Prohelika (2023) Review: Shobnom Bubly delivers an outstanding performance

Prohelika (2023) Cast:

Mahfuz Ahmed, Rashed Mamun Apu, Shabnam Bubly, Nasir Uddin Khan, Sajjadul Ahamed Riyad

Director: Chayanika Chowdhury

Release Date:

The film was released in theatres on 29th June 2023 in Bangladesh and on 5th August 2023 in Australia & New Zealand and is currently available on the OTT platform Binge.

Prohelika (2023) Bangladeshi Film Review: Chayanika Chowdhury's 3rd Directorial Venture

Due to a local clash among the villagers, Mona (Mahfuz Ahmed), the son of a local teacher named Mozaffor, was compelled to comply with the chairman's order to leave the village, leaving his aged parents behind. He was sent to the home of Ustad Jamshed (Nasir Uddin Khan), where he developed a romantic relationship with Jamshed's wife, Orpa (Shobnom Bubly). The sudden death of Jamshed attracts the attention of DB officer Sharif Ahmed (Rashed Mamun Apu). Will Sharif Ahmed be able to unravel the mystery surrounding Jamshed's death?

Prohelika is enriched with brilliant performances by Shabnam Bubly and Mahfuz Ahmed. Bubly's portrayal of Orpa is beautifully written, utilizing maximum screen time and delivering her best in emotional scenes.

Nasir Uddin Khan as Jamshed is convincing, but his character could have benefited from more depth. Mahfuz Ahmed as Mona initially seemed less impressive, but he gained momentum after the interval and became convincing, despite his character lacking meticulous development.

The climax felt somewhat rushed in unveiling the mystery, highlighting the need for Pantho Shahriar's story to focus more on a proper revelation. The chemistry between Mona and Orpa was not well-developed. AK Azad Setu, as Abul, had little opportunity to showcase his potential.

Rashed Mamun Apu, portraying Sharif Ahmed, delivered an okay performance. The screenplay by Pantho Shahriar had room for improvement. Emon Saha's music composition, especially the song "Hridoy Diye," was praiseworthy. Sumon Hossain's cinematography and Ramzan Ali's editing were decent.

Produced by Jamal Hossain, Prohelika marks Chayanika Chowdhury's third directorial venture after Bishwoshundori in 2020 and Kagojer Bou in 2022. With over 22 years of experience directing television dramas, she has directed more than 300 dramas to date.

The film Prohelika marks Mahfuz Ahmed’s comeback after more than 8 years since his last release, Zero Degree. He has won the National Film Award twice in the Best Actor category for Lal Sabuj and Zero Degree.