Bangladeshi artistes losing Kolkata film markets

Shakib Khan and Subhasree
Shakib Khan and Subhasree

Bangladeshi artistes Nusrat Faria, Mahiya Mahi and Bidya Sinha Mim have been working in the Kolkata film industry for the past few years. Dhallywood superstar Shakib Khan has also drawn attention of the Kolkata filmmakers. He started dominating the Kolkata film industry as he acted in three consecutive Kolkata films recently. Shakib’s last Kolkata-based film ‘Naqaab’ was released in September. But, he is now empty-handed.

Bangladesh has imported 25 of Kolkata’s Bangla films over the last eight years. ‘Khoka Babu’, ‘Khoka Babu 420’, ‘Juddha Shishu’, ‘Abhiman’, ‘Bela Sheshe’, ‘Haripada Bandwala’, ‘Kelor Kirti’, ‘Tomake Chai’, ‘Jeo Pagla’, ‘Jor’, ‘One’, ‘Piya Re’, ‘Bhaijaan Elo Re’, ‘Sultan The Savior, ‘Inspector Notty K’, ‘Posta’, ‘Fida’, ‘Yeti Obhijaan’, ‘Cockpit”, ‘Bolo Dugga Maiki’, ‘Naqaab’ and ‘Chalbaj’ among among  them. ‘Bisarjan’ and ‘Villain’ are set to be released soon.

Film importers said most of the imported films failed to attract a good number of viewers. The importer added that only the films starring Bangladeshi artistes were a bit successful. Nusrat Faria’s ‘Inspector Notty K’, Mim and Ferdous’s ‘Yeti Obhijaan’ and Mim’s ‘Sultan the Saviour’ and Shakib Khan’s ‘Bhaijaan Elo Re’ were quite popular.

In May this year, the High Court asked the authorities concerned not to release any joint venture and imported films during festivals.

No joint films have been shot in the last 10 months since a new policy regarding the joint film production was framed.

Industry insiders earlier said the terms and conditions in the new policy were very hard to follow and so the producers have no intention of making joint venture films anymore.

Shakib Khan’s ‘Chalbaj’ and the latest ‘Naqaab’ failed to draw attention of the film lovers, thanks to the new policy.

“Kolkata’s film producers sign up Bangladesh artistes with a view to catching the Bangladesh market. Their films’ budget is big,” said Mohammad Kibria, owner of the film importing firm NU Ahammad Traders. “That is why they try to release movie during festivals. If the big-budget films can’t cash in the opportunity, the Kolkata producers won’t be interested in Bangladeshi artistes anymore,” he added. 

President of Bangladesh Chalachitro Shilpi Samity Misha Saudagar said, “The rules have been made for the sake of local films.”

Sultan the Savior and Yeti Obhijaan’s artiste Bidya Sinha Mim said, “The joint venture has been initiated with a view to releasing the films in two countries. On the other hand, the filmmakers always have a plan to release the big-budget films during the festivals. But, new rules of Bangladesh do not allow that. So, the Kolkata producers will not benefit from recruiting Bangladeshi artistes.”