Film on arms uprising in Bangladesh yet to find a release date, despite opening at several international film festivals

After a two-year long wait, director Bedabrata Pain found hope in the name of producers Anurag Kashyap and Sunil Bohra to bring out his film Chittagong. However, though this partnership was announced in December last year, they are yet to finalise a release date for the film.

While sources say Bohra is too busy with other projects, the director believes that unless they make a breakthrough with their international distributors, bringing out an Indian release date may just not be possible. Says Pain, "This is a global film in many ways.

Since the arms uprising occurred in Bangladesh (part of pre-independent India), the South Asian market is a potential release space for us and so is North America. This film has been receiving some great response within distribution circles in these areas and unless that is sorted, an Indian release cannot be finalised."

The film has been fighting hurdles ever since it was completed in 2010. First, the release was stalled, due to Ashutosh Gowarikar's Khelen Hum Jee Jaan Se being based on the same arms uprising incident.

And now, though it has been picked up by prestigious film festivals like Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) and New York Film Festival (NYFF) logistical issues block their way.

Says a source, "Bohra is busy with four other projects including Anurag's next gangster movie and is still figuring out how and when to put this one out." We also hear that some international studios could be interesting in distributing the film abroad.

Says Pain, "I can't say much about that but the film deserves all attention possible." Sunil Bohra, however, clarifies, "The post production for the film is happening between LA and India and so it's taking a bit of time. As soon as I have the film ready, I will make sure it gets the best release." Apparently, the producers are even toying with the idea of releasing it on August 15.