Utshob (2025) [Film Review]: A Festive Tale of Ghostly Redemption

Utshob reimagines Dickens’s A Christmas Carol in a Bangladeshi Eid setting. We follow Jahangir, a selfish event manager in Dhaka, notorious for cutting power, scaring neighborhood musicians, and ignoring the poor. On the eve of Eid, Jahangir is visited by friendly spirits who guide him through his past, present, and possible future. This ghostly journey forces a profound transformation – Jahangir wakes up kinder and more empathetic, “a better father, and a principled man” in the mold of Dickens’s Scrooge.

Humor & Tone

The film blends comedy and mild horror with a warm, nostalgic vibe. Humor arises naturally from the characters and dialogue, not from forced jokes. Reviewers note the humor is “gentle and well-timed,” and the story’s moral moments never feel preachy. Many scenes are peppered with beloved local references and 90s-era lines (“Ki, Bhoi pachchhis?”, “Hijibiji”, etc.) that add a comforting charm. Indeed, Utshob has been described as “a warm wave of nostalgia” – even for viewers unfamiliar with that bygone era, it feels like “a two-hour-long hug”. 

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Characters & Performances

Noor’s ensemble cast shines. The film “gives equal importance to nearly every character”, and none feel like mere filler. Zahid Hasan anchors the story as Jahangir, conveying the character’s stubbornness and eventual awakening. Chanchal Chowdhury enters as one of the Eid spirits with an eerie yet humorous presence, striking a “balanced mix of humour and gravity”. Jaya Ahsan and Aupee Karim appear as themselves, lending their signature charm and wit. Newcomers also impress: Sadia Ayman and Afsana Mimi play Jahangir’s younger and older love interests, respectively, with natural chemistry. Critics praise the acting as “tender and restrained,” noting that no character is overblown or extraneous. Even supporting actors – like Tariq Anam Khan and Intekhab Dinar – feel “effortlessly natural” in their roles. 

Music & Visuals

Technically, Utshob stands out. Shaiba Talukder’s sound design and Jahid Nirob’s musical score are described as outstanding. The film mixes familiar tunes in creative ways – for example, a haunting mash-up of the classic Eid song “O mon Romjaner Oi Rojar Sheshe”, a tribute to rock band Artcell’s “Dhushor Shomoy”, and other nostalgic tracks. These choices delighted audiences who grew up with 2000s Bangladeshi music. Visually, Rashed Zaman’s cinematography delivers splendor: the camera alternates wide, dynamic shots with carefully framed two-shots, and even uses drone footage to contrast Dhaka’s glitzy skyline with the raw brick lanes of Geneva Camp. This lush imagery, alongside the festive Eid colors, enhances the film’s celebratory mood. 

Themes & Reflection

Beyond laughs, Utshob carries a heartfelt message of community. It revives old Eid traditions (door-to-door invitations, shared biryani, Urdu-speaking neighbors) to evoke a sense of togetherness. The film even winks at Dhaka’s cinema heritage – characters ask “When was the last time you went to the movies?”, reminding us of packed halls from years past. Ultimately, the story emphasizes empathy: in one pivotal line, the film admits that “in the film of life, there is no such thing as a main character”. This reinforces the idea that everyone around us has a story and struggles of their own.

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Conclusion & Rating

Utshob is a rare Eid release that feels genuine and soulful. Audiences leave smiling, some with tears in their eyes – as one review noted, not “a single person left with a dry eye or an empty heart”. It may flirt with gentle moralizing at the end, but its sincerity is undeniable. Ultimately, Utshob offers warmth and introspection in equal measure, much like “sipping on a warm mug of hot chocolate” on a winter night. It’s a film with a full, pure heart for this year’s lineup.

⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars – A heartwarming, beautifully crafted family film.