‘Mohanagar 3’ faces delay over budget concerns

One of Bangladesh’s most popular web series, “Mohanagar”, created a major buzz across both Bengals after its release. Starring Mosharraf Karim, the crime thriller quickly became a sensation among viewers. Following the release of its first two installments in 2021 and 2023, audiences have been eagerly awaiting the third chapter.

However, questions have repeatedly surfaced over whether “Mohanagar 3” will actually be made. Recently, Hoichoi Bangladesh’s Country Director Shakib R Khan revealed that discussions about the new season are currently stalled due to budget complications.

Speaking on a podcast, Shakib R Khan said the story for the third installment has already been written, but producing it at the required scale has proven difficult.

“The story for ‘Mohanagar 3’ has already been written. The problem is that the budget required for this story is beyond the current capacity of Hoichoi Bangladesh to operate,” he said. “I’m saying this directly because this is the kind of budget typically used for a film. With this budget, it wouldn’t be feasible to produce OTT content. It would work in cinemas, because films generate revenue based on viewership. OTT platforms don’t generate revenue in the same way.”

He added that the significant difference between the earnings of films and OTT content has made it difficult to move forward with the project. “That is why ‘Mohanagar 3’ is currently stuck at the discussion stage due to budget issues,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Shakib R Khan said efforts are ongoing to resolve the matter. “Ashfaque, our team, and the production company are still trying to find a solution. We definitely want to make ‘Mohanagar 3’, in whatever format possible. Because after achieving this level of popularity, if we don’t continue it, that would be a betrayal of the audience,” he said.

Following his remarks, director Ashfaque Nipun was contacted for comment. Speaking to Aajker Patrika, he said budget-related decisions are handled by producers rather than directors.

“Directors do not deal with budget matters. That is handled by the producers,” Nipun said. “As a director, my responsibility is to focus on the creative work, and I have done that. The series is being produced by Runout Films. In OTT projects, producers usually handle everything from payments to budget-related issues. They would be able to explain the matter better. However, I am ready.”

Shakib R Khan has also hinted at the possibility of making “Mohanagar 3” as a film instead of a web series. However, Nipun said he has not yet received any proposal to adapt the project into a film.

“There is a clear difference between OTT and cinema. The discipline of the two mediums is completely different,” he said. “If it has to be made as a film, then it would require rethinking it from the beginning.”

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He added that viewing habits also play a role in how OTT content is made in Bangladesh. “Most people in Bangladesh watch OTT content on their mobile phones, so there isn’t much need to make it highly cinematic. But when making a film, you must keep the big screen in mind. In that case, cinematic elements become very important,” he said.