Online Desk: This is the first time an Indian film will be released in Bangladesh on the same day as its global release. “Jawan”, starring Shah Rukh Khan, has generated fervent anticipation amongst cinephiles on both sides of the border. Just yesterday, the film was formally submitted to the Censor Board of Bangladesh for approval, in preparation for its upcoming release.

However, amid the buzz and excitement, a group of influential filmmakers, including Delwar Jahan Jhantu, AQ Khokon, Badiul Alam Khokon, Saimon Tariq, and several others, are rallying against the film’s release in Bangladesh. This opposition has influenced numerous artistes, including actors like Shiba Shanu, Shanku Panja, Nasreen, and many more.

“Jawan” is set to release in Bangladesh without adhering to our established regulations of importing Hindi films. If it requires, we will take to the streets to protest. Let’s see, if it receives censorship approval or not,” said Jhantu. “We cannot sit idly and allow our film industry, which we have painstakingly nurtured, to be overshadowed by foreign productions,” he added.

Responding to Jhantu’s vehement stance, Anonno Mamun, retorted, “We have diligently followed all the protocols in importing this film. The authorities responsible for permitting its exhibition are certainly not naive. They have granted approval with full awareness of the situation. There is no rationale behind creating unnecessary protest in the guise of safeguarding our industry.”

Earlier, when Shah Rukh Khan’s film “Pathaan” saw release in Bangladesh in May, the same group of directors had vehemently opposed its screening, citing concerns about the potential detriment to the local film industry.