Star Cineplex — long a bellwether for discerning audiences in Dhaka — has emerged as a principal stage for contemporary Bengali cinema, helping to convert box-office appetite into larger budgets and clearer revenue streams for producers. With post-pandemic crowds returning and pre-release ticketing now a regular phenomenon, the chain's programming choices have helped define the year's most commercially and culturally significant releases.
Below are the five Bengali films that, according to Star Cineplex, drew the strongest business, audience demand and critical acceptance across 2025.
"Borbaad"
Released for Eid-ul-Fitr and produced by Real Energy "Borbaad" quickly established itself as a new benchmark for Dhallywood. Starring Shakib Khan opposite Kolkata actor Idhika Paul (in their second pairing), the Mehedi Hassan Hridoy directorial film's energetic soundtrack and quotable dialogue fuelled word-of-mouth that carried it into overseas markets as well.
"Taandob"
Raihan Rafi's high-voltage Eid-release, produced by Shahriar Shakil, anchored its appeal on taut action and thriller beats. Shakib Khan headlines a cast that includes Jaya Ahsan, Afzal Hossain, Shahiduzzaman Selim, Gazi Rakayet and Sabila Noor. Star Cineplex ranks "Taandob" second for its box-office performance and audience pull.
"Utshob"
Also an Eid offering, Tanim Noor's "Utshob" assembled an ensemble led by Zahid Hasan, Soumya Jyoti and Sadia Ayman, with guest turns from Afsana Mimi, Chanchal Chowdhury, Jaya Ahsan, Aupee Karim and Sunerah. The film sustained lengthy runs at Star Cineplex and proved a notable earner in overseas markets.
"Daagi"
Produced by Shahriar Shakil and directed by Shihab Shaheen, "Daagi" featured Arfan Nisho and Tama Mirza in central roles, with supporting turns from Rashed Mamun Apu and Sunerah. Released at Eid, the film found steady audiences and placed fourth in Star Cineplex's standings.
"Jongli"
Produced by Zahid Hasan Abir and directed by M Rahim, "Jongli" opened with a limited Eid schedule but expanded shows to meet demand. The family-friendly title — starring Siam Ahmed, Bubli and Neerita — proved particularly popular with household audiences and rounded out the year's top five.
Star Cineplex credits its role — from modern projection and comfortable auditoria to transparent box-office reporting — with encouraging filmmakers to aim for higher production standards and clearer commercial returns. The year's results suggest Bengali cinema's revival is not only artistic but increasingly institutional: a market that rewards ambition, production value and audience engagement.
