The two Eid festivals are traditionally the busiest time for the country’s film industry. While film releases remain relatively slow during other parts of the year, the pace accelerates significantly around Eid as producers and filmmakers rush to bring their projects to theatres.

Last year, 12 films were released during the two Eid festivals. This year, however, a record 16 films are on the tentative release list. The development has sparked curiosity among audience about how many of these films will ultimately make it to theatres.

As always, Shakib Khan remains at the centre of discussion. In “Prince: Once Upon a Time in Dhaka,” directed by Abu Hayat Mahmud, he portrays a gangster from the 1990s. Meanwhile, Afran Nisho is set to return to the big screen with Redoan Rony’s “Domm.”

Mehedi Hasan Hridoy’s “Rakkhosh,” starring Siam Ahmed and Tollywood actress Sushmita Chatterjee, is also generating buzz. Raihan Rafi’s “Pressure Cooker” has likewise drawn significant attention.
Literature-based films are another highlight this Eid. Director Tanim Noor brings “Bonolata Express,” based on a story by Humayun Ahmed, while Masud Hasan Ujjal presents “Bonolata Sen,” inspired by the poetry of Jibanananda Das.

In addition, Rashid Palash’s socially themed “Rongbazar” and Iffat Jahan’s “Cut Piece,” which explores fraud in the garment industry, are awaiting release. The Eid lineup also includes films starring Pori Moni, Mahiya Mahi and Eamin Haque Bobby. 
However, doubts have surfaced on social media regarding the feasibility of releasing so many films simultaneously. Some film enthusiasts point to limited promotional activities and an ongoing hall crisis as potential obstacles.

Currently, around 141 theatres are operating across the country, including seven branches of Star Cineplex. Although cinemas see a surge in attendance during Eid, many temporarily close once the festive season ends.

The movies on the list of possible releases include, “Prince: Once Upon a Time in Dhaka” (Shakib Khan, Tasnia Farin), “Domm” (Afran Nisho, Chanchal Chowdhury, Puja Cherry Roy), “Rakkhosh” (Siam Ahmed, Sushmita Chatterjee), “Bonolata Express” (Sabila Nur, Shariful Razz), “Pressure Cooker” (Bubly, Nazifa Tushi), “Pinic” and “Tribunal” (Ador Azad, Bubly), “Bonolata Sen” (Nabila, Khairul Basar), “Rongbazar” (Shampa Reza, Jannatul Peya), “Hangar” (Tahmina Authoi), “Malik” (Arifin Shuvoo, Bidya Sinha Mim), “Durbar” (Sajal, Apu), “Cut Piece” (Sifat Amin, Rafah Torsa), “Dodo Golpo” (Porimoni and Symon Sadik), “Tochnoch” (Bobby), and  “Officer” (Mahiya Mahi).