‘Bonolota Express’ becomes highest-grossing Bangladeshi film in North America

Released this Eid-ul-Fitr, Tanim Noor directorial “Bonolota Express” has set a new benchmark in international box office. The film surpassed the long-standing record of the film “Hawa” directed by Mejbaur Rahman Sumon in North American box office performance for Bangladeshi cinema. 

According to international distributor Swapna Scarecrow, the film has earned $361,000 within its first two weeks of release across the United States and Canada. The milestone highlights growing visibility for Bangladeshi films in diaspora markets, according to early box office tracking data. The film was released internationally on April 3.

Read more

Festive Pahela Baishakh celebrations draw to a close at Shilpakala

Previously “Hawa” held the record for the highest-grossing Bangladeshi film in North America with a lifetime collection of $358,000. “Bonolota Express” has now surpassed that figure in just two weeks, driven by strong audience turnout, limited but strategic screenings, and sustained word of mouth among expatriate communities. The rapid performance signals increased interest in Bangladeshi storytelling on international screens.

The film has been steadily expanding its reach in selected theaters across North American cities with sizable Bangladeshi populations. Industry observers note that the film’s momentum reflects growing demand for local-language cinema among diaspora audiences. 

Adapted from Humayun Ahmed’s novel “Kichukkhon”, the film features an ensemble cast of Mosharraf Karim, Chanchal Chowdhury, Sabila Nur, Azmeri Haque Badhan, Zakia Bari Mamo, Shamol Mawla and Sariful Razz.