Borbaad leads Eid box office as theatres see nationwide business boom

With the Bangladeshi film industry facing a prolonged slump, Eid has once again proven to be a vital moment for its revival. This festive season saw the release of several high-profile films including 'Borbaad' starring Shakib Khan, 'Dagi' with Afran Nisho, 'Jongli' featuring Siam Ahmed, and 'Chokkor 302' led by Mosharraf Karim — all of which have contributed to renewed energy in cinema halls.

Nearly twice the number of theatres compared to the rest of the year are currently screening Eid releases. Although the overall number of active theatres remains modest at around 200, audience response has been notably positive.

Remarkably, 100 previously shuttered cinemas reopened for Eid, signaling renewed hope for the industry's survival. To better understand what's drawing crowds and how the films are faring in the box office, TBS spoke with filmmakers, producers and theatre owners, as well as fans — all of whom point to storytelling and star power as major factors behind the films' early success.

The Eid lineup

Shakib Khan's Borbaad is dominating this Eid's box office, screening in a record 130 theatres across the country. With advance bookings reaching Tk15 lakh, it stands as the most widely released and anticipated film of the season. Producer Shaharin Akter is optimistic about recouping the film's large investment, noting its strong turnout so far.

Daagi, starring Afran Nisho, initially debuted in just 16 theatres, yet its producer Shahriar Shakil remains hopeful. "We're earning directly from cinemas, and I believe the screen count will grow from the second week," he told TBS. 

Director Shihab Shaheen echoed the sentiment, saying the audience's connection to the story is promising for the film's future.

State-backed Chokkor 302, featuring Mosharraf Karim, is eyeing business growth in its third week and is currently showing in Star Cineplex, Jamuna and Lion Cinemas. 

Meanwhile, Jongli, starring Siam Ahmed, has already recovered 20% of its budget through sponsorships. Producer Zahid Hasan is banking on international releases and OTT rights to recover costs. Director Raahim remains confident, though he expressed concern over the lack of screen space for local films in favour of foreign releases.

Jaaz Multimedia's 'Jinn 3', starring Sajal and Nusrat Faria, was released exclusively in multiplexes, with producer Abdul Aziz hinting at larger plans post-Eid. In contrast, 'Ontoratta', featuring Shakib Khan, failed to attract viewers, leading Star Cineplex to pull it just two days after release.

Theatres are reporting strong business. In Bogura's Cleopatra Cinema Hall, Borbaad has been running four shows daily with full houses, and the owner anticipates profits if momentum continues. At Jashore's Monihar Cinema, both Borbaad and Daagi are drawing viewers, though the former is earning more.

Borbaad director Mehedi Hasan Hridoy acknowledged piracy challenges but said high demand is driving theatres to add extra shows. "We even added a post-10pm show at Lion Cinema in Old Dhaka because the last one sold out," he shared, confident that the film's popularity will grow further.

Fans flock for star power and emotion

Outside Dewanganj's only theatre, Bhai Bhai Cinema, moviegoer Ziaul Haque shared his love for Shakib Khan, "His posters just draw me in. The more I watch him, the more I like him. He's our own Salman Khan!"

In Dhaka, actor Sajjad Ahmed Rajib praised Jongli after an Eid screening at Shimanto Shombhar, "Siam Bhai's performance was phenomenal, especially in the last 20 minutes — absolutely moving. I cried in the theatre, and so did my friend beside me."

On Eid's fourth day, Alamgir Hossain traveled from Gazipur to Bashundhara City's Star Cineplex to catch Daagi. "I've admired Nisho bhai since his drama days. He's a boss actor."

Audiences nationwide are similarly enthusiastic. Borbaad, Jongli and Daagi are pulling strong crowds, while Chokkor 302 and Jinn 3 are also drawing solid interest, adding momentum to the season's positive box office buzz.

Eid brings the box office back to life

This Eid, the Bangladeshi film industry saw a major investment surge, with around Tk28 crore poured into six releases — Borbaad, Daagi, Chokkor 302, Jinn 3, Jongli, and Ontoratta. That is nearly double the budget of the previous Eid's lineup. Borbaad topped the list with a Tk16 crore budget, followed by Daagi at Tk4.5 crore and others in the Tk2–3 crore range.

Awlad Hossain Uzzal, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Film Exhibitors Association, told TBS, "These films had bigger budgets and more variety, drawing audiences. If turnout remains strong into the second week, most films will likely turn a profit."

Reactions from filmmakers are varied. Director Sanjoy Somadder said, "Almost all films are pulling strong crowds. But with more screens, success could've been greater. Once people return from the villages, the response will likely grow." 

Director Masud Hasan Ujjal appreciated the business but criticised the storytelling. "Though audiences are flocking to theatres and political uncertainties have eased, most Eid films have very similar plots focused solely on business. Our culture wasn't reflected well."

Despite such concerns, the Eid season is being hailed as a commercial triumph. Star Cineplex Media Manager Mesbah Ahmed remarked, "After Toofan, this Eid has revived the excitement around Bangla cinema. Borbaad, Jongli and Daagi are drawing the most audiences at our halls — but all Eid films are doing well, which is encouraging."

Director Topu Khan echoed this optimism but raised issues about ticket pricing. "One of the positives is that foreign films were sidelined, making way for local productions — definitely a success," he said. "But ticket prices nearly doubled, and producers aren't benefiting. That disparity must be addressed." Still, he praised the season's variety in storytelling.

As audiences, directors, producers, and theatre owners weigh in, one thing is clear— this Eid marks a turning point for Bangladeshi cinema, led by Borbaad, which continues to dominate screens and earnings.