Doob has stayed on top of discussion ever since it came to public knowledge. Whether it is about creating expectations, or controversy, this film has not fallen short on any occasion. So, it is almost no surprise that Doob came out on top once again upon its release.
What might come as a surprise, though, is that Mostofa Sarwar Farooki’s Doob has maintained the same status at home and abroad. The film piqued the curiosity of Indian audience as well due to the lead played by Indian actor Irrfan Khan. It is quite rare for a Bangladeshi (even co-production) film to stay in talk for as long as Doob did, and it is a record in itself. But let us take a look at some other achievements this film has been able to unlock so far.
Doob was released on Friday in 39 theaters in Bangladesh. While that is not such an impressive number for home, the film has been able to secure an impressive release in a record number of 40 theatres outside the country.
Eighteen of these theaters are in West Bengal, which happens to be the key territory for one of the producers of the film – S.K. Movies.
Apart from these, the film has secured a release in 22 other theaters in Mumbai, Pune and Hyderabad, thanks to the effort of the film’s actor/producer Irrfan Khan.
The film was also released in seven theaters in Australia on the same day. This is the first time that any Bangladeshi film has achieved a simultaneous release in so many theatres around the world. The film’s producer/ distributor in Bangladesh was Jaaz Multimedia.
Farooki reported in this matter: “This is the final list of theaters. We will update the list as soon as we get responses from USA, Singapore, Malaysia and France.”
Doob: No Bed of Roses gained early recognition prior to its release through the rumour that at least part of it has been based on the life of the popular Bangladeshi late author Humayun Ahmed, even though the writer and director Farooki remains dead-set on his claim that it is not a biopic.
The film has already gained international recognition through its participation in international festivals like Shanghai International Film Festival, Moscow International Film Festival, El Gouna Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, Busan International Film festival and South Asian Film Festival. Doob won the Kommersant Jury Award at the 39th Moscow International Film Festival, while it was nominated for the Golden Gablet Awards in Shanghai International Film Festival.
“It takes an actor of Irrfan Khan’s stature and magnetism to turn an intimate separation drama into something special, and a writer-director like Bangladesh’s happy maverick Mostofa Sarwar Farooki to layer on subtleties and shades of meaning with realistic detachment that never slips into melodrama,” wrote Deborah Young for The Hollywood Reporter, after the successful participation of the film in El Gouna film festival.
Bangladeshi cinema is currently witnessing a wonderful theater participation from the audiences who flocked in theaters to watch Dhaka Attack. Doob’s successful release indeed keeps on the ray of hope. But one thing is for sure, the theater maintenance teams will definitely be seeing a busy time in the upcoming weeks.
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
