor board's approval process, but their protests yielded no resolution. For years, filmmakers have called for the abolition of the censor board in favour of a system of censor certification.
The song “Laage Ura Dhura” from the Eid special release “Toofan” quickly gained widespread popularity online, upon its release. Featuring vocals by Pritom Hasan and Debosrie Antara, the track has not only been trending in Bangladesh but has also made its mark on YouTube's global trending chart.
Tama Mirza and Raihan Rafi have delivered hits when they worked together, starting with the web film "Khachar Bhitor Ochin Pakhi" and continuing with the commercial movie "Shurongo". Many movie enthusiasts assumed that the National Award-winning actress would appear in Raihan Rafi’s blockbuster film "Toofan".
