Eid Cinema: Popcorn ready? New films are hitting the big screen

Many theatres that remain closed throughout the year are getting ready to open their doors once again for Eid releases. 

In Bangladesh, cinema remains a primary attraction for audiences during the Eid festivities. This is the time when the film industry truly comes alive. Producers focus their biggest investments on Eid films, and actors bring their full attention to these special projects. 

This upcoming Eid will see the release of several high-profile films starring Shakib Khan, Mosharraf Karim, Arifin Shuvoo, Azmeri Haque Badhon, Tasnia Farin, and Puja Cherry. 

With the holidays just around the corner, here is a glimpse at the action-packed and star-studded films you may want to keep your eye on. 

Taandob

Directed by Raihan Rafi, Taandob is the most anticipated release this Eid. Shakib Khan is the main character while Jaya Ahsan also plays a pivotal role.

The film's trailer opens with an ominous forecast:

"Sudden, extreme weather changes are sweeping across the country. All police stations have been instructed to issue a level 10 emergency alert. The temperature and wind speed have reached dangerously abnormal levels. Citizens are being urged to remain wherever they are."

Raihan Rafi said, "With this project, I've tried to do something never before seen in Bangladeshi cinema. I always aim to deliver something remarkable to the audience, and they can expect something new this time as well."

Utshob 

'Utshob', an ensemble family drama directed by Tanim Noor, will be available this Eid. The cast features a lineup of popular actors, including Zahid Hasan, Jaya Ahsan, Aupee Karim, Chanchal Chowdhury, Afsana Mimi, Tariq Anam Khan, Azad Abul Kalam, Intekhab Dinar, Sunerah Binte Kamal, Shoumya Jyoti, and Sadia Ayman.

In recent years, Eid releases have leaned heavily into action and thrillers but 'Utshob' stands apart as a family-oriented film. The tagline reads: "Viewer discretion advised: Not to be watched without family."

Director Tanim Noor said, "Some dialogues in 'Utshob' will transport viewers back to their past, to emotions and relationships they might have left behind."

Insaaf

Directed by Sanjoy Somadder, Insaaf is another highly anticipated Eid release featuring Mosharraf Karim, Sariful Razz, and Tasnia Farin in central roles. 

Sariful Razz, who had largely stepped out of the limelight since last Eid-ul-Fitr, returns in a starkly different role from that of a ruthless terrorist. 

The teaser shows Farin as a law enforcement officer embarking on a mission to apprehend this dangerous criminal. It also hints at a romantic past between Farin and Razz, as they appear together in a love song. Mosharraf Karim also appears at the very end of the teaser, in a powerful but mysterious role.

Director Sanjoy Somadder commented, "We took our time with this film, not to compromise on quality. Everyone brought their best performances to the table."

Tagar

Tagar, directed by Alok Hasan, is set for theatrical release this Eid. A gripping tale of revenge and suspense, the film stars Ador Azad and Puja Cherry Roy.

The film's poster shows a bloodied Ador Azad standing in an industrial zone with a knife in hand, exuding intensity. Behind him stands Puja Cherry, her expression filled with fear, love, and sorrow. Scattered corpses and fiery backdrops hint at the film's brutal narrative.

Director Alok Hasan explained, "Tagar is more than just a story. It's the searing reflection of a young man's painful reality. Viewers will find action, romance, and a harsh social truth all intertwined."

The cast also includes Azad Abul Kalam, Rosey Siddiqui, Sumon Anowar, LR Khan Shimanto among others.

NeelChokro

Directed by Mithu Khan, NeelChokro stars Arifin Shuvoo and Mondira Chakroborty in lead roles, with supporting performances from Fazlur Rahman Babu, Shirin Alam, Khaleda Aktar Kolpona, Shahed Ali, and Priyontee Urbee.

Set in a city plagued by the mass leak of personal videos, 'NeelChokro' is a suspense thriller exploring the unsettling underworld of blue film rackets. The trailer suggests that the story delves not only into personal shame but also into a societal collapse triggered by such violations.

Arifin Shuvoo plays the central figure, trying to uncover the masked perpetrators behind this chaos.

Director Mithu Khan said, "This film travels through shadows and secrets. It combines suspense with a brutal societal truth while fusing themes of taboo. To my knowledge, no other Bangladeshi film has tackled this subject in this way."

Esha Murder: Karmaphal

Directed by Sunny Sanwar, 'Esha Murder: Karmaphal' will also premiere this Eid. Inspired by a chilling real-life murder case from Azimpur, Dhaka in 2009, the film stars Azmeri Haque Badhon as a police investigator.

Supporting cast includes Puja Egnes Cruz, Misa Sawdagar, Shatabdi Wadud, Sumit Sen Gupta, Sarker Raunak Ripon, Faruque Ahmed, and Sharif Siraj.

Director Sunny Sanwar noted, "Bangladeshi audiences are increasingly drawn to murder mysteries and suspense thrillers, this genre is now as popular as any other. We approached this project with a commitment to depth and realism."