A student-made independent film from Bangladesh has achieved a notable milestone by securing theatrical releases in multiple cinemas across the country. Titled *Onnopata*, the film premiered on October 23 and is currently screening in 11 cinemas in Dhaka and Chattogram, including venues such as Star Cineplex, Shyamoli Cinema, and Lion Cinemas.
*Onnopata* is the product of a multi-year effort by a group of university students who undertook the project without backing from established production houses or major investors. The film was produced under the banner of SJA Productions and directed by Md Shahjahan Anny, an architecture student at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET). The team grew from six core members to more than 40 students from four universities: CUET, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), the University of Dhaka, and the University of Chittagong.
The story centers on a young man grappling with the financial and emotional challenges of pursuing university admission—an experience familiar to many youths in Bangladesh. Portraying themes of middle-class economic hardship, family expectations, love, and personal growth, the film sought to authentically capture a formative phase in the lives of its audience. According to Anny, the creative challenge lay in engaging viewers through character-driven storytelling rather than fast-paced plot developments common in other genres.
The cast includes first-time actors Shahriya Shakil, a theatre student at the University of Chittagong, and Prottasha Ghosh, a chemistry student at the same university. Both devoted themselves to learning the craft on set, with Shakil highlighting the financial difficulties he faced during the production. Despite limited resources, the cast and crew managed to complete the project with some members working without pay.
The film’s soundtrack features six original songs composed by Fahriayza Tasjim Monon alongside a background score by Ainam. Cinematography was led by Ibrahim Bin Ansari, with Indra Neel overseeing art direction. Financing the film represented a significant challenge: the team invested approximately Tk10–15 lakh from personal savings and secured a bank loan to cover final expenses related to censorship, visual effects, and distribution. Additional setbacks included falling victim to intermediaries who misled the team during release formalities, resulting in a financial loss of nearly Tk1 lakh.
To meet legal requirements for theatrical distribution, the filmmakers obtained a trade license, rented office space, became members of the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation, and passed censorship board review. The film’s trailer reportedly generated strong interest among younger audiences on social media, and with several shows in Chattogram selling out, the team is considering extending the film’s run.
Beyond commercial aspirations, the creators view *Onnopata* as a foundational step toward fostering an independent film ecosystem in Chattogram, challenging the traditional dominance of Dhaka’s film scene. The project demonstrates how passionate students balancing academic commitments and financial constraints can create a meaningful presence in Bangladesh’s cinema landscape.