Raihan Rafi to Direct upcoming Horror Film ‘Andhar’

Raihan Rafi is set to direct a new Bangladeshi horror film titled Andhar, promising a blend of fear, mystery, and emotion.

The project comes from musicians Saidus Salehin Sumon of Arthohin and Shakib Chowdhury of Cryptic Fate, who co-created the story.

Both have long shared a passion for horror, spending years watching films, travelling for ghost stories, and recording eerie experiences.

Their friendship and fascination once led to the radio show Bhoutist, developed alongside their friend Jibran, inspired by real encounters.

The idea for Andhar originated during the making of Bhoutist, but plans were paused when Saidus faced serious health issues.

Shakib explained that he and Adnan Adib Khan developed the main story, with Saidus contributing roughly one-fifth of the narrative.

The screenplay and dialogue have been crafted by Shakib and Adnan, with an emphasis on a deeply local Bangladeshi tone and setting.

The team has avoided Western horror tropes, aiming for something with emotional depth while still delivering tension, suspense, and supernatural chills.

According to Shakib, the film will mix horror, thriller, murder, and mystery while ensuring its characters feel familiar to Bangladeshi audiences.

While keeping plot details under wraps, the creators promise production quality on par with international cinema standards despite its rooted setting.

Shakib noted that the evolution of the Bangladeshi film industry has made such an ambitious project possible today, unlike several years ago.

He described Andhar as a bold attempt, claiming no film of its type has previously been made in Bangladesh’s cinematic landscape.

Produced under the 221B Production banner, the film is being backed by Shakib, Adnan, and Sarah Ali, with casting announcements expected soon.

Filming is scheduled to start in September 2025, and anticipation is growing among both horror enthusiasts and followers of the musicians.

For Saidus and Shakib, this marks a significant creative leap, moving from music and radio storytelling into the realm of feature films.

Their shared history with Bhoutist gives them a unique foundation, as the series was built entirely on authentic and often chilling narratives.

Shakib hopes Andhar will redefine how horror is approached in Bangladesh, combining fear with relatable human drama and local cultural undertones.

With Raihan Rafi’s direction and the passion of its creators, Andhar could be a landmark entry into Bangladesh’s emerging horror film scene.