Borbaad

Borbaad (meaning "Ruined"), the 2025 Bangladeshi romantic action thriller, marks the highly anticipated directorial debut of Mehedi Hassan Hridoy and a significant cinematic event in Bangladeshi cinema. Produced by Shahreen Akter Sumi and Azeem Haroon, the film stars superstar Shakib Khan, Idhika Paul, Jisshu Sengupta (making his comeback to Bangladeshi cinema after 23 years), and Misha Sawdagor. My initial reaction was one of immense curiosity, drawn by the film's ambitious scale, the reunion of Shakib Khan and Idhika Paul after Priyotoma, and the intriguing premise of a romantic vendetta.

Rating:
8/10 ⭐️ (★★★★ - Excellent)
An excellent rating for a film that, despite its ambitious and sometimes flawed narrative, delivers a powerhouse performance from its lead, breathtaking action sequences, and a grand cinematic spectacle that significantly impacts Bangladeshi cinema.

The Good:
* Narrative & Story (Strengths): The film's ambitious narrative attempts to weave a complex tale of romance, revenge, and justice, exploring the transformation of Ariyan Mirza from a spoiled youth to a man seeking retribution. The core idea of a tragic past motivating a character's quest for justice, even if misguided, provides a dramatic framework. The inclusion of courtroom confrontations and a detailed exploration of the political and criminal machinations adds layers to the plot. The story aims for a high-stakes emotional journey, culminating in intense confrontations.
* Characters (Strengths): Shakib Khan delivers a powerful and intense performance as Ariyan Mirza. He convincingly portrays the character's journey, from his initial "uncontrollable" nature to his driven quest for revenge. His charismatic screen presence is undeniable, and he carries the film's significant dramatic and action sequences. Idhika Paul, in her second collaboration with Khan, brings a strong emotional range to Nitu, navigating a complex and often tragic character arc. Jisshu Sengupta, in his return to Bangladeshi cinema, provides a compelling performance as Farhan Khan, adding a formidable presence to the antagonist side. Misha Sawdagor as Adib Mirza, Ariyan's powerful and morally ambiguous father, is also a strong presence. The casting of seasoned actors like Shahiduzzaman Selim and Mamunur Rashid adds gravitas.
* Directing & Filmmaking (Strengths): Mehedi Hassan Hridoy, in his directorial debut, demonstrates significant ambition and a strong grasp of grand-scale filmmaking. He orchestrates visually impressive and highly energetic action sequences. The cinematography by Indian cinematographer Shailesh Awasthi is often striking, capturing both the opulence of the city and the intensity of the action. The film's commitment to scale, particularly in its action set pieces is evident. Indian renowned action director Ravi Varma and Aejaz Master's stunt choreography are a major highlight, delivering thrilling and well-executed gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and other sequences.
* Technical Aspects (Strengths): The film's massive budget (reportedly the 3rd most expensive Bangladeshi film ever-made) is fully utilized, resulting in high production values. The elaborate sets, the use of large numbers of extras, and diverse filming locations contribute to a grand cinematic experience. The musical score by Arafat Mohsin is effective in heightening the film's drama and action. The songs, with collaborations from Pritom Hasan and Asif Akbar, are designed for commercial appeal and contribute to the film's vibrant atmosphere. Amit Amberkar's makeup work is commendable. The film's entry into IMDb's "Top 100 most popular films" highlights its global reach and appeal.
* Enjoyment & Engagement: For audiences seeking a large-scale, action-packed commercial entertainer, Borbaad delivers a relentless pace and numerous thrilling set pieces. Shakib Khan's star power is a massive draw, and his fans will find plenty to cheer for. The film's ambition and commitment to grand spectacle ensure a level of engagement for viewers who prioritize high-octane entertainment.

The Not So Good:
* Narrative & Story (Weaknesses): Despite its ambitions, the plot can be overly convoluted and, at times, struggles with logical consistency. The numerous twists and character motivations sometimes complicate the narrative without always adding depth. The film's portrayal of certain relationships and acts of violence, while intense, might be seen as extreme by some, potentially impacting its broader appeal. The balance between romance, revenge, and justice can feel uneven.
* Characters (Weaknesses): While the lead actors are strong, the sheer volume of characters means that many, even those with significant roles, are not fully developed. Some motivations, particularly for antagonists, might be less nuanced than desired, serving the plot's needs over psychological depth.
* Directing & Filmmaking (Weaknesses): As a directorial debut, there are moments where the film's ambition outpaces its narrative precision. While the action is grand, the film's handling of certain dramatic shifts or character turns could be more refined to ensure a smoother flow.
* Technical Aspects (Weaknesses): Despite the high budget, some sequences might occasionally lean into excessive stylization that strains complete realism, which is a common characteristic of mass-market action films.
* Enjoyment & Engagement (Negatives): The film's fast-paced, often chaotic narrative might be overwhelming for viewers who prefer more linear or subtle storytelling. The extreme nature of some of the events, while contributing to the thriller aspect, might be off-putting to audiences not accustomed to such intensity in a romantic action drama.

The Verdict:
Borbaad is an ambitious and visually grand Bangladeshi action drama that makes a significant mark on the industry with its scale and star power. Mehedi Hassan Hridoy's directorial debut showcases impressive action sequences and a committed performance from Shakib Khan, who carries the film with his formidable screen presence. While the narrative, despite its ambition, can sometimes be convoluted and uneven, the film delivers a thrilling and visually spectacular experience that caters directly to fans of high-octane commercial cinema. Its record-breaking box office success and international recognition (on IMDb) underscore its immediate impact. Recommended for fans of Shakib Khan, grand action set pieces, and those eager to witness the growing ambition of Bangladeshi cinema.

Optional Additional Categories:
* Genre & Tone: The film boldly blends romantic drama with action thriller elements, aiming for a high-energy and often intense tone. It shifts between dramatic confrontations, thrilling action, and emotional moments, typical of a big-budget commercial Indian (and now Bangladeshi) film.
* Target Audience: It is primarily aimed at a mass audience that gravitates towards superstar-led action films, romantic dramas, and those who appreciate large-scale cinematic spectacles, particularly in Bangladesh and Bengali-speaking regions.
* Originality & Innovation: While the core themes of revenge and romance are timeless, the film's innovation lies in its grand scale for Bangladeshi cinema, its ambitious action choreography, and its attempt to merge complex plotlines within a commercial framework. Its high budget sets a new standard for local productions.
* Themes & Messages (Further Discussion): The film explores themes of revenge, justice (often vigilante), the complexities of love and heartbreak, and the corrupting influence of power. It delves into how past traumas can fuel present actions, and the blurred lines between right and wrong in the pursuit of retribution.
* Comparison to Other Films: Borbaad draws strong comparisons to large-scale action dramas from Bollywood and South Indian cinema, particularly those starring "mass heroes" like Salman Khan (e.g., Kick, Dabangg, Ghajini). It aims for a similar blend of heroism, action, and dramatic flair, positioning itself as a major blockbuster in the Bangladeshi context.

Borbaad (meaning "Ruined"), the 2025 Bangladeshi romantic action thriller, marks the highly anticipated directorial debut of Mehedi Hassan Hridoy and a significant cinematic event in Bangladeshi cinema. Produced by Shahreen Akter Sumi and Azeem Haroon, the film stars superstar Shakib Khan, Idhika Paul, Jisshu Sengupta (making his comeback to Bangladeshi cinema after 23 years), and Misha Sawdagor. My initial reaction was one of immense curiosity, drawn by the film's ambitious scale, the reunion of Shakib Khan and Idhika Paul after Priyotoma, and the intriguing premise of a romantic vendetta.

Rating:
8/10 ⭐️ (★★★★ - Excellent)
An excellent rating for a film that, despite its ambitious and sometimes flawed narrative, delivers a powerhouse performance from its lead, breathtaking action sequences, and a grand cinematic spectacle that significantly impacts Bangladeshi cinema.

The Good:
* Narrative & Story (Strengths): The film's ambitious narrative attempts to weave a complex tale of romance, revenge, and justice, exploring the transformation of Ariyan Mirza from a spoiled youth to a man seeking retribution. The core idea of a tragic past motivating a character's quest for justice, even if misguided, provides a dramatic framework. The inclusion of courtroom confrontations and a detailed exploration of the political and criminal machinations adds layers to the plot. The story aims for a high-stakes emotional journey, culminating in intense confrontations.
* Characters (Strengths): Shakib Khan delivers a powerful and intense performance as Ariyan Mirza. He convincingly portrays the character's journey, from his initial "uncontrollable" nature to his driven quest for revenge. His charismatic screen presence is undeniable, and he carries the film's significant dramatic and action sequences. Idhika Paul, in her second collaboration with Khan, brings a strong emotional range to Nitu, navigating a complex and often tragic character arc. Jisshu Sengupta, in his return to Bangladeshi cinema, provides a compelling performance as Farhan Khan, adding a formidable presence to the antagonist side. Misha Sawdagor as Adib Mirza, Ariyan's powerful and morally ambiguous father, is also a strong presence. The casting of seasoned actors like Shahiduzzaman Selim and Mamunur Rashid adds gravitas.
* Directing & Filmmaking (Strengths): Mehedi Hassan Hridoy, in his directorial debut, demonstrates significant ambition and a strong grasp of grand-scale filmmaking. He orchestrates visually impressive and highly energetic action sequences. The cinematography by Indian cinematographer Shailesh Awasthi is often striking, capturing both the opulence of the city and the intensity of the action. The film's commitment to scale, particularly in its action set pieces is evident. Indian renowned action director Ravi Varma and Aejaz Master's stunt choreography are a major highlight, delivering thrilling and well-executed gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and other sequences.
* Technical Aspects (Strengths): The film's massive budget (reportedly the 3rd most expensive Bangladeshi film ever-made) is fully utilized, resulting in high production values. The elaborate sets, the use of large numbers of extras, and diverse filming locations contribute to a grand cinematic experience. The musical score by Arafat Mohsin is effective in heightening the film's drama and action. The songs, with collaborations from Pritom Hasan and Asif Akbar, are designed for commercial appeal and contribute to the film's vibrant atmosphere. Amit Amberkar's makeup work is commendable. The film's entry into IMDb's "Top 100 most popular films" highlights its global reach and appeal.
* Enjoyment & Engagement: For audiences seeking a large-scale, action-packed commercial entertainer, Borbaad delivers a relentless pace and numerous thrilling set pieces. Shakib Khan's star power is a massive draw, and his fans will find plenty to cheer for. The film's ambition and commitment to grand spectacle ensure a level of engagement for viewers who prioritize high-octane entertainment.

The Not So Good:
* Narrative & Story (Weaknesses): Despite its ambitions, the plot can be overly convoluted and, at times, struggles with logical consistency. The numerous twists and character motivations sometimes complicate the narrative without always adding depth. The film's portrayal of certain relationships and acts of violence, while intense, might be seen as extreme by some, potentially impacting its broader appeal. The balance between romance, revenge, and justice can feel uneven.
* Characters (Weaknesses): While the lead actors are strong, the sheer volume of characters means that many, even those with significant roles, are not fully developed. Some motivations, particularly for antagonists, might be less nuanced than desired, serving the plot's needs over psychological depth.
* Directing & Filmmaking (Weaknesses): As a directorial debut, there are moments where the film's ambition outpaces its narrative precision. While the action is grand, the film's handling of certain dramatic shifts or character turns could be more refined to ensure a smoother flow.
* Technical Aspects (Weaknesses): Despite the high budget, some sequences might occasionally lean into excessive stylization that strains complete realism, which is a common characteristic of mass-market action films.
* Enjoyment & Engagement (Negatives): The film's fast-paced, often chaotic narrative might be overwhelming for viewers who prefer more linear or subtle storytelling. The extreme nature of some of the events, while contributing to the thriller aspect, might be off-putting to audiences not accustomed to such intensity in a romantic action drama.

The Verdict:
Borbaad is an ambitious and visually grand Bangladeshi action drama that makes a significant mark on the industry with its scale and star power. Mehedi Hassan Hridoy's directorial debut showcases impressive action sequences and a committed performance from Shakib Khan, who carries the film with his formidable screen presence. While the narrative, despite its ambition, can sometimes be convoluted and uneven, the film delivers a thrilling and visually spectacular experience that caters directly to fans of high-octane commercial cinema. Its record-breaking box office success and international recognition (on IMDb) underscore its immediate impact. Recommended for fans of Shakib Khan, grand action set pieces, and those eager to witness the growing ambition of Bangladeshi cinema.

Optional Additional Categories:
* Genre & Tone: The film boldly blends romantic drama with action thriller elements, aiming for a high-energy and often intense tone. It shifts between dramatic confrontations, thrilling action, and emotional moments, typical of a big-budget commercial Indian (and now Bangladeshi) film.
* Target Audience: It is primarily aimed at a mass audience that gravitates towards superstar-led action films, romantic dramas, and those who appreciate large-scale cinematic spectacles, particularly in Bangladesh and Bengali-speaking regions.
* Originality & Innovation: While the core themes of revenge and romance are timeless, the film's innovation lies in its grand scale for Bangladeshi cinema, its ambitious action choreography, and its attempt to merge complex plotlines within a commercial framework. Its high budget sets a new standard for local productions.
* Themes & Messages (Further Discussion): The film explores themes of revenge, justice (often vigilante), the complexities of love and heartbreak, and the corrupting influence of power. It delves into how past traumas can fuel present actions, and the blurred lines between right and wrong in the pursuit of retribution.
* Comparison to Other Films: Borbaad draws strong comparisons to large-scale action dramas from Bollywood and South Indian cinema, particularly those starring "mass heroes" like Salman Khan (e.g., Kick, Dabangg, Ghajini). It aims for a similar blend of heroism, action, and dramatic flair, positioning itself as a major blockbuster in the Bangladeshi context.