Pathaan, a film starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and John Abraham, has made history by becoming the first Bollywood film to be released in Bangladesh after a ban on Indian films lasting over 5 decades. The film was released on January 25, 2023, and has since broken records in India and overseas. It has now been announced that the film will be released in Bangladesh on February 24, 2023.
The ban on Indian films in Bangladesh was lifted temporarily in 2015 when the Salman Khan-starrer Wanted was released. However, the release of the film led to protests from local actors and filmmakers who felt that it could cripple the Bangladeshi film industry. The protests were led by popular Bangladeshi actor Shakib Khan, and angry exhibitors decided to boycott films starring him. As a result, the ban was re-imposed, and Bangladeshi Bollywood fans continued to watch new releases on pirated prints.
However, according to reports, as many as 19 film-related associations in Bangladesh have now unanimously agreed to allow the release of Hindi films in Bangladeshi theaters. The catch is that only 10 Hindi films will be allowed to be released in the neighboring country in a year. This decision has led to discussions among movie buffs and industry experts in Bangladesh, with some believing that the decision to allow Hindi films could be detrimental to the local film industry.
On the other hand, several people are of the opinion that Hindi films can give a new lease of life to the exhibition sector in Bangladesh, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic’s devastating effects. Some also argue that if Hollywood films are allowed to be released in the country, there’s no reason why Hindi films can’t be screened in Bangladeshi cinemas.
Pathaan’s release in Bangladesh is a significant milestone for Bollywood, as it marks the first time in nearly 8 years that an Indian film has been released in the country. The film, directed by Siddharth Anand, is an action entertainer that also stars Deepika Padukone and John Abraham. The details regarding the screen count in Bangladesh will emerge closer to the release date.
Overall, the release of Pathaan in Bangladesh is a significant development for Bollywood and could pave the way for more Indian films to be released in the country. The decision to allow Hindi films in Bangladeshi theaters is a controversial one, with some fearing it could harm the local film industry. However, others believe that it could provide a much-needed boost to the exhibition sector and offer Bangladeshi audiences more diverse entertainment options. Only time will tell how the release of Pathaan in Bangladesh will impact the country’s film industry and Bollywood’s relationship with its neighbor.