Jongli’s Journey: From Local Sensation to Global Spotlight
Producer Zahid Hasan Abhi reveals the story behind Jongli’s success and its rising international appeal
Since its theatrical release, Jongli has remained in the spotlight, captivating audiences with its emotional depth and compelling narrative. Featuring a star-studded cast including Siam Ahmed and Shobnom Bubly, and directed by M Rahim, the film has now drawn the attention of international filmmakers — particularly from the Malayalam and Telugu industries.
Zahid Hasan Abhi, the producer of Jongli and owner of Tiger Media, recently shared insights into the film’s creative process and its growing global recognition. “A movie must entertain its audience — otherwise, it can’t be called successful,” Abhi explained. “Before casting, the priority must always be the story.”
Set in a rural backdrop, Jongli tells the moving story of a father and child. The emotional resonance and authenticity struck a chord with audiences, prompting calls for a sequel. But for now, the team is focusing on the film’s international journey. Following its release, producers from South India officially reached out with interest in remaking the film, marking a significant milestone for Bangladeshi cinema.
“We’ve already dubbed Jongli in English and sent it to South India for review,” Abhi said. “They’ll align it with their plans and send us a proposal. Only after that will we consider final approval.”
While fans eagerly await a sequel, Abhi clarified that the priority remains on the current momentum. With ongoing dubbing into various languages and discussions for remakes, the team has their hands full.
Abhi credits the film’s commercial success to careful planning and a commitment to quality storytelling — values instilled in him by his father, also a film producer. “A good plan can turn any film into a hit,” he noted. “I oversaw every part of the project to ensure the audience would enjoy it.”
He also highlighted a key challenge in the industry — balancing creativity with profitability. “When profit becomes the only focus, storytelling suffers. But if producers find a balance between art and business, everything can fall into place.”
As Jongli moves toward an international remake, it stands as a shining example of how powerful stories, driven by passion and vision, can break barriers and find a home with audiences across the world.