‘The University of Chankharpul’ set for Eid release

A new Bangladeshi film exploring the realities of university hall culture and student politics is gearing up for release this Eid-ul-Azha. Director Akash Haque recently unveiled the trailer for “The University of Chankharpul” and announced plans to bring the film to theatres during the festive season.

The film portrays the darker sides of student politics, power struggles, ideological conflicts, and the challenges faced by the country’s youth. Directed and produced by Akash Haque, the film stars Debdyuti Aich, Rocky Khan, Bobby Biswas, Akhtaruzzaman Azad, Abu Sayed, Ifad Hasan and Niloy Bala in various roles.

Speaking about the project, Akash Haque said, “Through this film, I wanted to reveal the inner workings of student politics — something many people know about but have never truly seen. The screenplay prioritises harsh realities.”

Explaining the decision to target an Eid release, the filmmaker said audiences now mostly visit cinemas during major festivals.

“People’s habit of going to theatres has declined. Eid is now the only time when large audiences return to cinemas, so we decided to release the film during the Eid festivities,” he said.

This year’s Eid release lineup already includes more than half a dozen films, including star-driven titles such as “Rockstar”, “Roid” and “Bonolota Sen”. Despite concerns over securing enough screens amid the crowded lineup, Akash Haque remains optimistic about releasing the film during Eid.

“We know it is very difficult to secure halls during Eid because of the big-budget releases. We are in discussions with several cineplexes, and the response has been positive so far,” he said.

He added that if the film cannot be released on Eid day itself, the team plans to release it the following week while the festive atmosphere continues.

The filmmaker also revealed alternative exhibition plans in case theatrical availability becomes limited.

“We have already spoken with several university film societies. Discussions are also ongoing with different embassies to arrange special screenings there as well,” he said.

Earlier this year, “The University of Chankharpul” premiered at the Dhaka International Film Festival, where it won the Best Film award in the Bangladesh Panorama section. The film later received the Hiralal Sen Medal for Best Film at the 24th edition of the Amar Bhashar Cholochitro Utshab organised by the Dhaka University Film Society.

Akash Haque expressed confidence that audiences would connect with the film in theatres as well.

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“Both festival screenings were houseful. At one screening, some students said they would leave within 10 to 15 minutes if they did not enjoy it. But not a single audience member left before the film ended,” he said.