‘Rongbazar’ heads for OTT release after piracy leak

Upcoming Bangladeshi film “Rongbazar” has been released directly on OTT after falling victim to piracy ahead of its planned theatrical release.

The film, directed by Rashid Polash, was recently leaked online before reaching cinemas. Unable to protect the project from piracy, the producers ultimately decided to bypass theatres and release the film digitally instead.

Confirming the development to local media, the director said the decision was taken at the producer’s request.

“It is disappointing for me as a filmmaker. But perhaps the producer had no other option to save the film from piracy,” Rashid Polash said.

The film was released on Sunday (May 17) through the Cinematic app operated by Live Technologies.

Based on the eviction of a red-light district, the film explores the lives and struggles surrounding the controversial event.

The cast includes Peya Jannatul, Shampa Reza, Naznin Chumki, Tanjika Amin, Mousumi Hamid, Lutfur Rahman George, Borda Mithu, Samrat and Manik Saha.

The screenplay for the film was written by Golam Rabbani.

Read more

Barbra Streisand unable to attend Cannes closing ceremony after knee injury

The incident once again highlights the growing impact of piracy on Bangladesh’s film industry, where several productions have faced financial setbacks due to leaked copies circulating online before official releases.