Filmmaker Shihab Shaheen is set to direct a new web series for Chorki, starring Mehazabien Chowdhury and Pritom Hasan in the lead roles. The Chorki original series is currently titled “Cactus”, though the name may be changed later.

Blending dramedy, thriller, and action elements, the series is written entirely by Shihab Shaheen, who has penned the story, screenplay, and dialogues. Speaking to Prothom Alo, the director said the series will portray the journey of an ordinary young man who gradually becomes a spy.

Shaheen also revealed that the project is part of his long-standing plan to create a distinct spy universe of his own. “We can’t make a ‘James Bond,’ and this isn’t ‘Masud Rana’ either. We’re creating a spy universe in our own way. This kind of work hasn’t been done much in Bangladesh,” he said.

The story revolves around a young hacker named Mansib, played by Pritom Hasan. The actor was previously seen in Shaheen’s film “Kacher Manush Dure Thuiya”. Commenting on the casting, the director said, “I have experience working with Pritom. Audiences have seen him as Farhan before; this time, he will be seen in a different light.”

Mehazabien Chowdhury stars opposite Pritom Hasan, though details about her character have not yet been disclosed. Explaining his choice, Shihab Shaheen said, “I cast her for her acting talent. She is one of the finest performers in the country, in my view.”

After joining the project, Mehazabien told Prothom Alo, “I am really looking forward to working in this thrilling role. The story feels excellent, and I am happy to be associated with the project.”

Work on the series has already begun. Around 80 percent of the shooting is expected to be completed before the election, with the remaining portions scheduled for afterward. The series is slated for release later this year.

The ensemble cast also includes Manosh Bandopadhyay, Salahuddin Lavlu, Shahadat Hossain, Naziba Basher, among others.