Development
The film was initially developed following with an announcement on 27 February 2024 at a press conference held in Eskaton, Dhaka, by director Abu Hayat Mahmud. At the time, the project was titled Once Upon a Time in Dhaka: Ami Kala. [9] Mahmud stated that the film would be a thriller with elements of suspense and that shooting was planned to begin in May. [10]
It was also announced at the press conference that the screenplay was written by Mezbah Uddin Sumon, and that the two principal roles would be played by actors from Dhaka and West Bengal, respectively. In addition, Tariq Anam Khan, Shahiduzzaman Selim, Salahuddin Lavlu, and musician Pritom Hasan were announced as part of the cast. [11]
At the time, speculation emerged that the film's story was largely inspired by real events and centered on the life of Kala Jahangir, an underworld figure active in Dhaka during the 1990s. [12] Reports suggested that Mosharraf Karim was being considered for the lead role; however, director Abu Hayat Mahmud stated that additional time was needed before making any official casting announcement. [13] Media speculation also mentioned Sariful Razz as a possible choice for a lead role. [12] However, in early July 2025, multiple media reported that Shakib Khan had been selected to portray the title character of Kala Jahangir, with sources claiming that initial discussions with Khan had already been finalized. [a]
Reports circulating across social media platforms and mainstream news outlets asserted that the film was conceived as a biographical depiction of Kala Jahangir, a figure associated with Dhaka's underworld during the 1990s. [a] In response, producer Shirin Sultana issued an official statement rejecting the claims in their entirety. She emphasized that the project is not intended as a biographical representation of any individual, but rather a fictional narrative set against the socio-cultural backdrop of Dhaka in the 1990s, combining elements of crime, romance, action, emotional conflict, and family drama. [b]
Prince: Once Upon a Time in Dhaka is directed by Abu Hayat Mahmud, marking his feature film directorial debut after previously directing more than two hundred fiction and documentary projects. The film is produced by Creative Land Films, with Shirin Sultana served as producer. According to film-related sources cited by Channel i , filming is scheduled to take place in Dhaka for four days, followed by the remaining portions scheduled to be shot in Sri Lanka. [25] In a report by Channel i about the film's budget, director Abu Hayat Mahmud stated that the film's initial budget was planned to be around ৳7–8 crore, adding that the budget would be increased if necessary. [26]
The film's makeup artist was Amit Amberkar, who confirmed his involvement via an Instagram post. [27] Arafat Mohsin Nidhi was signed to compose the background score for the film on 5 August 2025. He had previously composed the background scores for Toofan , Borbaad , and Taandob , all starring Shakib Khan. [28] Nidhi stated that the background score will include character-specific themes and will reflect the popularity of rock music in Bangladesh during the film's time period. [29]
A report published by bdnews24.com on 5 January 2026 stated that several Bollywood professionals would be involved in the film, handling cinematography, choreography, action direction, and makeup. Director Abu Hayat Mahmud said that cinematography would be handled by Amit Roy, known for his work on Animal (2023). The makeup artist from the same film was also reported to be responsible for Khan's look in the film. He confirmed that the film's story was written by Mezbah Uddin Sumon, while the screenplay was co-written by Sumon and Mohammad Nazim Uddin. [30] Later Amit Roy was signed as the director of photography for the film. [31] Roy is known for his work on Animal (2023), Dunki (2023), and Sarkar (2005), among other projects. [32] His involvement was confirmed by the production company Creative Land Films through a social media announcement. [33] According to media reports, Roy is scheduled to work on the film for approximately forty days and is reported to be receiving a remuneration of around ৳1 crore taka. [34] [35]
Casting
Actor Shakib Khan signed his contract for the film on 2 July 2025, [36] a development confirmed by the production company to The Daily Star . [37] According to media reports, Shakib Khan received a remuneration of ৳3 crore for the film, [38] as confirmed by the producer. The producer also stated that Khan was briefed on the film's story during a 45-minute narration session prior to signing on to the project. [39] On 11 September, actor Rashed Mamun Apu was signed for a key role in the film, [40] marks his on-screen collaboration with Shakib Khan following their appearance together in the 2020 film Nabab LLB . [41]
On 4 September, the production company Creative Land Films announced auditions for the film's principal female character, Mili. [42] Director Abu Hayat Mahmud stated that the film would feature three female roles, two of which would be portrayed by established performers, while the third role was intended to introduce a newcomer. [43] He added that the selected actor would share screen space with Shakib Khan and make her film debut through the project. [44] In late October 2025, initial reports suggested that Idhika Paul would be cast as the female lead in the film. [45] [46] [47] According several media reports, she reportedly demanded a remuneration of around ৳30 lakh. [c] Subsequently, several individuals associated with the film told The Daily Star that she was dropped from the project due to disagreements over remuneration. [d]
The report also stated that Indian television actress Jyotirmoyee Kundu was being considered as her replacement. [52] In late November, Creative Land Films officially confirmed the involvement of Kundu in the film. [56] [57] It marks the second film of her acting career, following her debut in the Indian Bengali film Projapati 2 (2025) alongside Dev. [58] [59]
In early November 2025, several media outlets reported that Tasnia Farin was being considered for the role of the film's female lead as a replacement. [e] On 15 November, her casting was officially confirmed after she signed a contract for the film, [65] as announced by Creative Land Films on social media. [66] Sabila Nur was cast as the film's third female lead, marking her second feature film. She previously made her film debut opposite Khan in Taandob (2025). [67]
Veteran actor Nasir Uddin Khan joined the cast in early December. [68] Intekhab Dinar also appears in the film. In an interview, he described his experience working on the project positively and praised director Abu Hayat Mahmud's approach to the film. [69]
