Shakib Khan’s ‘Borbaad’ Dominates Eid Box Office, ‘Antoratta’ Fizzles

Eid brought mixed fortunes for Dhallywood superstar Shakib Khan, with his film Borbaad making a spectacular debut at the box office, while Antoratta struggled, eventually being pulled from Star Cineplex after just one day.

Directed by Mehedi Hasan Hridoy, Borbaad quickly outpaced other major Eid releases, including Afran Nisho’s Daagi, Siam Ahmed’s Jongli, Mosharraf Karim’s Chokkor 302, and Sajal-Nusraat Faria’s Jinn-3. The film earned Tk 28.82 lakh on its opening day alone, according to the Facebook page BMR – Bangla Movie Review.

Premiering with 27 screenings across Star Cineplex, Lion Cinemas, and Grand Sylhet Movie Theatre, the film saw a surge in demand on the second day, prompting a 60% increase in showings to 41 screenings, with 35 being houseful. By the end of day two, its earnings had soared to approximately Tk 73.14 lakh, with Tk 44.31 lakh earned on the second day alone. On the third day of Eid, Star Cineplex increased screenings to 44, with plans for 45 screenings on Thursday across all branches.

In contrast, Antoratta, directed by Wajed Ali Sumon, failed to gain traction. Despite a release across 21 theatres, including multiplexes and single screens, the film's disappointing box office performance led to its removal from Star Cineplex a day earlier than planned. Initially scheduled for two daily screenings at Star Cineplex’s Bashundhara City and Sony Square branches until April 3, the film was pulled after poor audience turnout.

Starring Shakib Khan alongside Kolkata actress Darshana Banik, Antoratta was initially set for release in 2022 but faced delays. Its minimal promotional campaign and lack of involvement from the cast contributed to its weak performance. Following its removal from Star Cineplex, the film had two screenings at Lion Cinemas and is still showing at Blockbusters Cinemas in Jamuna Future Park. However, its total earnings at multiplexes over two days amounted to just Tk 1.27 lakh.

The sharp contrast in box office performances between Borbaad and Antoratta has sparked discussions among Bangladeshi cinephiles, with social media reflecting the changing preferences of local moviegoers.