Three local films—'Chirkut', 'Cut-Piece', and 'Sneher Bandhan'—have been released in Bangladeshi theatres on the occasion of Durga Puja. While industry insiders view the simultaneous release of three domestic films positively, questions have arisen regarding their box-office success in drawing crowds.
Arifur Nahar, a regular cinema-goer in her sixties, always tries to visit theatres with friends whenever a new film is released. On Sunday, she went to Star Cineplex in Dhaka's Panthapath with three friends to watch the Hollywood movie 'Street Fighter'. However, upon discovering that the Bangladeshi film 'Chirkut' was screening, they decided to watch it instead. Yet, the film failed to satisfy them. Nahar remarked, "We watch movies, but our hearts remain unfulfilled. Proper promotion before a film's release is crucial, and it requires a well-thought-out plan."
Mehedi Hasan, in charge of branding and digital operations at Rajshahi's Grand River View Cineplex, noted that they were screening both 'Chirkut' and 'Cut-Piece'. However, 'Cut-Piece' had to be pulled by the third day of its release. On the other hand, audience turnout for 'Chirkut' has been moderately satisfactory. Hasan stated, "We are seeing 30 to 40 percent occupancy daily, and we hope this will rise to 70 percent by coming Friday. Since the story is rooted in the Rajshahi region, it evokes a special emotional connection among local audiences. Still, the film needed much more publicity. Despite featuring many familiar faces, they were not utilized on the promotional posters."
In contrast, the picture was different at Lion Cinemas in Keraniganj, Dhaka. The founding authority of the theatre, Mirza Abdul Khaleq, shared insights regarding the audience turnout for 'Sneher Bandhan' and 'Cut-Piece'.
