TBT REPORT

Anticipation surrounding Raihan Rafi’s upcoming film “Andhar” continues to grow as the director gradually unveils what he calls the film’s “unofficial first looks”. Following Nazifa Tushi, Afsana Mimi and Farrukh Ahmed Rehan, Rafi has now revealed Chanchal Chowdhury’s look from the film.

Chanchal will portray a character named Shamsher, and Rafi was full of praise for the actor while sharing his first look.

In a social media post today, the filmmaker wrote, “I’ve had the privilege of working with Chanchal Chowdhury twice, but both times he appeared in cameo-type roles. So perhaps we never really got to see his full magic on screen.”

Reflecting on Chanchal’s abilities as an actor, Rafi added, “I’ve never watched a Bangladeshi film and thought, ‘Yes, Chanchal bhai has been able to show the full extent of his talent.’ The problem is that the man’s talent seems endless. So I don’t even know whether it is possible to show all of it.”

Rafi said he had attempted to bring a different dimension of Chanchal’s acting to the screen in “Andhar”.

“I’ve tried to show audiences at least a glimpse of what Chanchal bhai is truly capable of. Our entire team wholeheartedly believes that the magic he has created as Shamsher could not have been achieved by anyone else,” he said.

Each of Rafi’s first-look posts has generated considerable interest among audiences, with cast members, producers and viewers joining the discussion. One question, in particular, has dominated the comments: when will “Andhar” be released?

The director, however, has yet to announce a release date. He said the film’s posters, teaser and trailer will be unveiled gradually ahead of its release. “Andhar” is also expected to be submitted to the Bangladesh Film Certification Board in September.

Most of the film was shot at various locations across Gazipur and Mymensingh. Its story also has an unusual origin, drawing inspiration from supernatural folklore collected from different parts of Bangladesh.

Saidus Salehin Sumon of Aurthohin and Shakib Chowdhury of Cryptic Fate have long shared an interest in supernatural incidents and folk tales of the paranormal. Over the years, the two musicians travelled across different regions of the country, collecting numerous ghost stories.

“Andhar” was developed from those experiences and the stories they gathered.