Shakib Khan and Chanchal Chowdhury were first seen together in Raihan Rafi’s Toofan. Their on-screen face-off drew praise from both audiences and critics. In that film, Shakib played both hero and villain, while Chanchal portrayed a police officer – initially presented in a positive light, but eventually shown in a negative shade.
Even before Toofan was released, fans of the two stars had long been demanding a film where Chanchal Chowdhury would appear as the villain opposite Shakib Khan as the hero. That long-awaited wish now seems to be coming true. In Sakib Fahad’s upcoming film, Soldier, Chanchal Chowdhury is set to play the main antagonist.
According to sources, initial verbal discussions with Chanchal Chowdhury have already taken place, and he has agreed to join the project. However, an official announcement is being delayed until Shakib Khan returns from his US tour.
When asked if he would indeed be playing the main villain in Soldier alongside Shakib Khan, Chanchal Chowdhury appeared surprised. Speaking to Times of Bangladesh on Friday evening, the popular actor said: “Not at all! I don’t know anything about this. I haven’t had any discussion regarding this film.”
Director Sakib Fahad, speaking over WhatsApp, said: “I don’t want to reveal right now who the heroine or villain of the film will be. We’ll finalise everything within 3-4 days and then make an announcement.”
However, a source close to the production house Laughing Elephant claimed that a formal agreement with Chanchal Chowdhury was scheduled to be signed on Friday night. “That’s probably why he isn’t speaking openly. But it’s certain that he will be in the film,” the source added.
In Soldier, Shakib Khan will be paired opposite popular TV actress Tanjin Tisha. He will play a secret agent engaged in several high-profile missions to protect the country. About the project, Shakib said: “We’ve had plenty of loud action films. This time, I want to bring something with a different kind of story. Under Sakib Fahad’s direction, Soldier is going to be such a film.”
The film is set to begin shooting next month, with plans for a December release.
Apart from Soldier, Chanchal Chowdhury is also scheduled to start working next month on another film in Kolkata. Titled Shikor (Roots), it will be directed by Bratya Basu and is expected to be released early next year.