Dhallywood actor Siam Ahmed has recently wrapped shooting for "Andhar", directed by Raihan Rafi, where he starred opposite Nazifa Tushi. No sooner had he completed the project than he began preparing for his next film, "Rakkhosh". For weeks, speculation swirled around the question of who would be cast as the female lead. Although names like Prarthona Fardin Dighi and Sabnam Faria circulated, the makers took their time finalising the actor. Finally, putting the rumours to rest, a source close to the production confirmed yesterday that Tollywood actress Idhika Paul will star in the role.
Idhika is expected to sign the contract later this week. If all goes according to plan, this will mark the first onscreen pairing of Siam and Idhika. The duo had previously been rumoured to collaborate in February 2024 for Tamim Rahman's "Sikandar", though no further updates emerged on that project. Many assumed the pairing would not materialise anytime soon — a notion now dispelled with "Rakkhosh", which fans believe will finally bring the much-discussed duo together.
Idhika Paul became familiar to Bangladeshi viewers through Shakib Khan starrer blockbuster "Priyotoma", where her performance and screen presence quickly gained attention. She went on to star opposite Shakib Khan once more in "Borbaad". Outside of her collaborations with Shakib, she appeared in Bangladeshi director Hasibur Reza's "Kobi" opposite Sariful Razz. Simultaneously, she has continued to build a strong foothold in Tollywood with films such as Dev-starrers "Khadan" and "Raghu Dakat", steadily expanding her popularity in both Bangladesh and India.
Siam's most recent theatrical release was "Jongli", where he starred opposite Shobnom Bubly. Since his debut in "Poramon 2", the actor has diversified his portfolio across commercial action titles and content-driven cinema alike, taking on distinct roles in "Poramon 2", "Dohon", "Bishwoshundori", "Shaan", "Mridha Vs Mridha", "Operation Sundarbans", "Adventure of Sundarban", "Paap Punno", "Damal" and "Antorjaal". Last Eid-ul-Azha, he surprised fans with a cameo in Shakib Khan's "Taandob". With "Andhar", he is once again gearing up for a new look, heightening interest in his chemistry with Idhika in "Rakkhosh".
Shooting for "Rakkhosh" is set to begin in Dhaka later this month, with additional filming scheduled in Sri Lanka and Malaysia. According to production sources, the team has planned international locations and advanced action sequences to elevate the film's scale beyond the director's previous works. Director Mehedi Hassan has declined to comment on the project for now, while Siam remains equally tight-lipped. However, the production house notes that cameras are expected to start rolling within two weeks, with a planned theatrical release next Eid-ul-Fitr.
The source added that like Mehedi Hassan's previous film "Borbaad", "Rakkhosh" will feature action, stylised visuals, crime drama elements and romance. The story and screenplay were completed two months ago, and the team is currently deep into pre-production. The makers hope "Rakkhosh" will emerge as one of next year's major Eid releases.
