Manna, Afran Nisho to star in Khalnayak nearly 30 years apart

Two films titled Khalnayak, starring Dhallywood actor Manna and contemporary star Afran Nisho, are set to reach audiences nearly three decades apart, with the latter scheduled for release next year.

The original Khalnayak, directed by Montazur Rahman Akbar, was released on June 14, 1996. It featured Manna alongside Champa, Rajib, Prabir Mitra, Sadek Bachchu and Doly Zahur.

The upcoming film marks the first feature-length project directed by Vicky Zahed to star Afran Nisho. Tama Mirza will appear opposite Nisho, while Chanchal Chowdhury is also part of the cast. The ensemble includes Shahiduzzaman Selim, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Intekhab Dinar, Gazi Rakayet, Bijori Barkatullah, Shohel Mondol, Sumon Anowar, Tushar Khan and Sentu. Indian actress Priyanka Sarkar has joined the project in a special role.

Manna was among the most popular stars of Dhallywood's action-driven commercial cinema in the 1990s. His performances often portrayed defiant, rebellious characters while reflecting the frustrations and struggles of ordinary people. Khalnayak remains one of the notable films from the earlier part of his acting career.

Nisho, meanwhile, is known for his versatility and performances in contemporary productions. Speaking about the upcoming film, he said, “Vicky Zahed's approach to filmmaking and storytelling is different from that of others. After hearing the screenplay of Khalnayak, I felt it offered a fascinating psychological canvas. Working alongside some of the country's most prominent and influential actors is always a pleasure, as well as a new challenge. I hope audiences will have a fresh cinematic experience.”

Although the two films share a title, they are understood to have entirely different stories, reflecting the filmmaking sensibilities of two generations.

Manna remained an important figure in the emotional landscape of Bangladeshi cinema audiences during the 1990s. Many of his films continue to be remembered, and his contribution to the industry remains a subject of discussion following his death in 2008.

The upcoming project offers another opportunity to connect with a new generation of cinema-goers for Nisho. Despite carrying a familiar title, the film is expected to offer a distinctly different cinematic experience.

Interestingly, both actors were born in Tangail.