‘Andhar’ to be released next year

Raihan Rafi hopes that his new horror film “Andhar” will be released at next seseon which was previously announced October 16 date, with the director announcing that the film will now hit cinemas on March 26, 2027.

Rafi said the delay is necessary to allow more time for visual effects and post-production, as releasing the film on October 16 would have compromised the quality of the work.

He announced the new release date in a video message posted on social media on Tuesday night.

“‘Andhar’ is the film I have shot for the longest time in my career and made with the most care. I made it with a particular vision, and I want to show the audience something they have never seen before,” the filmmaker said.

“We could have released the film on October 16, but the visual effects and post-production work would not have been up to the standard. I do not want to compromise on quality when it comes to the audience,” he said.

Explaining the choice of the new date, he said the team also considered the release calendar around the Eid holidays.

“After considering everything, we felt that March 26 next year, Independence Day, will be the right time to release the film,” Rafi added.

The film’s story was developed by Shakib Chowdhury and Saidus Khaled Sumon, popularly known as Bassbaba Sumon of Aurthohin. Their long-standing interest in paranormal stories and their experience exploring supernatural incidents through the popular radio programme “Bhoutist” have contributed to the film’s concept.

Adnan Adib Khan is also involved in the story and screenplay development.

Directed by Rafi and produced under the banner of 221B Films, “Andhar” features an ensemble cast, including Siam Ahmed, Nazifa Tushi, Chanchal Chowdhury, Afsana Mimi, Gazi Rakayet, Mostafa Monwar and Tanjika Amin.

The film will also mark the big-screen debuts of newcomers Farrukh Ahmed Rehan and Swarnali Choity.

The project has generated considerable interest since the makers began unveiling character looks and promotional materials earlier this year. Its teaser, released in September, offered glimpses of its dark supernatural world while keeping much of the story under wraps.