Daagi (2025) [Film Review]: A Tale of Guilt, Redemption, and the World of Crime

Daagi, a Bangladeshi crime drama released in 2025, is directed by Shihab Shaheen. It centers on Nishan (Afran Nisho), a former smuggler recently released after 15 years in prison. He returns to a world that has moved on and must rebuild a normal life while contending with old criminal ties and temptations. As the story unfolds, Nishan’s quiet attempts at normalcy are juxtaposed with tense confrontations, illustrating how themes of redemption and loyalty clash with the inescapability of one’s past, and how emotional scars can never fully heal. Daagi examines whether Nishan can truly break free of his history or if some sins are destined to haunt him forever.

Lead Performance

Afran Nisho carries the film with a powerful, emotionally charged performance, conveying deep internal conflict—guilt, pain, and hope—through subtle expressions. Critics have singled out Nisho’s work as one of Daagi’s most compelling elements. The supporting cast, including Tama Mirza (as Jarin) and Sunerah Binte Kamal (as Likhon), provides solid support and authenticity to their roles. However, several secondary characters feel underwritten, which slightly undermines the narrative’s emotional impact. Nisho’s turn is by far the film’s centerpiece, anchoring the drama.

Direction and Visuals

Shihab Shaheen (in his second feature) adopts a deliberate, character-focused style. Subhankar Bhar’s cinematography captures moody rural landscapes and uses lighting to highlight emotional beats. The film’s visual tone is often praised for its atmospheric quality, creating an immersive environment. As one critic notes, Daagi is elevated by its strong direction and memorable dialogue. Scenes are carefully framed to build tension, and the subdued color palette underscores the bleak mood of rural Bangladesh. Overall, the direction and visuals work together to reinforce the film’s dramatic weight.

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Music and Atmosphere

The background score and songs, composed by Sajid Sarkar and Arafat Mohsin, contribute significantly to the film’s mood. The soundtrack is well integrated, often accentuating emotional or suspenseful moments on screen. While not flashy, the music consistently underscores the narrative’s tone. Viewers have noted that the sound design and score help sustain the film’s atmosphere, making key scenes more affecting. The overall ambience is somber and reflective, mirroring the story’s themes of regret and hope.

Pacing and Critique

Daagi’s measured pacing is one of its most debated aspects. The story unfolds deliberately, focusing on character and theme rather than fast-paced action. This can make the film feel slow at times: scenes often linger on internal conflict, and some viewers may find the tempo sluggish or plot developments predictable. Additionally, while the main characters are fully realized, a few supporting roles feel underdeveloped, which can stall the narrative momentum. These factors underscore that Daagi prioritizes emotional depth over spectacle, but they also weaken the film’s overall pacing.

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Conclusion

Daagi is a thoughtful crime drama that relies on mood and performance over spectacle. Its strengths lie in Afran Nisho’s lead turn and the film’s raw emotional core. Though it has uneven pacing and a few underwritten characters, the film succeeds in delivering a compelling portrait of a man seeking redemption amid lingering past sins. For audiences drawn to character-driven thrillers, Daagi offers a mature and moving cinematic experience—one that resonates with themes of love, betrayal, and forgiveness.

⭐ Rating: 3 out of 5 stars