Five New Movies to Watch This Eid: Dhallywood Gears Up for a Festive Showdown

Eid in Bangladesh is not just about family gatherings, new clothes, and delicious food but it is also about cinema. Every year, the festive season breathes life into the country’s film industry. Cinema halls that often struggle to attract audiences suddenly come alive, buzzing with excitement, long queues, and the promise of entertainment.

This Eid-ul-Fitr is no different as this year five new Bangladeshi films are set to hit the big screen, offering audiences a mix of action, drama, thrill, and storytelling. From big-budget star vehicles to experimental narratives, the lineup reflects the evolving landscape of Dhallywood.

With nearly 200 cinema halls preparing for the releases, expectations are high that this Eid could revive the theatrical experience once again.

Here’s a detailed look at the five movies to watch this Eid.

1. Prince: Once Upon a Time in Dhaka — The Big Eid Attraction

At the center of this year’s Eid lineup is Prince: Once Upon a Time in Dhaka, starring superstar Shakib Khan.

The film dives into the underworld of 1990s Dhaka, portraying a gangster figure inspired by real-life criminal networks. It blends action, romance, and political drama, making it a classic Eid blockbuster formula.

Shakib Khan’s presence alone guarantees massive attention. Known for dominating Eid releases, his films often set the tone for box office performance.

Cinema hall owners have already shown strong interest in screening Prince, with some planning to run it for weeks before rotating other films.

For audiences, this is expected to be the mainstream entertainer of the season.

2. Domm — A Story of Survival and Strength

Directed by Redoan Rony, Domm brings a different flavor to the Eid lineup. Starring Afran Nisho and Chanchal Chowdhury, the film focuses on human resilience and survival. Unlike typical action-heavy Eid films, Domm leans toward emotional storytelling grounded in real-life struggles.

The film’s narrative explores how ordinary individuals face extraordinary circumstances, making it potentially one of the most thought-provoking releases of the season.

With strong performances expected from its lead actors, Domm could appeal to audiences looking for substance over spectacle.

3. Rakkhosh — Dark, Intense, and Bold

If you’re looking for something intense this Eid, Rakkhosh might stand out. The movie is directed by Mehedi Hasan Hridoy and starring Siam Ahmed, the film is described as a romantic action-thriller with a darker tone. It explores themes of crime, greed, and transformation.

Unlike traditional family-friendly Eid films, Rakkhosh has taken a bold route with its storytelling and has even received an adult rating due to its intense themes.

This makes it one of the more unconventional releases of the season—targeting a mature audience seeking a gripping cinematic experience.

4. Bonolota Express — A Journey Through Stories

Based on a story by legendary writer, film-maker  Humayun Ahmed, Bonolota Express offers a completely different cinematic experience.

Directed by Tanim Noor, the film unfolds around a train journey, weaving together multiple characters and narratives.

With a strong ensemble cast including Chanchal Chowdhury, Mosharraf Karim, and Sabila Noor, the film promises a blend of humor, emotion, and nostalgia.

Unlike high-octane action films, Bonolota Express focuses on storytelling and character development, making it ideal for audiences who enjoy meaningful cinema.

5. Pressure Cooker — A Glimpse into Dhaka’s Harsh Realities

Raihan Rafi’s Pressure Cooker is perhaps one of the most intriguing films in this Eid lineup.

The film explores the darker side of Dhaka, portraying the struggles of people who come to the city hoping to achieve success but find themselves trapped in harsh realities.

Described as a multi-narrative film, it highlights the emotional and social pressures faced by urban dwellers.

Rafi himself has compared Dhaka to a “pressure cooker,” where people live under constant stress and tension. With strong female characters and layered storytelling, the film could resonate deeply with modern audiences.

Eid and Cinema: A Special Connection

The release of multiple films during Eid will give Bangladesh audience  a vast pool of choice which has been a long-standing tradition in Bangladesh.

For filmmakers, Eid offers the biggest opportunity to reach audiences. For cinema halls, it is often the most profitable time of the year.

Even in recent years, when cinema attendance has fluctuated, Eid releases have continued to draw crowds. Industry insiders believe that festival releases play a crucial role in sustaining the film industry.

This year, with five films ready for release, the competition is expected to be intense but healthy, according to media critics.

A Turning Point for Dhallywood?

What makes this Eid lineup particularly interesting is its diversity.

• A mass entertainer (Prince)
• A survival drama (Domm)
• A dark thriller (Rakkhosh)
• A narrative-driven journey (Bonolota Express)
• A social drama (Pressure Cooker)

This variety reflects a changing Dhallywood—one that is experimenting with genres and storytelling styles.

Industry stakeholders are hopeful that audiences will respond positively, encouraging filmmakers to continue pushing boundaries.

The Final Verdict: What Should You Watch?

This Eid, the answer depends on your taste.

• Want action and star power? → Prince
• Prefer emotional storytelling? → Domm
• Looking for something dark and intense? → Rakkhosh
• Enjoy character-driven narratives? → Bonolota Express
• Interested in social realism? → Pressure Cooker

One thing is certain—this Eid offers something for everyone.

Eid is Incomplete Without Movies

As families gather to celebrate Eid, cinemas across Bangladesh are preparing for one of their busiest seasons. These five films represent not just entertainment, but the hopes of an industry eager to reconnect with its audience.

Lights will dim, screens will glow, and stories will unfold and for a few hours, audiences will laugh, cry, and escape into the magic of cinema.

Because in Bangladesh, Eid is incomplete without movies.