Int’l co-production: Chanchal–Pori Moni starrer ‘Shasti’ backed by four producers

Rabindranath Tagore’s celebrated short story “Shasti”, previously adapted for the screen by Chashi Nazrul Islam in 2004, is set to return in a new cinematic form—this time reimagined for a contemporary audience.

Titled “Shasti”, the upcoming film is directed by Leesa Gazi, who earlier earned critical acclaim for “Barir Naam Shahana”. Rather than a direct retelling, the screenplay has been rewritten to situate Tagore’s narrative within present-day realities. The film stars Chanchal Chowdhury, Pori Moni, Aanon Siddiqua, and Orko Das in its four central roles.

The film’s title and cast were officially unveiled yesterday (January 19) at a press conference held at a hotel in Dhaka, attended by the director, producers, cast members, and representatives from the media.

The story of “Shasti” centres on the mysterious death of Lucky, a popular Dhaka-based social media influencer. Her sudden demise triggers an outpouring of outrage across social media and mainstream news platforms, sparking demands for swift justice.

Suspicion quickly falls on Lucky’s sister-in-law, Meera, who becomes the prime suspect. As the investigation unfolds, the film questions whether Meera is truly guilty or whether a deeper conspiracy lies beneath the surface.

Although inspired by Tagore’s original story, “Shasti” is firmly rooted in contemporary life, where virtual personas, media trials, and complex personal relationships intersect. Against the backdrop of a restless city clamouring for punishment, the narrative gradually exposes the hidden fractures within a family—its betrayals, silences, and unresolved conflicts.

Speaking about the project, Chanchal Chowdhury said, “Working on a modern, psychological adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore’s timeless story ‘Shasti’ is a rare opportunity for any actor. Leesa Gazi’s narrative craft and character development truly impressed me. Each character has multiple layers, which makes portraying them on screen both challenging and rewarding. I believe working with such a talented team will greatly enrich this film.”

Pori Moni shared her enthusiasm, saying, “The moment the director narrated the script to me, I agreed instantly. The way female characters are portrayed in this story within a contemporary context is truly commendable. I’m excited to work with an accomplished actor like Chanchal bhai and the rest of the cast. I’m thrilled about my new role, and I believe the audience is in for something special.”

This film marks Aanon Siddiqua’s second collaboration with Leesa Gazi. “Working on ‘Shasti’ is an extraordinary and exciting experience for me. I am fully preparing myself for what is one of the most challenging roles of my career,” she said.

Orko Das, who will make his feature film debut in Bangladesh through the project, said, “I’m genuinely excited to be part of Leesa apu’s film. This will be my first feature-length film in Bangladesh. I’ve been wanting to do this kind of work for a long time, and the way everything has come together feels very special to me.”

Director Leesa Gazi described the film as a reflection of contemporary life. “ ‘Shasti’ grew out of an attempt to understand the time we are living in. Though its roots lie in Rabindranath Tagore’s short story, the film reflects today’s reality—the gap between real and virtual lives, and the tension between what is seen and what is hidden. This film seeks both a reckoning with our times and a persistent search for hope,” she said.
“Shasti” is an international co-production involving Kamala Collective (Bangladesh, UK), Sanat Initiative (Pakistan), Aewdacious Originals (India, USA), Goopy Bagha Productions (Bangladesh), Screenxop (Australia), and Black and White Workshop Incorporated (Hong Kong).

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Shooting for the film is scheduled to begin in October–November 2026 in Dhaka.