A crumbling wall, a dirt-stained hospital gown and Arifin Shuvo sitting on a bare bed clutching a torn photograph of a woman. The haunting poster of ‘Noor’ earned praise even from the actor’s harshest critics, raising expectations for a powerful film, particularly with Raihan Rafi directing.
Shot in Pabna in June 2021, Noor was initially slated for release on Valentine’s Day the following year. Producer Shapla Media submitted the film to the Censor Board, which did not block it for content but flagged technical flaws, including unclear dialogue, colour grading and sound design. The board deemed the submission incomplete, instructing corrections before resubmission. Clearance was eventually granted later that year.
Since then, however, the film has languished unreleased. Despite repeated rumours of a release, Noor has remained shelved for three years.
A source told The Times of Bangladesh on Thursday that the rights to the film have now been acquired by a new local production company from Shapla Media. The new producer intends to release it during Puja in October. However, a dispute has emerged over whether the film should be released in cinemas or on an OTT platform.
According to insiders, the producer favours a theatrical release in its current form, while director Raihan Rafi has pushed for reshoots of certain scenes. With the producer unwilling to agree, Rafi has instead suggested an OTT release. Talks are reportedly in progress with Channel i’s i-Screen, though no final decision has been announced.
Speaking to The Times of Bangladesh, Rafi said, “Releasing it on OTT has not been decided yet. It will take a few more days.”
Noor stars Lux Channel i Superstar Oishee opposite Arifin Shuvo, their second collaboration after ‘Mission Extreme’.
Shuvo’s most recent release was ‘NeelChokro’ during Eid. His upcoming projects include ‘Jazz City’ (to stream on SonyLIV in India), ‘Luhu’ (Chorki) and ‘Thikana Bangladesh’.