Sri Lanka replaces India as shooting destination for Bangladeshi films

Several Bangladeshi films slated for release this Eid-ul-Fitr were initially planned to be shot in India. Producers and directors had made preparatory visits to locations in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai, and discussions with artistes and crew members were already underway. However, prolonged delays in obtaining permits, visa complications, and growing unease in recent times regarding cross-border collaboration between Bangladeshi and Indian artistes and technicians have now forced a rethink. As a result, Sri Lanka is emerging as the new shooting destination for Bangladeshi cinema, replacing India.

Following political developments in 2024, Bangladesh–India relations have experienced strain, prompting several production houses to reconsider shooting in India. A number of films awaiting release this year had initially planned shoots across various Indian cities, with Indian artistes and technical support also expected to be involved.

Director Mehedi Hasan Hridoy has already departed for Sri Lanka with a 28-member unit for the film "Rakkhosh". He said the team plans to shoot continuously for 18 days. "Given the changed circumstances, the visa environment in India is no longer as favourable as before," the director explained. "At the same time, the kind of locations we need are available in Sri Lanka, where filming can be done smoothly. That is why we chose Sri Lanka." 

In "Rakkhosh", Siam Ahmed stars opposite Kolkata-based actress Sushmita Chatterjee, while a Bollywood actor is also expected to join the Sri Lanka schedule in a negative role.

Meanwhile, shooting begins in Bangladesh today for "Prince: Once Upon a Time in Dhaka", directed by Abu Hayat Mahmud and starring Shakib Khan. The film is being produced with an Eid release in mind. Initially, a significant portion of the shoot was planned for Hyderabad, later extended to include Kolkata. The latest decision, however, is to shift the overseas schedule to Sri Lanka. Members of the team have already scouted several locations there. Sources say repeated delays in securing visas for many crew members prompted the move.

Although the director and production house have not officially commented, members associated with the "Prince" team said that waiting for Indian visas could have delayed work on an Eid release. With similar locations available in Sri Lanka, the team opted for uninterrupted shooting there, while keeping the option open to film limited portions in India if conditions improve.

In "Prince", Shakib Khan will be paired with three actresses. Kolkata's Jyotirmoyee Kundu and Dhaka's Tasnia Farin have been confirmed, while the third actress—also from Dhaka—has not yet been announced, with the makers keen to retain an element of surprise.

Several other directors and producers, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they had also planned song shoots in India but have now decided to relocate those schedules to Sri Lanka. Industry insiders indicate that at least three more films, which were to be shot at Indian locations this year, have temporarily shelved those plans in favour of Sri Lanka. Should the situation normalise, they remain interested in returning to India's diverse locations.

The shift is not limited to films alone. Production houses and artistes have also chosen Sri Lanka over India for several big-budget music video shoots. According to artistes and technicians involved, uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh–India relations has made them reassess shooting decisions repeatedly, at least until conditions stabilise.