Top 10 Highest-Earning Bangladeshi Films

November 02, 2023, 11:13 AM
by Kawser Md Sayem

UNB News
Publish- November 02, 2023, 11:13 AM
Kawser Md Sayem

Top 10 Highest-Earning Bangladeshi Films

Priyotoma, Beder Meye Josna, Shopner Thikana, Hawa, and Priya Amar Priya.

The Dhallywood film industry has witnessed a compelling journey in the history of Bangladeshi cinema. The cinematic endeavors have resonated with the audiences and left an indelible mark on the Dhallywood box office. This article presents an exploration of the highest-earning Bangladeshi films to date. Let’s get a snapshot of Bangladeshi movies that have etched their names on the hearts of this film-loving nation.

Top 10 Dhallywood Box Office Toppers of All Time

Priyotoma | Tk 41.23 Crore

Priyotoma', produced by Arshad Adnan under the banner of Versatile Media, has carved its name in the domestic romantic action genre. Directed by Himel Ashraf, the film tells a tragic love story that leaves an indelible mark on audiences. The narrative was penned by the late Faruk Hossain, with Himel Ashraf contributing to the screenplay and dialogues. The film features Shakib Khan, the highest-paid leading actor in Bangladesh, and Idhika Paul, a small-screen actress from Kolkata.

Upon its release on June 29, 2023, 'Priyotoma' made a resounding impact by collecting BDT 10 crore in its first week, exceeding its budget of BDT 2.5 crore.

Notably, this cinematic masterpiece holds several box office records, standing as the highest-grossing Bangladeshi film of 2023 and all time.

The film's excellence is further underscored by its recognition at the 22nd BABISAS (Bangladesh Binodon Sangbadik Samity) Awards. There it received nine awards, including Best Actor and Best Actress in the Special Honors category.

Beder Meye Josna | Tk 20 Crore

Directed and written by Tozammel Haque Bokul, this classic remains a shining example of storytelling that transcends generations. 'Beder Meye Josna' draws inspiration from a rural Bangla play of the same name, delving into a love story between a gypsy girl and a prince. Released on June 9, 1989, the film starred Ilias Kanchan and Anju Ghosh.

Notably, the movie's budget stood at a humble BDT 20 lakh, a far cry from the blockbuster budgets of today. Nevertheless, 'Beder Meye Josna' emerged as a financial titan, becoming the highest-grossing Bangladeshi film until the year 2023.

A survey conducted by the British Film Institute recognized this cinematic gem, ranking it among the top 10 films of Bangladesh.

The audio cassette of the film's songs sold one lakh copies within a month of its release. Written by Hasan Motiur Rahman and sung by Mujeeb Pardes, the song 'Ami Bondi Karagare' remained on people's lips for the next few decades. Except for this, the rest of the songs were penned by the director, Tozammel Haque Bokul.

The melodious tunes, including the title song 'Beder Meye Josna,' sung by Andrew Kishore and Runa Laila, cemented its immortality in the world of Bangladeshi cinema.

Shopner Thikana | Tk 19 Crore

'Shopner Thikana,' directed by MA Khalek, offers a window into the legacy of legendary hero Salman Shah. The film, which was scripted by Chatku Ahmed, takes its inspiration from a story by Nurul Islam Parvez. Released on May 11, 1995, 'Shopner Thikana' featured Shabnoor and Sonia as Salman Shah's lead co-artists.

'Shopner Thikana' presented a compelling narrative centered around the dynamics of rich-poor relationships and love triangles. Almost all of the cinema's songs, including 'Ae Din Se Din Koni Din,' acquired top positions of the radio charts. All thanks to the creative genius of renowned composer and music director Late Alam Khan.

Hawa | Tk 16 Crore

'Hawa' stands as a unique mystery-drama film that weaves a tale based on a myth. The production company, Sun Music and Motion Pictures Limited released the cinema on July 29, 2022.

There was an ensemble cast under the direction of Mejbaur Rahman Sumon. Chanchal Chowdhury, Nazifa Tushi, Sariful Razz, Sumon Anowar, Shohel Mondol, Nasir Uddin Khan, and Rizvi Rizu were among the main actors.

The film portrays the intriguing journey of an all-men team aboard a fishing trawler. Their encounter with a beautiful yet mysterious young girl sets the stage for a series of inexplicable events.

The film was selected as Bangladesh's entry for the 'Best International Feature Film' category at the 95th Academy Awards. The film also garnered a place on the shortlist for the 80th Golden Globe Awards.

Priya Amar Priya | Tk 15 Crore

This Badiul Alam Khokon-directed romantic action movie marked a turning point in Shakib Khan's career. Produced by Monir Hossain under the banner of Asha Production, this film was released on June 13, 2008.

The film's story was crafted by Puri Jagannadh, with the screenplay penned by Sachin Nag. 'Priya Amar Priya' showcases the performances of Sahara along with Shakib in the lead roles.

The movie established itself as the top-earning Bangladeshi film of 2008 and earned its place as one of the all-time highest-earners in Bangladesh. Furthermore, the movie stands as the pinnacle of Shakib's cinematic journey up to 2019.

His exceptional performance earned him the Meril-Prothom Alo Awards for Best Actor, the Euro-CJFB Performance Awards, and the Channel I Performance Awards.

Password, Poran, Ammajan, Shotter Mrittu Nei, and Shanto Keno Mastan.

Password | Tk 12 Crore

Shakib Khan and Mohammad Iqbal, carrying the label of SK Films jointly produced this action-thriller film directed by Malek Afsari. The movie features Shakib Khan clashing with a formidable gangster over a compromised bank account password. Shobnom Bubly, Eamon, and Misha Sawdagor shared the screen as co-stars in this production.

With a budget of BDT 3 crore, 'Password' graced 177 theaters in Bangladesh on June 5, 2019.

The film not only became the highest-grossing film of 2019 but also established its place among the all-time Box Office champs in Bangladesh.
The film won awards in five categories, including the Popular Film and Popular Actor awards, at the Bharat-Bangladesh Film Festival.

Poran | Tk 12 Crore

Poran,' a romantic thriller based on a contemporary murder incident in the country, was directed by the young and talented filmmaker Raihan Rafi. Produced by Md Tamzid Ul Alam under the banner of Live Technologies, this film explores the intricacies of a runaway, triangular love affair.

The cast of 'Poran' featured Bidya Sinha Saha Mim, Yash Rohan, and Sariful Razz in pivotal roles.

With a budget of BDT 83 lakh, the cinema had its nationwide release on July 10, 2022. The producer highlighted the film's earnings, noting that the budget of five more films could be produced with the same earnings.

Ammajan | Tk 11 Crore

Ammajan,' a much-appreciated film, holds the talent of renowned film director Kazi Hayat. Kazi Hayat and film producer Monwar Hossain Dipjol collaborated on the script for this crime-drama film.

Released on June 25, 1999, the movie boasts a star-studded cast, featuring Manna, Shabnam, Moushumi, Amin Khan, and Dipjol in lead roles. At its core, the story unveils the deterioration of a mother's attention to her son after a mischievous incident befalls her.

The cost of producing the movie amounted to BDT 1.02 crore. Even before its release, the project earned BDT 1.04 from production and music rights.

The renowned rock band artist Ayub Bachchu gained substantial acclaim courtesy of the film's hit track, 'Ammajan.' All of the songs were meticulously crafted by the late maestro of lyrics and composition, Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul.

Kazi Hayat's exceptional work in crafting the screenplay earned him the National Film Award for Best Screenplay. 'Ammajan' also received accolades at the BACHSAS (Bangladesh Cholochitro Sangbadik Samity) Awards, securing a total of five awards, including Best Film and the Manna Award for Best Actor.

Shotter Mrittu Nei | Tk 11 Crore

This Chhatku Ahmed-directed drama delves into a narrative of sacrifice, injustice, and redemption. Jointly scripted by Chhatku Ahmed and Panaullah Ahmed, this 90’s hit found its way to the silver screen on September 13, 1996.

The movie showcases a cast led by Salman Shah, Alamgir, Shabana, Raisul Islam Asad, Shahnaz, and Wasimul Bari Rajib.

The story advances with a character who accepts responsibility for a crime he did not commit to protect his mother's reputation.

Shanto Keno Mastan | Tk 10.5 Crore

At the very end of the 20th century, this crime film, starring Manna, was the cinematic gem directed by Montazur Rahman Akbar. Abdullah Zaheer Babu contributed to the screenplay along with the director Montazur Rahman Akbar. Produced under the banner of Armaan Production, ‘Shanto Keno Mastan’ was released on July 31, 1998.

The narrative unfolds around Shanto, who takes the life of a man who had attempted to harm his sister. Then he finds himself in dire straits after serving time in jail and upon his return, Shanto grapples with societal rejection. The story takes a dark turn as he is compelled to choose a path fraught with darkness.

In the cinema, Manna’s co-stars were Shahnaz, Razzak, Dolly Zahur, Humayun Faridi, Misha Sawdagor, and Dildar.

With a budget of 90 lakhs, 'Shanto Keno Mastan' was a financial success, marking its place in the annals of Bangladeshi cinema.

Final Words

When it comes to the inflation discrepancies, the order of these top 10 highest-earning Bangladeshi movies will need to be recast. Throughout the ever-evolving landscape of Bangladeshi filmography, the financial ascendancy remains undeniable.

Furthermore, when accounting for the inflation rate, 'Beder Meye Josna' emerges as an unrivaled exemplar with a box office of BDT 142 crores by 2022. Thereby, its stature is solidified as an unparalleled titan in the annals of Dhallywood's financial legacy.