Shah Rukh Khan, also known as the “King of Bollywood,” has a massive fan following not only in India but also worldwide. His latest movie, Pathaan, has created a buzz in the entertainment industry as it marks the first Hindi film to release in Bangladesh since 1971.
The movie stars Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and John Abraham in pivotal roles. The storyline is kept under wraps, but it is said to be an action-packed thriller that revolves around the life of an intelligence officer.
The film’s producer, Yash Raj Films, announced the news on their official Twitter handle, stating that the release of Pathaan in Bangladesh is a momentous occasion for the entire Indian film industry.
The announcement of Pathaan’s release in Bangladesh has come as a pleasant surprise for the fans in the neighboring country. It has been over five decades since a Hindi film made its way to Bangladeshi theatres. The last Hindi movie to release in the country was Mughal-e-Azam in 1969, and since then, there has been a blanket ban on Indian movies.
However, in 2020, the Bangladeshi government lifted the ban on Indian movies, which paved the way for Pathaan’s release. According to reports, the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) has granted permission for the movie’s screening, and the authorities have also waived the usual customs duty and VAT on the film.
The release of Pathaan in Bangladesh is not just a big win for the movie’s makers, but it is also a significant moment in the history of Indian cinema. Bangladesh has a population of over 160 million, and the country’s love for Bollywood movies is well-known. With Pathaan’s release, a whole new audience will be introduced to the world of Hindi cinema, which will further strengthen the cultural ties between the two countries.
The decision to lift the ban on Indian films came after Bangladesh’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting signed an agreement with the Indian government in 2020 to allow Indian films to be screened in the country. This agreement has opened up new opportunities for Indian filmmakers to showcase their work in Bangladesh, which has a significant population of Hindi-speaking audiences.
The Indian film industry has a massive global following, and its movies have transcended borders to become a global phenomenon. According to a report by the Motion Picture Distributors Association (MPDA), Indian films are the most-watched foreign language movies in the UK, the US, and Australia.
Moreover, with the increasing popularity of OTT platforms, the demand for Indian movies has only gone up. A report by KPMG states that the Indian film industry’s revenue is expected to reach $3.7 billion by 2024, primarily due to the growth of digital platforms.
The release of Pathaan in Bangladesh is a significant moment for the Indian film industry. It not only marks the end of a 52-year-long ban but also opens up a new market for Indian movies. With the movie’s release, Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone are set to win the hearts of their fans in Bangladesh, and it will further strengthen the cultural ties between the two countries. The Indian film industry has come a long way, and with the ever-increasing demand for Bollywood movies, it is set to make a mark on the global stage.
