Piracy, Worldwide Release & 6 Months in Box Office

Monpura was released on February, 2009. Now Its August and Monpura is about to complete its 6 Months in Box office. Breaking almost all the records of box office, Occupying the busiest theaters in capital for 6 months consecutively, Dragging the Mass to theaters(who were away from it for quite sometime) are some of the milestone that it achieved in these 6 months. We have seen so many Bangla movies copied from Indian movies, And now, Monpura will be Re-Picturised in India keeping the songs and dialogue intact.


After becoming one of the most successful Bangladeshi Movie ever, Monpura is releasing Worldwide. A number of non-resident Bangladeshi were waiting for this movie since its release. In 8th August 2009, Monpura will be released in Sydney, Australia. In Upcoming weeks it will be released in other big cities of Australia . After that, it is supposed to get release in USA, UK and other countries on Upcoming Eid.

Poor Image Quality in Pirated Copy of Monpura

One last thing to be mentioned. There is a pirated copy of this movie available on Internet. The copy was pirated from a theater. In this copy, you will probably find one of the worst picture quality that you have ever experienced. Though the movie has crystal clear picture and excellent sound quality, The pirated copy will provide you with worst experience.

Monpura has created new records in Bangla movie. The sooner it get passed by another movie, The better for Bangla Movie Industry. Hope that, we are not far away from that day.

100 Days of Glory

Monpura has completed its 100 days in box office. Star Cineplex and Bolaka(Bolaka-1 & Bolaka-2) have run this movie for these 100 days consecutively. Considering the fact that, these are the busiest theatres in the capital, one can imagine the nationwide success of this movie. Even after 100 days, the movie is running around 50 theatres across the country.


After a long time, we have seen such an incidence where a main stream commercial film has made people rush towards theatres irrespective of age and class. Simultaneously, it has widened a door for Bangla film industry. There is a bunch of young directors who work in small screen and dream of working in big screen. It is the producers who stand in the way of their dreams. Either they fail to manage a producer or fail to get the amount which is needed to realize their dream. But now, the stream of audience must have inspired the young directors more than ever. It is also a good sign for the producers. And if we can get more and more films from these directors, there will be a much needed change in our industry. We may get back those days of 60's and 70's when movies were a great source of entertainment for all sorts of people.


Movies can never be made for small screen. We were about to grasp such a culture where movies were made for small screen. Small budget, small audience, small profit- That was the motto of those films. But the outstanding success of Monpura has shown that theatres are the right (and only) place for movies. Now it is up to the producers and younger directors to capitalize the opportunity to bring our movie industry back on track.

It’s Going to Break...

After two and half months of success in box office, Monpura is now on its way of breaking all the records of Bangla movie industry. Now there are more than 50 prints running all over the country. There are some theaters in capital Dhaka, which are running this movie for more than 10 weeks consecutively.

According to Gias Uddin Selim, there were some 1200 theaters in Bangladesh which has reduced to 800 at present. So the movie will run across the country for quite a long time. In the capital, Monpura will run for more than 3/4 months. It may run for more than a year across the country.

The movie which is been made on the rural scenario, has found its biggest crowed in the capital, Dhaka. This sharply growing megacity actually sucked the rural people during its growing period. Perhaps, that is a part of the reason why this busy city dwellers have come in numbers to watch the eternal love story of rural Bangladesh.

'Jao Pakhi' Brings Krishnokoli Title of Best Singer

Jao Pakhi- A song from the movie Monpura has brought Krishnokoli prestigious Meril-Prothom alo award in the category- Best singer(Female). She was adjusted best singer(Female) by audience poll conducted over a few months.

Krishnokoli(L) in Meril Prothom-Alo Award

The song 'Jao Pakhi Balo Tare' completely belongs to Krishnokoli. Its' Lyrics, Tune, Voice- Everything belong to her. The Music album of Monpura was released on August, 2008. But the movie was released on February, 2009. So in the next year one may expect much more awards in many categories for the movie itself.

Production Cost Reaches Tk 20 Million

When a movie runs around 50 theaters in 9th week then there will be no doubt about the commercial success of the movie. In fact, Monpura is now in the short list of all time successful commercial Bangla film. If the present state continues for a few weeks more, then it might be termed as the most successful commercial Bangla film ever.

The director of Monpura, Gias Uddin selim has recently spoken about the total cost of the movie. According to Gias Uddin Selim, the production cost of monpura has reaches tk 20 million recently. There are some element of surprise in the amount of 20 million as most Bangla film costs around 10-15 million tk. "We had to shoot in remote areas with a team consisting of more than 80 members. The post production tusks also contributed to the amount. As we did all the post production work in India, it cost around 3 million tk more". And the movie is now running on 50 theaters from 9th week. So there are some 50 prints which are being shown around the country. Each print costs more than 0.1 million tk. So there were more 5 millions tk needed for providing the movie according to the demand.

There was another important issue involving with the security of the movie. For the protection from piracy, professional security service was deployed which also cost a good amount of money. As the movie is yet to be pirated, so the effort is certainly been paid off.

Monpura- The Most Successful Bangla Movie Ever?

Even after 7 weeks of success in box office, Monpura is releasing on 15 more theaters on this week. So, even in 8th week, the total number of theaters which are showing Monpura simultaneously is way over 40. Considering the fact that, the most celebrated movies of our film industry release on 20-25 theaters on 1st week, we can call it more than phenomenal what Monpura has achieved in last one and half month.

Farhana Mili- New comer Actress in Monpura

So next question would be - 'Is it the most successful commercial film in our movie industry?'. We asked the question to the makers of Monpura. "Not yet actually. To give such a title we have to wait a few days more."- Said Shahed Ali on behalf of the makers of Monpura. Monpura has already spread almost all the corners of Bangladesh. What about its Worldwide release? "Well, the worldwide release is under serious consideration though we can’t say the actual date right now." -Shahed added.

In 7th Week, 18 More Theaters

After 6 successful weeks in box office, Monpura is still going strong across the country. In 7th week, the movie is releasing in 18 more theaters across the country while other 12 theaters have closed the show of Monpura after running for 6 consecutive weeks. After the release on 13th February, the number of theaters has increased in every week. In 7th week, total number of theaters which are showing Monpura simultaneously, has increased to 37. But besides these numbers, the most important thing is perhaps the success curve of Monpura- which is going upward even after 6 weeks of release.

Monpura- Public Opinion

Monpura was released some one month back and in this one month we have seen many comments coming from the audience. Many people have expressed their feeling on FaceBook- which is the most visited website from Bangladesh, after Google and Yahoo. We have also found many comments on our site WWW.Monpura.BLogspot.Com.

If we look at those comments, we can roughly sort those comments in two categories."Khubbe joss ekta movie" said Shushmita Shobnom Mumu on a FaceBook group. Razibul Anam Zaki from Begunbari, had different thoughts-"Not bad, but not as good as I expected".

It is very normal that there will be different types of comments from the people according their point of view. But those comments 'Not bad, but not as good as I have expected'-needs a bit of attention. The music album of Monpura was released on August, 2008. It was a blockbuster hit musical album for the year 2008. But the release of Monpura was delayed and was released after some six month. It helped the musical album to show its complete potential, but it also kept the interest mounting. As a result, when the movie actually got released, the expectation was sky high. The people, who were not much aware of Monpura before release, eventually enjoyed the movie most. But those people, who were waiting for the movie for a long time, went to the theater with a sky high expectation, felt a little disappointed as it was only (!) a good movie.

Blockbuster or ‘All Time Blockbuster’?

A movie was released on 13th February, 2009- some one month ago. It was void of any 'stars' or even regular performers of silver screen. One month has passed and all the theaters are showing 'Houseful'. Still in weekends, people are struggling for tickets.

Monpura was released in 4 theaters in the first week. After that, in every week, the number of theaters has increased. Even in 4th week some 6 theaters were included in the list. Now, there are twenty three theaters across the country where Monpura is running with houseful audience. The number seems to increase in upcoming weeks as well.

Normally one can predict the final outcome of a movie after two weeks of release. But taking the number of theaters in count, it wasn't possible to call Monpura a 'Blockbuster' or 'All time Blockbuster' after two weeks. Now the number of theaters is increasing in every week. Even after one month of the release, regular distributors of bangle movies are not feeling secure to compete with Monpura.

These are the signs of an 'All Time Blockbuster'.
Perhaps, after a looooooooong time, our film industry is about to get an all time blockbuster.

'I Have No Hurry'- Farhana Mili

Farhana Mili, who played the female lead role ‘Pori’ in Monpura, recently spoke with www.Monpura.Blogspot.com. In an exclusive interview she has mentioned of her beginning and her plans for days to come.

Monpura.Blogspot: This is your first appearance in film industry and it is now one of the most successful commercial movies of last decade. Have you even imagined of such a success before you started?
Farhana Mili: Oh no. Not At all. Ha, Ha, Ha... It’s really unbelievable.

Monpura.Blogspot: So how was your beginning in Showbiz?
Farhana Mili: Look, I have been involved in singing, performing and recitation from my childhood. I was involved in 'Kishor Theater'(1995-'96). I also had courses on singing and performing. I was selected for national performance award (Child) in 1997 and 1998.
Monpura.Blogspot: How did you get involved with Monpura?
Farhana Mili: well, it was on the set of 'Ramizer Aaina', when director Shihab Sahin introduced me with Gias Uddin Selim. Just a few days back I worked on a commercial of 'Shohagh Classic'(Ai Path Chalatei aanondo). Gias uddin selim asked me whether I was the girl in that commercial. He also admired that work.

Actress Farhana Mili

Later, he once called me for a screen test. I didn’t know much about it. I knew that it was about a movie and was not even optimistic about my chances on that screen test. Though I attended there and it really happened for me.
Monpura.Blogspot: And how was the shooting?
Farhana Mili: I am really satisfied the way it happened. You know, the best thing about gias uddin selim is that he gives the performer enough space to free his arms. And when you have that freedom, you will feel very comfortable. And I was really comfortable with the process. I would like to thank everybody who was involved in the shooting of Monpura. It was completely a team work.
Monpura.Blogspot: After the huge success of Monpura, what is the reaction of your friends and family?
Farhana Mili: My family is very happy. And one thing I would like to mention about it. 'Monpura' is running in a theater in Mirpur. One of my teachers went on that theater. And he called me after the show. He told me that a number of garments workers were present and they enjoyed the movie. Look, these people are normally not supposed to come in these sorts of movies. But they have come to see 'Monpura' and enjoyed it- this is something really matters to me.
Monpura.Blogspot: There is another genre of commercial film which includes film like 'Koti Takar Kabin' or 'Mia Barir Chakor'? Are you interested to perform in these sorts of films?
Farhana Mili: Look, I want to clarify one thing. To me, there are only two types of films- Good films and Bad films. And definitely, I want to perform in movies of first genre.
Monpura.Blogspot: So after the huge success of 'Monpura', can we expect you to settle down in film industry?
Farhana Mili: I definitely want to work in film industry. But I have no hurry. I am ready to wait until a proposal is good enough to hang with. So I’m keeping my fingers crossed.


She is in 20's and saying 'I have no hurry'- Something very unusual for someone who is young and widely applauded for her first appearance.
But for someone who has come to stay, 'I have no hurry'- is perhaps the best introduction.

In Third Week, 8 More Theaters

After two weeks of consecutive success, Monpura has been released in 8 more theaters across the country. Because of wonderful response from spectators of all class and age, the distributors have decided to release more prints and distribute the movie across the country. The number of theaters could easily have been increased up to 18 or 28 instead of 8. This was not possible due to the severe threat of piracy. In spite of an anti piracy drive by RAB in last week, the owner and distributors of movies are still not feeling secured about their movies.

Monpura- Very Close to a Huge Commercial Success.

In its way of grabbing the theaters, Monpura has created some wonders in Bangla Movie. A main stream commercial film, 'Mia Barir Chakor', was released simultaneously with Monpura and achieved a huge commercial success. This movie was replaced by Monpura in a theater of Bashaboo( Aagomon) just after two weeks. The picture might be the same across the country in the next week as well.

After a long time we have got a commercially successful bangle movie that represents 'Real Bangladesh'. Now, How far will it take our commercial movie industry- that is the next thing to watch.

Monpura Worldwide Release- In Progress

After a wonderful first week in the box office, Monpura is going even stronger across the country in second week. And that’s why the question of worldwide release of this Bangla Movie is been discussed recently. There are so many non residents Bangladeshi across the globe and they are waiting to see this movie eagerly. In www.Monpura.Blogpot.Com and other sites, we have seen such question in plenty.

Very often we see that most of the Hindi movies release simultaneously in India and overseas (Especially, in USA & UK). Then why we won’t release Monpura in USA and UK? "Look, This is not been the case for any bangle movie in recent time and that’s why we are not totally concerned about the procedure of overseas release"- Explained Shahed Ali, One of the Makers of Monpura. "You know that, Hindi Movie has come to this stage after some 30/35 years and we are only at the beginning". So will not Monpura release in USA or UK? "Well, we are definitely looking for the procedure. And not only in USA or UK, we want to release this movie in Dubai, Malaysia, Canada and Japan as well "- Said the optimistic Shahed.


'Will Monpura bring a revolution or it will be rested in peace'- we asked this question before the release of the movie. Monpura is certainly not been rested in peace. Now, how much its impact would be on Bangla commercial film- that would be the question up next?

One Week Away From a 'Blockbuster'

After a wonderful week in Box Office, Monpura is only one week away from securing a 'Blockbuster Hit'. Normally Movies having such an opening week in Box Office, are called 'Blockbuster' Immediately. But taking the number of theaters in count, we have to say that it will take another week to call Monpura a Blockbuster.

Monpura- One Week Away From a Blockbuster Hit

Initially, Monpura was released in only 4 theaters of Dhaka and Rajshahi. In contrary, another successful commercial movie of that week 'Mia Barir Chakor'- was released in 40 Theaters across the nation. But in the next week, Monpura was released in Chittagong, Mymensingh, Bogra, Rongpur and Sirajgong. So Monpura needs a consecutive success in second week to call it a nationwide Blockbuster. And Monpura has all the potential to do so. A movie Pictured on Rural Panorama got a huge audience from the urban people in first week. So as it will reach the small towns or villages, it is expected to get an even greater response.


There have been some commercially successful movies in recent time which had its audiences in theaters like 'Star Cineplex' or 'Bolaka'. These movies were only acceptable to a certain class (Urban people) or certain age group (Specially Youngsters). But we hardly had any movies in the last decade from our film industry, which was accepted by people irrespective of Class and age. Will Monpura fill that blank space?

Just one week away from the answer.

Monpura- Pirated by Fourth Week?

How long it will take for Monpura to be pirated? There is no doubt that this is the most appealing movie for the pirates in recent time. So they will definitely leave no stone unturned to find a copy of Monpura.

Farhana Mili & Chanchal Chowdhury- in Monpura

And there is immense interest among people about the movie. In different forums people are asking for the movie even long before the release. In 'Amarnatok.Com', we have found that, a number of people are asking for the movie and the Admin of that site has told them that he is yet to get the pirated copy of the movie. As soon as he get that he will upload it for a free download! (How pretty).

In the first week Monpura was released in Dhaka and Rajshahi. It was only released in a few accredited theaters and the authority was very careful. But very soon the movie will be released in Chittagong, Mymensing, Bogra, Rongpur and Sirajgong. So it is evident that in order to reach to people the movie will also be distributed in theaters with less accreditation. And that is something the pirates are looking for. But as the authority is very careful about these issues so they might not be able to pirate the movie instantly. Perhaps it will be the third week when they will succeed. Because, by the third week, the number of 'print' will increase and authority will have less attention for every 'print'. These prints will also reach at the far ends of the country. So most probably, it is the third week when the movie will get pirated. And to reach the market it may take a few days more. Perhaps, the pirated copies will grab the market from fourth week.

Well, if Monpura can get even that three consecutive weeks, still it will be considered very lucky. There are movies which were pirated immediately after release.

But, what about our government and administration? Will they allow to keep running all these without any measure?

After capital its coming nationwide

After a wonderful opening in the first week, Monpura might be released on other cities very soon. According to Monpura source, the movie will be released on Chittagong in the 2nd week. The director, Gias Uddin Selim has already declared his plan to release the movie nationwide.

Chanchal & Mili in Monpura

After a long time, a commercial Bangla movie has dragged the viewers to cinema hall irrespective of class and age. There are very few Bangla movies in the last decade that was able to do so. If there is no influence of piracy, then this movie is certainly heading towards a super or even blockbuster hit.

"Worried of Video Piracy"

Just before the release of Monpura, Director Gias Uddin Selim has expressed his worries about video piracy. The movie has already faced the audio piracy through internet. Now, on the eve of its release on theaters it’s facing an even greater threat of video piracy.

Gias uddin selim- Director of Monpura

"I’m worried about video piracy. It was not that big problem during the caretaker government. But as soon as the political government has taken charge, they have become active. Even they have already asked me for bribe"- Said the worried director about his debut film.

The songs of Monpura have made a huge hype about the movie. Almost all of the songs have achieved popularity. So Monpura has to meet the hype to satisfy the audience. ”I think, the movie will satisfy the audience. Watching the movie they will not be bored. They will love this movie and come in numbers in theaters"- Said Gias Uddin Selim with confidence.

"I have made this movie for mass. There are directors who will work for awards from home and abroad. They make movie for a definite class. I don’t want to be one of them. When I made this movie, awards were not my concern. And Monpura is a totally commercial movie. Those who have watched this movie also told me the same."- He added.

There is a plan to release the movie with even bigger arrangement in future. But this was not possible due to piracy threat this time. He dreams of making another movie after this. "In 2010 I will make another movie. In the interval I will work on a TV serial."

Monpura- Revolution or Rest in Peace?

Within a few hours Monpura will be released and it has to face a real tough competition. Well, competition is an integral part of success. But is it a fair competition in this case?

Chanchal Chaowdhury & Farhana Mili in Monpura

There is audience for Bangla traditional movie and this stream has its own 'Film Stars'. The regular audience goes to theaters at the end of week to see the films of their stars. But in case of Monpura, it has no 'Regular Audience'. Neither it has the Star cast that can drive the audience to theaters. Yes, Gias Uddin Selim, Chanchal Chowdhury, Fazlur Rahman Babu or Mamunur Rashid has got their audience in small screen. But the audience of small screen are not likely to come in numbers in theaters at present. So instead of driving the audience into theater it has to create the audience first.

If Monpura can secure a success, it might become a turning point for Bangla movie. Besides promoting Bangla commercial movie it will create a class of audience for good Bangla movie. In turn, it may bring those days of 60's and 70's back in Bangla film industry.

Will it bring revolution or simply be released and forgotten thereafter- we will get the answer in few hours.

Krishnokoli on top 5 for Monpura songs

Krishnokoli has been selected for the final round of Prestigious 'Meril-Prothom alo' award for her songs in Monpura. The music album of the film was released last year and it was one of the most successful audio albums of 2008.




Krishnokoli has performed in two songs of Monpura- 'Jao pakhi balo tare' and 'Nithua Pathare'. Among these two 'Jao Pakhi Balo tare' is been written by her. Its’ tune is also from Krishnokoli. Both of the songs were immensely popular. Though 'Nithua Pathare' was more popular in the voice of Fazlur Rahman Babu and 'Jao Pakhi' was popular in the voice of Krishnokoli and Chandona Mojumder. And the later song has perhaps gained her the nomination for 'Meril- Prothom Alo' award.

Among all the 5 nominees, Krishnokoli is the only singer who has been selected for a Bangla Movie song. Not a long before, Bangla movie songs have experienced its worst time due do obscene lyrics and lack of quality tune. Hopefully we have crossed that part of time and from here on we can expect some real good music from our film industry.

Monpura- Under piracy threat

Bangla movie is facing a severe threat from pirates of this sector. Any movie released in theaters will be pirated within a couple of days. And there is almost nothing the distributor can do in fair way to protect his movie. Yes, the pirates are now fair enough to propose the proprietor of the movie to bribe him in order to not let it pirated. But as it is said, the proprietor has nothing to do in fair way against those malicious efforts which have spread like a cancer in this industry.

Monpura- Next Mission for 'Pirates of Bangladesh'

As Monpura has got the attention from people of all age and class, so it is under even more severe threat of getting pirated. As the movie has created interest among the Bangladeshi living overseas, so it might also face an 'Internet Piracy'. The movie might be uploaded to a site for 'Free Download'. As the overall internet connectivity in Bangladesh is too bad, so internet piracy may not hurt the distributor in great extent.


So the real threat for Monpura is the piracy inside Bangladesh. As a movie is distributed in theaters with less accreditation, it gets pirated immediately. But to reach people you have to distribute the movie across the country. So it’s like a two edge sword. You have to reach to people and keep yourself away from those pirates. Perhaps, this has become an even bigger challenge than making a good movie.

At Last, Its 13th February

6 Months after the release of music and trailer, At last, Monpura is going to be released on 13th February, Friday. And 13th February is also 'Pahela Falgun'- a very special occasion for all Bangali. Though the release is been too late, still releasing on 'Pahela Falgun', Just before the valentines day- seems to be the right choice for a movie based on a complete love story.

Release- At Last

The decision was made on 22nd January and Gias Uddin Selim, the director of the movie, also informed media immediately. "I have made this movie to display in theaters and hopefully it will be displayed in theaters across the country"-said Gias Uddin Selim. It has already been confirmed to be displayed in 'Star Cineplex' and 'Bolaka'-two of the most popular theaters in Dhaka. The movie will also be displayed in theaters of Narayangonj, Savar, Jessor, Khulna, Rajshahi.

This is going to be one of the biggest releases of a Bangladeshi movie in recent time. Very few movies in last decade got this amount of attention even before the release. It also shows that the expectation of people to Monpura is Sky-high. Perhaps, it is the biggest challenge for Monpura to meet the hype which has been created by its fabulous songs.

Uncut censor certificate for Monpura

At last, Monpura has got the uncut censor certificate. The movie was displayed on 18th January on censor board. "All the board members praised the movie and also inspired me"- said gias uddin selim, the director of Monpura. "It’s a wonderful movie. Though it lacks in casting popular film stars still it will grab the attention of people, I believe"-Said one of the members of the board. After 'Rupkather Galpo' it is the second movie of theater activist turned model Chanchal Chowdhury. "It’s an exceptional love story. The uncut censor certificate also proves that."-Said Chanchal chowdhury who is the main protagonist of Monpura.

Farhana Mili in Monpura

After getting censor certificate, the next question is obviously about its release. There are two possible dates of release in the air.

1. 14th February, Valentine’s Day- (According to Gias uddin selim and a facebook group about Monpura)

2.13th February, Pahela Falgun-(According to Monpura official website www.monpura.com)

But according to the context of the film, the second option seems to be more likely to be the releasing date. A complete love story, pictured on the backdrop of rural Bangladesh, deserves to be released on pahela falgun (13th February) rather than Valentines Day.

It seems that the wait for the release of a movie of our soil has come to an end. Don’t know when we waited for the release a Bengali commercial film last time. Is it anything short of a 'Success' for Monpura?

Monpura on Censor Board

Monpura has been submitted to censor board a few weeks back. The shooting of the film was started on June, 2007 and ended on February, 2008. After that there was the post production works which ended recently.

Farhana Mili and Chanchal Chowdhury in Monpura

As the movie is all set to release, so the distributors are now looking for movie theaters to distribute the movie. There has been a public announcement about it on Facebook recently (Monpura- Hope for Bangla Movie). So at last, after more than 5 months of release of music, the movie is going to face the public. Will it be able to meet the huge expectation of people which was triggered by its wonderful songs? Will it meet our expectation to Gias Uddin Selim?

Let's time answer them all.

Monpura- Valentine Day special?

According to Shahed Ali, one of the associates of Gias uddin selim, Monpura is going to be released on Valentine day.
The movie is based on human relation and valentine day is certainly a good choice for the release of the movie.

Though the movie has passed the peak time for release, still releasing with some good campaign can surely help to get the commercial success for the movie. And in that case, releasing on valentine day just might be the perfect choice.

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