Fereshteh (2025) [Movie Review]: Heartfelt Bangladesh–Iran Drama on Marginalised Lives

Fereshteh is a joint Bangladesh–Iran production directed by Iranian filmmaker Morteza Atashzamzam. The Bengali-language drama features acclaimed Bangladeshi actress Jaya Ahsan as the title character, alongside Sumon Faruque and newcomer Rikita Nandini Shimu. Shot on location in Bangladesh (working titles included CNG), it had a long festival run – premiering at Iran’s Fajr Festival, opening the Dhaka Int’l Film Festival 2024, and earning praise at IFFI Goa. The story follows Fereshteh and her husband Amjad, a poor rickshaw-puller, who struggle to achieve a better life. This underprivileged couple’s journey – full of small joys and setbacks – is depicted with empathy and authenticity. In Fereshteh, even simple moments (a mother teaching her deaf son to speak, for example) carry emotional weight and highlight the characters’ quiet courage.

Overview

A lively Bangladeshi street scene with rickshaws – the everyday backdrop of Fereshteh’s story of a resilient couple from the margins of society. The film’s narrative is firmly rooted in Bangladesh’s working-class milieu. It “tells the touching stories of a rickshaw puller and the challenges faced by working-class people”, with frequent glimpses of local markets, homes, and rituals. The screenplay (by Morteza and Mumit Al-Rashid) balances realism with hope: Fereshteh and Amjad face setbacks, but their love and determination shine through. Supporting characters – including Shahiduzzaman Selim and Shahed Ali – populate this world with warmth and humor, reminding us of community bonds among the poor. As one reviewer noted, “the story of a couple, Fereshteh and her husband Amjad, who keep trying hard to achieve their wishes”. The film invites audiences to appreciate everyday heroism in a setting often overlooked on screen.

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Performances

Jaya Ahsan delivers a quietly powerful lead turn as Fereshteh, the determined wife of a rickshaw driver. She fully embodies a “resilient, courageous” underprivileged woman – one of the characters “we often overlook among our country’s underprivileged,” as Jaya herself explains. Her expressive eyes and gentle strength anchor the film, bringing dignity to Fereshteh’s struggles and optimism. Opposite her, Sumon Faruque is earnest as Amjad; to prepare, he even bought and pulled a rickshaw to capture the role’s authenticity (as he shared in a press interview). Rikita Nandini Shimu and child actor Sathi (as Fereshteh’s son) add touching moments – for instance, a scene of mother and child practicing to speak is especially heartwarming. The ensemble cast (which also includes Shaheen Mridha) supports the leads well. Even casual scenes – like a roadside tea stall conversation – feel genuine, thanks to the actors’ natural performances.

Direction & Visuals

Morteza Atashzamzam’s direction demonstrates respect for his characters and setting. He frames Fereshteh with immersive camerawork that captures Bangladesh’s colors and textures. Critics have singled out the film’s visuals as a highlight – one noted that “frames, the color and the lighting [are]… beautiful and exotic,” making cinematography the standout element. The camera often lingers on sunlit streets, canals, and festivals, giving the film a poetic feel. Music and sound design are used subtly, underlining mood without melodrama. On the flip side, some viewers feel the pacing is deliberately unhurried (a cultural “slice-of-life” style), so the drama builds quietly rather than in fast bursts. But this measured pace allows audiences to absorb the setting and sympathize with Fereshteh’s quiet heroism. As Morteza himself emphasizes, he believes “the best religion in the world is humanity,” and his direction strives to connect across borders through shared human emotion.

Key Takeaways

Compassionate story: A heartfelt tale of a rickshaw-pulling couple in Dhaka, highlighting the strength of love and hope amid hardship.

Strong performances: Jaya Ahsan excels as a brave underprivileged woman, supported by Sumon Faruque and an authentic ensemble.

Stunning visuals: The film’s cinematography is praised for its warm, vivid depiction of Bengali life (“beautiful and exotic” color and lighting).

Cultural insight: As a Bangladesh–Iran collaboration, Fereshteh brings global attention to local stories. It premiered at international festivals and was finally released in Bangladesh in 2025.

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Conclusion

Overall, Fereshteh offers an appreciative, humanist view of life on society’s edges. While it may feel slow to some, its heartfelt performances and lush visuals earn it a solid 7/10. The film’s strength lies in its sincerity – it treats ordinary people’s struggles with dignity and warmth. For critics and audiences interested in character-driven stories about everyday heroes, Fereshteh is a moving watch.