After months of delays, censorship hurdles and intense online speculation, Raihan Rafi’s psychological thriller ‘Omimangshito’ is finally set for release this December, not in cinemas, but on the OTT platform iScreen. The shift to digital is being framed as a strategic move, tapping into the end-of-year surge in online viewing.
The film has been at the centre of heated debate since early 2024, when its planned cinema release was abruptly halted. The former censor board raised objections just days before its scheduled February 29 premiere, citing concerns over scenes involving the murder of a journalist couple and the destruction of evidence. Their decision sparked widespread discussion across social media, with viewers questioning whether the story echoed real-life incidents or portrayed journalism in a sensitive light.
Rafi maintained throughout that the narrative is entirely fictional, though naturally “inspired by the textures of real life”. Following a change in government and the establishment of a new Film Certification Board, the project was reviewed again and deemed fit for release, finally giving the cast and crew the green light to resume promotions.
Rather than focusing solely on the scandal surrounding its delay, Omimangshito arrives with a reputation for stylistic ambition. Rafi’s signature blend of tension, emotional friction and psychological depth shapes the film, which stars Imtiaz Barshan and Tanjika Amin in pivotal roles. Their on-screen dynamic is said to anchor the drama, which examines the cracks in relationships, the slipperiness of truth and the lingering unease of unanswered questions.
Visually, the film leans into shadow, silence and an almost forensic attention to detail; cues drawn from Rafi’s belief that “some questions in life remain unresolved and that’s where the real power of a story lies.”
iScreen is positioning Omimangshito as one of its flagship releases for December, capitalising on the festive period when audiences naturally gravitate towards long-form viewing. The film’s troubled journey, coupled with its provocative themes, has already given it significant visibility and may mark a defining moment in Rafi’s career.
