The air crackled with quiet intensity as AKM Itmam, the rising star of “Boli (The Wrestler)”, settled into a chair at The Daily Star’s premises. He was a whirlwind of energy, a man with a flight to catch in less than 24 hours, yet he exuded a calm focus that belied his hurried schedule.

Local cinemas have been awaiting welcoming new releases, from the beginning of the new year. Continuing this momentum, two government-funded films are hitting theatres nationwide today.