‘Andhar’ eyes year-end release after World Cup

Following the completion of filming, the star-studded film “Andhar” was officially announced last year, with its makers revealing that it would hit theatres in 2026. Since then, there has been little to no update on the project.

Now, “Andhar” screenwriter and co-producer Shakib Chowdhury has finally shared an update, confirming that the film is set for a theatrical release at the end of this year. He also revealed that promotional activities for the film will begin once the FIFA World Cup concludes.

The horror film “Andhar” is being directed by Raihan Rafi and features an ensemble cast that includes Siam Ahmed, Nazifa Tushi, Chanchal Chowdhury, Afsana Mimi, Gazi Rakayet, Mustafa Monwar and Tanzika Amin, among others. The film will also mark the big-screen debut of Farrukh Ahmed Rehan and Swarnali Choity.

The cast recently completed dubbing for the film. On Thursday, the director travelled to India to oversee the final stages of post-production work.

Shakib Chowdhury reportedly told a local media outlet that the team is taking its time to ensure a quality cinematic experience for audiences, with the project now in its final stages of production.

He added that they have decided to release the film at the end of this year. Once the FIFA World Cup concludes, the official release date will be announced, marking the beginning of the film’s promotional campaign.

Shakib Chowdhury further said that they have extensive promotional plans for the film, designed to generate strong audience interest ahead of its release.

“Andhar” is based on a story by two friends—Saidus Salehin Khaled Sumon, widely known as Bassbaba Sumon of the band Aurthohin, and Shakib Chowdhury of Cryptic Fate. The duo travelled across different parts of the country in search of ghost stories. Drawing from those experiences, they later created a radio show titled Bhoutist with their mutual friend Gibran Tanwir. Now, their shared storytelling journey is being adapted into this horror film.

The story of “Andhar” has been written by Adnan Adib Khan along with Sumon and Shakib. The screenplay and dialogue have been penned by Shakib Chowdhury and Adnan Adib Khan. Produced under the banner of 221B Productions, Shakib Chowdhury and Adnan are also involved in the film’s production, alongside Sarah Ali.

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While he did not want to reveal much about the story at this stage, Shakib Chowdhury shared that “Andhar” is being made in a Bangladeshi setting. He said, “We don’t want to present horror stories like Western countries. Those often lack emotional depth. We want to create a horror story rooted in the context of Bangladesh—where horror, mystery, thriller, murder, and emotion all come together.”