EXCLUSIVE: US-Bangladeshi action movie MR-9: Do or Die, starring ABM Sumon, Michael Jai White and Frank Grillo, has been picked up by Quiver Distribution for a North American VOD/digital release this month.
After getting a limited theatrical run in the U.S., Canada and Bangladesh last August, the film will next be released in Russia through Kinologistika on May 2 and in Pakistan through Cine Entertainment on May 17.
Premiere Entertainment has also tied up deals with 101 Films in the UK, Premiere TV in Benelux, Spenzos in Greece, Flins in Spain, Movie Box in Turkey, Media Squad in Hungary/Poland/Romania, Golden Stay in China, Eagle Films in the Middle East, Blue Label in South Korea, CDC in Central and South America, and Rialto in Australia/New Zealand.
A sequel titled MR-9: Sky Dancer is now being readied for a fall shoot with Bangadeshi actor ABM Sumon and Niko Foster confirmed to return. Discussions around other casting are ongoing.
The project heralds from Nevada-based production companies Chasing Butterflies Pictures and The Film Post alongside Bangladesh-based Jaaz Multimedia and California entity MR-9 Films. The sequel is based on the second novel in Bangladeshi writer Qazi Anwar Hussain’s popular Masud Rana spy series.
Director Asif Akbar of the original is set to return, while the screenplay has been written by Akbar, Abdul Aziz and Niko Foster.
The first film was one of, if not the, first US-Bangladeshi feature co-productions.
Producer, director and co-writer Asif Akbar said: “Getting the green light on MR-9: Sky Dancer is a blessing and a remarkable opportunity for us to continue showcasing the legendary hero, Masud Rana, to audiences around the world. Masud Rana is a prominent figure representing South Asians globally. With this sequel, we aim to transport viewers to new heights with this exciting character and the exhilarating world of espionage he is from. The film will take audiences on an unforgettable journey to brand new locations filled with suspense, action, and unexpected twists, with a splash of world class music. I express my gratitude to the dedicated fans of the first film MR-9: Do or Die. We are excited to present the next chapter of Masud Rana’s extraordinary journey, continuing to inspire and entertain audiences across borders.”