Last week, one topic filled Myanmar social media: a new film about the Konbaung Dynasty, the country’s last royal family. Shooting has not started yet, but the film’s huge budget and famous cast already have people talking — and arguing.

Two companies, Bellarie Production and Shwe Mann Empire Film Production, will make the film together, with director Win Lwin Htet. They plan to shoot it in five parts and spend about 8 to 10 billion kyat, hoping to release it in 2027. A press launch was held recently, and the news spread fast on Facebook.

Many people are excited. They welcome the big stars said to be joining, such as Nine Nine, Myint Myat and Tai Ron. “With actors like them, this film will turn out even better,” one Facebook user writes. Another feels national pride: “Neighbouring countries are also filming our history — I want to watch our own country make it like this.”

But many others are suspicious. After the 2021 coup, audiences began to boycott films made by companies linked to the military. The best known is 7th Sense Creation, co-owned by junta chief Min Aung Hlaing’s daughter, Khin Thiri Thet Mon, who is under US sanctions.

“In such hard economic times, who is spending billions like this?” one commenter asks. Another adds: “Are these just 7th Sense films coming back under new names?” So far, there is no firm proof that these two companies are tied to 7th Sense.

There is also worry about the film’s message. People remember that past military governments used historical films to promote the idea of a strong “Burmese Empire.” “Will they film history truthfully, or just praise the kings?” one user writes.

The Konbaung Dynasty ruled from 1752 to 1885, when the British ended Myanmar’s monarchy. Because this story sits so close to national pride, the question of who tells it — and who pays for it — has quickly become political.