Boli set for theatrical release in Bangladesh on Friday

After screening at various international film festivals, the much-anticipated Bangladeshi film Boli will finally hit theatres in Bangladesh on 7 February.

The film, directed by Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury, was made with government funding.

Before its theatrical release, Boli had its first Bangladeshi screening on the closing day of the 'Dhaka International Film Festival' in January. The film, which won 'Best Film' at the 'Busan International Film Festival,' received its censor certification in September last year.

Speaking about the film, Nasir Uddin Khan shared, "At the premiere in Dhaka, I witnessed the audience's overwhelming enthusiasm. It was evident that viewers were keen on psychological narratives like this. With more time for promotions, we could have generated even greater interest, but I remain optimistic that the film will leave a lasting impact."

Boli won Best Film at the 28th 'Busan International Film Festival' and was also showcased at the 'Shanghai International Film Festival' and other global events.

Director Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury hails from Banshkhali, a coastal region of Chattogram. Having grown up near the Bay of Bengal, he closely witnessed the devastation of the 1991 cyclone and the grief of families searching for lost loved ones.

The film's narrative revolves around Boli Khela, a traditional wrestling sport deeply rooted in the heritage of Chattogram's coastal communities. Nasir Uddin Khan plays the central Boli (wrestler) character, alongside Priyam Archi, Itmam, and Angel. Boli also represented Bangladesh at the Oscars this year.