Antarjal (2023) Movie Review: Siam Ahmed shines in this Dipankar Dipon directorial cyber thriller

Antarjal (2023) Movie Cast:

Siam Ahmed, Bidya Sinha Mim, Abm Sumon, Mashrur Enan, Sanj John, Sunerah Binte Kamal

Director: Dipankar Dipon

Release Date:

The cybercrime thriller was released in theatres on 22nd September 2023.

Antarjal (2023) Movie Review:

The film opens with a blast at sea, signaling trouble as the Green Bangla Bank's server gets hacked, displaying zero balances in all accounts. The impatient customers at the bank await resolution, and investigating officers Nishat (Bidya Sinha Mim) & ASP Rayhan (Abm Sumon) arrive to tackle the issue.

Delving into the depths, they discover three young talents: Lumin (Siam Ahmed), Priyam (Sunerah Binte Kamal), and Sadab (Mashrur Enan), who have developed a security tool coveted by hackers. Can Nishat and ASP Rayhan locate the trio and thwart the hackers' plans?

Antarjal, the first cybercrime thriller of Bangladesh, possesses three notable strengths. Firstly, its technical aspects are commendable, showcasing advanced technologies like robotics process automation and security tool development, which enhance the viewing experience. Secondly, the performances by Siam Ahmed, Bidya Sinha Mim, Abm Sumon, Mashrur Enan, & Sunerah Binte Kamal stand out.

Siam Ahmed particularly shines with ample screen time, while Mashrur Enan & Sunerah Binte Kamal deliver satisfactory portrayals. Bidya Sinha Mim & Abm Sumon, despite limited script involvement, offer decent contributions. Thirdly, the music and background score enrich the overall cinematic ambiance.

However, certain aspects detract from the film's impact. The chemistry between Siam Ahmed and Sunerah Binte Kamal feels contrived, and the trio's conflicts seem forced within the script. Writers Dipankar Dipon, Saifullah Riyad, and Asha Zahid had room for improvement, especially in character detailing, which was lacking.

Director Dipankar Dipon, known for his previous successes like Dhaka Attack (winner of 4 National Awards) and Operation Sundarbans (winner of 3 National Awards), falls short of expectations in Antarjal.

In conclusion, while Antarjal boasts technical prowess and strong performances, its narrative and character development leave much to be desired, failing to fully capitalize on its potential.