The Bangladesh Film Industry at a Crossroads
The Bangladesh film industry once stood as one of South Asia’s most vibrant storytelling hubs. Known popularly as Dhallywood, it produced more than 100 movies a year during its golden era. In the 1980s and 1990s, cinema halls across the country were packed, and local stars like Shabana, Alamgir, and Salman Shah were household names.
Today, however, the scene has changed drastically. The number of theaters has dropped from 1,200 in the 1980s to fewer than 250. Annual film production has fallen to around 40 to 50 films, according to the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC). This decline raises a serious question: Why is Bangladesh’s film industry struggling, and can it be revived?
To understand the crisis, it is important to explore its root causes such as poor funding, weak storytelling, limited technology, and changing audience habits. For additional context, read about the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation and UNESCO’s Creative Economy Reports which shed light on how developing nations can rebuild cultural industries.
A Brief History of Dhallywood
The Bangladesh film industry officially began in 1956 with Mukh O Mukhosh, the first feature film made in East Pakistan. After independence in 1971, Dhaka became the heart of national cinema, and Dhallywood was born.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Bangladeshi films enjoyed their golden era. Cinema halls flourished across rural towns, and productions like Beder Meye Josna broke all box office records. The film sold more than 10 million tickets nationwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Bangladeshi films ever.
By the 2000s, however, this success began to fade. Poor governance, piracy, and technological stagnation slowed growth. Many halls closed down, and audiences began turning toward Indian and Western entertainment.
Current Status of the Bangladesh Film Industry
The Bangladesh film industry today stands at a turning point. The country produces fewer than 50 films a year, compared to India’s 1,500. Most of these films are low-budget, ranging between 30 to 80 lakh taka, far below international standards.
In 2024, the total market value of Bangladeshi cinema was estimated at around 30 million US dollars, while Bollywood alone is worth 2 billion US dollars. This enormous gap highlights the lack of investment and global reach.
Yet, there are sparks of hope. Films such as Hawa (2022), Poran (2022), and Surongo (2023) revived audience interest, proving that good stories and modern production can still attract crowds.
Why the Bangladesh Film Industry Is Declining
Weak Storytelling and Repetitive Themes
The biggest criticism of the Bangladesh film industry is poor storytelling. Many films still rely on outdated plots, unrealistic love stories, exaggerated action, or recycled scripts. Younger audiences, exposed to global content through OTT platforms, are no longer interested in the same formulas.
For example, a 2023 survey by Dhaka Tribune found that 64 percent of urban youth prefer watching international content over local movies because of better storylines and direction.
Solution: The industry needs investment in professional screenwriting courses, writing grants, and creative collaborations. The Bangladesh Film and Television Institute (BFTI) could play a crucial role here by nurturing scriptwriters and encouraging originality.
Low Budget and Poor Funding
Producing a film requires money, and Dhallywood is starved of it. Most Bangladeshi producers work with extremely limited budgets. As a result, films suffer from weak production design, poor visual effects, and low-quality sound.
In comparison, an average Indian regional film can cost 20 to 30 times more than a Bangladeshi production. The lack of investors, combined with piracy and low ticket sales, discourages future funding.
Solution: The government should introduce tax incentives and film grants for new filmmakers. Public and private partnerships can also encourage the growth of creative enterprises similar to models in South Korea and Turkey.
Outdated Technical Standards
Even talented filmmakers struggle with poor technical resources. Editing, sound design, and cinematography often fall short of global quality. Although a few directors, like Mejbaur Rahman Sumon (Hawa) and Raihan Rafi (Poran), have shown promise, most productions lack modern filmmaking infrastructure.
Solution: Training programs, global collaborations, and technology upgrades can help modernize production quality. Partnerships with international streaming services can also introduce global technical standards.
Shrinking Cinema Halls
Bangladesh once had over 1,200 movie theaters. Now, fewer than 250 halls remain, many in poor condition. The rise of digital streaming and piracy has led to declining ticket sales. Without audiences, cinema halls cannot survive.
Solution: The government and private sector can invest in mini multiplexes and community theaters in smaller towns. This would make films accessible again and revive cinema-going culture.
Piracy and Online Leaks
Piracy is one of the biggest threats to the Bangladesh film industry. According to BTRC (2023), nearly 60 percent of new films are leaked online within days of release. This destroys box office revenue and discourages producers from funding new projects.
Solution: Enforcing strict anti-piracy laws and building a national OTT platform for legal streaming could help protect creative content.
Learn more about global anti-piracy standards from WIPO and local efforts at ICT Division Bangladesh.
Censorship and Bureaucratic Barriers
Bangladesh’s strict censorship laws often limit creative freedom. Filmmakers must seek multiple approvals, and delays can kill independent projects. Some films face bans for minor social or political reasons, discouraging experimentation.
Solution: Simplify approval processes and reform censorship policies to balance creativity with cultural sensitivity.
Changing Audience Behavior
The biggest shift comes from the audience itself. Younger generations are more likely to watch Netflix, YouTube, or Chorki than visit a cinema. Streaming platforms offer flexibility, variety, and global stories.
This change in viewing behavior has pushed traditional cinemas into decline. However, it also opens a new door for the digital film industry.
The Rise of OTT Platforms in Bangladesh
Despite the fall of cinema halls, online platforms have emerged as a new opportunity for the Bangladesh film industry. OTT platforms such as Chorki, Binge, and Bioscope are creating fresh excitement.
Series like Karagar, Kaiser, and Tithir Oshukh have achieved massive success, both nationally and internationally. These digital releases allow directors more creative freedom and give audiences access to Bangladeshi content anywhere.
According to Google Trends Bangladesh (2024), streaming consumption has grown by over 150 percent in just three years. This shift shows that the future of Bangladeshi cinema might lie in digital storytelling.
Economic and Cultural Impact of Film Decline
The Bangladesh film industry contributes to the economy through job creation and cultural export. However, its decline has reduced employment opportunities. The industry once supported over 100,000 workers, including technicians, set designers, and artists. Today, only a fraction remain active.
Culturally, cinema has always been a reflection of national identity. When local film production weakens, foreign media begins to dominate public imagination. This risks diluting Bangladeshi cultural heritage, language, and values.
Government Efforts and Policy Reforms
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has launched new incentives for filmmakers, including funding for short films, film festivals, and digital cinema projects. The Bangladesh Film and Television Institute now provides professional training to young filmmakers.
In 2023, the government also proposed a National Film Policy to attract international co-productions and boost local talent. If implemented properly, this could open new opportunities for investment and global partnerships.
For more insights, see the UNDP Creative Economy Report and BFDC’s policy updates.
Opportunities for Revival and Growth
- Story Innovation: Encourage filmmakers to tell modern, locally rooted stories that resonate with younger audiences.
- Film Tourism: Promote Bangladesh’s natural beauty as filming locations for international producers.
- Global Collaboration: Partner with Netflix, Amazon Prime, and regional OTT services to co-produce and distribute Bangladeshi films.
- Education and Training: Build film schools and digital media academies to nurture future talent.
- Audience Engagement: Use social media and film festivals to reconnect the public with local cinema.
If these steps are taken seriously, Bangladesh’s film industry can once again thrive and even export content globally.
A New Dawn for Bangladeshi Cinema
The Bangladesh film industry is facing one of its toughest challenges yet, but it is not beyond repair. The talent, creativity, and audience love still exist. They simply need direction, support, and modernization.
With better storytelling, digital innovation, and investment in infrastructure, Dhallywood can regain its golden glory. The industry that once inspired millions can rise again, not just for entertainment but as a symbol of national culture, creativity, and pride.