Filmmakers and producers have called for cinemas to remain open in the evening, following a government directive to shut shopping malls nationwide from 7pm as part of measures to address the ongoing power and energy crisis.
The decision has cast a shadow over the film industry at a time when Eid releases are drawing strong audience interest. As most multiplexes are located within shopping centres, the directive has effectively halted evening screenings, placing filmmakers in a difficult position.
In a written statement sent to Dhaka Tribune, industry stakeholders expressed full respect for the government’s efforts to manage the crisis. However, they warned that the closure of cinema halls within shopping malls would significantly impact current Eid releases and the broader film industry.
Drawing attention to the issue, they said: “Eid films traditionally attract large audiences to cinemas. Evening and night-time slots are considered prime time for screenings, as most viewers attend shows with their families after completing their daily work. Closing cinemas at 7pm will deprive a large number of viewers of the opportunity to watch films.”
They noted that, in the past, cinemas were often exempt from standard market closing hours, with permission to operate until 10pm or until the final show concluded. They argued that cinema operations could continue while maintaining adequate security within shopping complexes, as has been successfully managed before.
Highlighting the financial stakes, they added: “Film production involves investments worth millions of taka. The festive period is crucial for recovering these costs. If cinemas remain closed during peak hours, it will become nearly impossible to recoup investments, which could have long-term negative consequences for the domestic film industry.”
Acknowledging the impact, Iftekhar Uddin Naushad, owner of Madhumita Cinema Hall, said that although there had been no clear directive regarding single-screen theatres, they had also suspended evening shows in compliance with the government’s decision.
“The film industry is already struggling. Audiences mostly come to cinemas in the evening. If evening shows remain closed, it will be extremely difficult for us,” he said, adding that single-screen halls are not dependent on shopping malls and therefore require clear guidance from the authorities.
Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, AGM of Media and Marketing at Star Cineplex, echoed similar concerns, noting that evening shows typically draw the largest crowds.
“Most viewers prefer evening screenings after work or household duties. These shows are usually the most attended. While we are complying with government regulations due to the current crisis, this is undoubtedly a significant loss for Eid releases,” he said.
In the joint statement, filmmakers and producers urged the government to exempt cinemas from general shopping mall restrictions, allowing them to operate during evening hours.
The statement was signed by several industry figures, including filmmakers Shahriar Shakil, Redoan Rony, Tanim Noor and Raihan Rafi, along with producers Sakib R Khan, Shahreen Akter Sumi and Shirin Sultana.
They added: “Cinema is one of the most important forms of entertainment and a vital creative industry. In recent years, it has progressed with the support of audiences, artists and technicians. We believe this momentum will continue in a new Bangladesh. To ensure audiences can fully enjoy Eid and to help producers recover their investments, we urge the authorities to take swift and considerate action.”