Afifa Jahan Pushpo

Cinema is one of the most powerful forms of entertainment, capable of influencing society, politics, and the economy. Like in other parts of the world, the film industry in Bangladesh holds cultural and commercial significance. Films not only serve as a source of entertainment but also provide an avenue for artistic expression. Watching and analyzing films can be a reflection of one’s personality and artistic taste.

Cinema is considered a unique form of art that can shape social, economic, and political landscapes. When these factors work together, it is referred to in French as "Rapport de Production"—the relationship between production and society. The Bangladeshi film industry has gone through a golden era, followed by a period of decline. However, in recent years, there have been signs of revival, promising a brighter future for the industry.

The Birth and Golden Era of Bangladeshi Cinema

The journey of Bangladeshi cinema began during the Pakistani era. In 1959, the East Pakistan Film Development Corporation was established, which later became the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) after independence. The period between the 1960s and 1970s is considered the golden age of Bangladeshi cinema.

Some of the most iconic films from this era include "Mukh O Mukhosh", "Titas Ekti Nodir Naam", "Ora Egaro Jon", and "Stop Genocide"—films that depicted the struggles of the Liberation War and introduced Bangladesh to the global audience. One of the most notable political films of that time was "Jibon Theke Neya"(1970) by Zahir Raihan, which subtly portrayed public resistance against the oppressive Pakistani regime.

Even in the late 1970s, films such as "Abar Tora Manush Ho" by Khan Ataur Rahman, "Golapi Ekhon Trene" by Amjad Hossain, and "Arunodoyer Agnishakkhi" by Subhash Dutta showcased social realism and captivated audiences.

Decline of the Industry and the Era of Commercialization :

During the 1980s and 1990s, the popularity of Bangladeshi cinema started to decline. Instead of focusing on technological advancements and original storytelling, filmmakers prioritized commercial gains. This led to an increase in low-quality productions, causing audiences to gradually lose interest in cinemas.

Many films during this period were marked by excessive vulgarity, poorly executed action sequences, and weak narratives. Despite these setbacks, actors like Salman Shah, Shabnur, Riaz, and Manna managed to bring some glamour back to the industry.

By the early 2000s, Bangladeshi films faced further challenges due to the trend of copying foreign plots, substandard editing, and weak scripts. As a result, audiences turned away from cinemas, leading to the closure of many movie theatres. However, amidst this decline, films such as "Daruchini Dwip" and "Monpura" rekindled public interest in Bangladeshi cinema.

The OTT Revolution and the Rise of New-Age Cinema :

In recent years, the Bangladeshi film industry has been making a comeback, particularly with the rise of Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms. These platforms have encouraged diverse storytelling and quality filmmaking.

Notably, Nuhash Humayun’s "Moshari" gained international recognition, while his "Pet Kata Shaw" series introduced a fresh perspective to horror storytelling. Mezbaur Rahman Sumon’s "Hawa" received critical acclaim for its unique narrative and cinematography.

Big-budget films have also contributed to this resurgence. Movies like "Aynabaji", "Poramon 2", "Surongo", "Priyotoma", and "Toofan" have successfully drawn audiences back to cinemas. Improved cinematography, realistic storytelling, and modern filmmaking techniques have made these films more appealing to viewers.

Challenges and Future Prospects of the Film Industry :

While the Bangladeshi film industry is showing signs of revival, several challenges remain:
Ambiguous Censorship Policies – The lack of clear guidelines often leads to unnecessary restrictions on creative storytelling.
The decline in Cinema Halls – Many traditional movie theatres have closed down, limiting the market for new films.

Need for Technological Advancement– The industry requires better VFX, high-quality cameras, and improved post-production facilities to compete internationally. Lack of Original Storytelling – Many filmmakers still rely on outdated storytelling methods, failing to engage modern audiences.

Expansion of OTT Platforms – Online streaming services are allowing filmmakers to create high-quality content with lower budgets. The emergence of New Filmmakers – Directors like Raihan Rafi, Nuhash Humayun, and Mezbaur Rahman Sumon are introducing innovative storytelling techniques. International Recognition – Bangladeshi films are being featured at global film festivals, winning awards, and gaining international exposure.

The Bangladeshi film industry is currently at a crucial turning point. With quality storytelling, technological advancements, and strategic investments, it has the potential to regain its former glory. If filmmakers continue to focus on creativity and innovation, Bangladeshi cinema can establish itself as a competitive force in the international film market.

The writer is a student of Television, Film and Photography Department University of Dhaka