Farooki breaks silence on ‘Shonibar Bikel’ theatre release
Bangladeshi filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has addressed ongoing questions about why his film “Shonibar Bikel” (Saturday Afternoon) has not been released in local cinemas. He has clarified that the decision is based on business realities rather than fear or hesitation.
In his recent Facebook post, Farooki said that over the past year and a half, many people have repeatedly asked him why he is not releasing the film theatrically. He noted that the question often carries an implication — “as if I am now afraid to speak about extremism,” he remarked.
Explaining the situation, the director said that after the film was released on streaming platform SonyLIV, thousands of online links were circulated. “Whoever wanted to watch it has already seen it. And if anyone still hasn’t, they can find it in a second,” he said.
Farooki argued that releasing a film in cinemas when it is already widely available online, does not make business sense in Bangladesh’s market. According to him, even a superhit film earns a limited amount once distribution costs are deducted. “No one asks why ‘Bachelor’ isn’t being released in theatres now,” he pointed out, referring to his popular 2004 film. “Because there is no business left.”
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Responding to speculation about his stance on controversial subjects, Farooki asserted that he retains ownership of all his films and will continue making movies on religious or cultural extremism. He added that just as artistes should not face obstacles in speaking about religious extremism, there should also be no barriers to speaking out against enforced disappearances and killings carried out in the name of ideology.
He concluded his message with a note of goodwill: “May all living beings in the world be happy.”
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