Pathaan to get theatrical release in Bangladesh, first Bollywood movie to get a wide release
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Dhaka: Shah Rukh Khan's Bollywood blockbuster Pathaan is going to get a theatrical release in Bangladesh. This is a historic move since no Bollywood film has been yet released in the country since its formation in 1971.
"Cinema has always been a unifying force between nations, races, and cultures. It transcends borders, galvanises people, and plays a significant hand in bringing people together. We are incredibly thrilled that ‘Pathaan,’ which has done historic business worldwide, will now get a chance to entertain audiences in Bangladesh," said Nelson D’Souza, VP of international distribution at Yash Raj Films.
Pathaan will hit theatres across Bangladesh on May 12.
Hindi-language films are hugely popular in the country but their theatrical release has been banned in order to protect the local film industry. In 2009, the ban was relaxed to allow Salman Khan's 'Wanted ' but the decision was met with protests led by a local film industry organisation. The film was released but had to be pulled from 50 theatres after a week.
In February, there was an attempt to release Pathaan in Bangladesh but it had to be abandoned due to protests. The Bangladesh Ministry of Information and Broadcasting claimed that the release is being halted because International Mother Language Day is being observed throughout the month. The film was then speculated to get a March release and even the Bangladesh Motion Picture Exhibitors Association protested against Pathaan being not allowed to release. They threatened to shut down theatres if the ban is not lifted.
In February 2023, a consortium of 19 Bangladesh film associations decided to allow Hindi-language films to be released in the country. They have decided to allow 10 Bollywood films a year. Pathaan will be the first to get a wide release.
Pathaan was first released in India and worldwide in January 2023. It quickly broke several records and ended the Bollywood dry spell at the box office. It grossed $130 million worldwide. It is also the fifth highest-grossing Indian film of all time and second highest Hindi-language film.
Some people are still unhappy with the development. Bangladeshi actor Dipjol even publicly slammed the government's decision. He claimed that the audience in the country prefers to see movies that represent local traditions with their families. He argued that the ethos of Hindi cinema and Bangladeshi cinema does not match because Bollywood has "vulgar songs and scenes" that don't go with Bangladesh's social culture.
He also claimed that importing Hindi cinema will "severely affect" local cinema at a time when the Bangladesh film industry is trying to come up with quality films that cater to every section of the audience.