Photo: Collected
Within a year, Chanchal Chowdhury and Afran Nisho are returning to the screen together. They acted together on the big screen for the first time in ‘Dam’, released during last Eid-ul-Fitr. This time they will be seen in director Vicky Zahed’s first film, ‘Khalnayak’. The lead female role is played by Toma Mirza, who was also the heroine of Nisho’s first two films, ‘Surongo’ and ‘Daagi’.
Various rumours had been circulating for months about the making of Khalnayak. Although the director initially dismissed it as ‘fake news’, production house SVF Alpha-i Entertainment officially announced the film yesterday. Shooting of the psychological thriller has already been completed across Bangladesh and India.
Director Vicky Zahed said, ‘Khalnayak is a new portrayal of the deep complexity and mystery of human character. From the screenplay and casting to the filmmaking style, viewers will see variety and difference in every aspect. Directing powerful actors like Nisho bhai and Chanchal bhai together is as thrilling and challenging as it is joyful.’
Afran Nisho calls the film ‘a great psychological canvas’. He said, ‘Vicky Zahed’s filmmaking and style of storytelling are different from others. As soon as I heard the screenplay of Khalnayak, I felt it was a great psychological canvas. I hope viewers will get a new experience.’
In Chanchal Chowdhury’s words, ‘The character I play in Khalnayak is quite complex and psychological, which greatly attracted me as an actor. The experience of working with Nisho is always enjoyable. I believe viewers will enjoy the film.’
Besides Chanchal, Nisho and Toma, the film features Shahiduzzaman Selim, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Intekhab Dinar, Sumon Patwary, Gazi Rakayet, Bijori Barkatullah, Sohel Mondol, Sumon Anwar, Tushar Khan and Sentu. Tollywood actress Priyanka Sarkar will appear in a special role; she earlier acted opposite Nirab in ‘Hridoy Jure’, released in 2020.
With Khalnayak, SVF Alpha-i Entertainment and Hoichoi Studios have come together in a joint production for the first time. The production house said the release date will be announced soon.
Background
According to an ITV report on 25 March 2026, Redoan Rony’s ‘Dam’, released on Eid-ul-Fitr, earned nearly Tk 1 crore from multiplexes alone in its first three days; it was ahead of the five Eid films in earnings and popularity.
The same report said tickets were sold out for 27 of ‘Dam”s 35 shows at Star Cineplex and Lion Cinemas.
Sources
Original report: Ajker Patrika
Background sources: ITV, 25 March 2026
