Shakib Khan returns Government Grant for ‘Maya’

Shakib Khan has returned Tk 65 lakh (£39,000) in government funds meant for his shelved film Maya, nearly three years after receiving the grant.

The money was originally allocated under the 2021–22 fiscal year’s film funding programme.

However, the project failed to move beyond the announcement stage, leading to growing scrutiny from both the public and the film industry.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting confirmed the refund through its secretary, Mahbuba Farzana.

She said: “Shakib Khan has returned the grant. There were no formal complaints against him; he returned the money of his own accord.”

The return of funds marks a rare move in Dhallywood, where delays in government-funded projects are common but accountability is not.

Shakib’s decision, though unexpected, could set a new tone in the industry.

According to Mahbuba, notices have already been issued to several other producers who failed to complete their films on time.

She stated: “Some have returned their grants already. For those who haven’t, we will take legal steps after the third reminder.”

Maya, set to be directed by Himel Ashraf, was among the more high-profile projects in the 2022 grant cycle.

Despite early excitement around the announcement, no visible production activity followed the release of the first instalment.

The silence surrounding the film eventually drew criticism, especially as the years passed without updates.

In contrast, another grant recipient from the same fiscal year, Apu Biswas, successfully completed her film Laal Shari within the expected timeframe.

Directed by Bandhan Biswas, the film not only saw theatrical release but also received attention for focusing on the traditional handloom industry.

Its timely completion stood in stark contrast to Maya, adding to the public’s concern over uneven project outcomes.

This isn’t the first time a prominent figure has stepped away from a state-backed film.

Jaya Ahsan also returned a grant for her proposed film Roid, originally approved during the 2020–21 cycle.

Though she exited the project, director Mejbaur Rahman Sumon is reportedly still working on it.

With multiple grants under review and public criticism rising, the Ministry of Information is now under pressure to enforce stricter oversight.

For Shakib Khan, returning the money may be viewed as a responsible move, but for others, legal consequences could follow.

The growing expectation is clear: if public funds are accepted, results must follow.