Following its successful Eid-Ul-Azha release in Bangladesh, the Dhallywood blockbuster “Toofan,” starring megastar Shakib Khan, has generated significant buzz among expatriate audiences after its global debut.
Directed by Raihan Rafi, the film premiered in over 100 theaters across 15 countries last Friday, excluding India, where it was also slated for the same release date. “Toofan” hit theaters in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, Sweden, Spain, France, Portugal, Netherlands, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain.
Shree Venkatesh Films (SVF), the film’s Indian producer, later announced that “Toofan” would release in India on July 5, a week after its international release, a detail confirmed by renowned Bollywood critic Taran Adarsh. The delay is speculated to be due to the recent cricket fervor from the T20 World Cup, where India triumphed, and possibly because the film might be released in multiple Indian languages besides Bangla.
In the US, “Toofan” is showing in 22 theaters across 12 states, including two in New York City, for a week. Bioscope Films, handling distribution in the US and Canada, announced plans to screen the film in at least 40 more US cities starting July 12.
BongOz Films, responsible for distribution in Australia and New Zealand, reported over 3,000 tickets sold within the first week, with additional shows on the way.
Starring an ensemble cast led by Shakib Khan, “Toofan” debuted in Bangladesh on June 17 and is currently playing in 129 theaters, including Star Cineplex, Modhumita, Blockbuster Cinemas, and Lion Cinemas. Within just 10 days of its release, the movie has reportedly earned Tk25 crore, breaking several records at major cineplexes nationwide.
