Working with Rafi has been creatively fulfilling: Gazi Rakayet

Gazi Rakayet is one of those rare figures in Bangladeshi cinema who moves effortlessly between acting and directing, bringing depth, restraint and intelligence to both. A respected actor and an acclaimed filmmaker, his directorial venture “Mritika Maya” won a record number of National Film Awards and received widespread critical praise. He has since completed another feature film, currently awaiting release, while continuing to remain active in front of the camera.

In a recent conversation with The Daily Star, Rakayet spoke about his upcoming projects, his collaboration with director Raihan Rafi, and his enduring commitment to meaningful storytelling.

Discussing his recent acting work, Rakayet said he is currently involved in Rafi’s upcoming film “Pressure Cooker”, where he plays the role of a politician. “It’s shaping up to be a very strong piece of work,” he said. “There’s a lot of positive energy around the film, and I believe audiences will respond to it.”

In “Pressure Cooker”, Rakayet stars alongside Misha Sawdagor, Shobnom Bubly and several other prominent actors. Praising his co-stars, he said, “Everyone is performing excellently in their own way. I think audiences will truly appreciate the performances.”

He has also completed shooting for another Raihan Rafi-directed film, “Andhar”, in which he appears as a researcher. Actors including Siam Ahmed are part of the cast. Reflecting on the experience, Rakayet described the project as creatively fulfilling.

Although both films are directed by the same filmmaker, Rakayet stressed that they differ significantly in tone and narrative. “The stories are completely different, and there is a clear contrast between the characters I’m playing,” he said. “I don’t want to reveal too much right now, but viewers will find something worth watching when they go to the cinema.”

Speaking about Raihan Rafi, Rakayet described him as sharp, perceptive and deeply connected to contemporary audiences. “He understands the pulse of the time and the language of today’s viewers,” he said, adding that Rafi is among the finest directors currently working in the industry.

He went on to draw a comparison with legendary filmmaker Zahir Raihan. “Rafi has the capacity to direct multiple films simultaneously—that kind of creative stamina,” Rakayet explained. “Zahir Raihan also possessed the instinct to understand audiences while managing several projects at once. Their styles are different, but both share an intense work ethic and a strong sense of audience awareness.”

As an actor, Rakayet said he feels creatively secure under Rafi’s direction. “He knows how to extract the right performance from an actor,” he noted. “He understands acting deeply, and I feel he was able to bring out something strong in me. That makes the collaboration very satisfying.”

Beyond cinema, Rakayet is also appearing in the television serial Khushbu, where he plays the role of the protagonist’s father. Describing it briefly, he said it is a well-crafted drama.

Meanwhile, Rakayet’s third directorial film, “Manushtike Dekh”, has recently received certification from the Bangladesh Film Certification Board. The film was granted an uncut clearance, marking another milestone in a career defined by artistic integrity and quiet consistency.