Leader: Amie Bangladesh (2023) [Movie Review] – Shakib Khan’s Political Action Drama

Leader: Amie Bangladesh is a 2023 Bangladeshi political action drama directed by Topu Khan (his feature debut) and written by Delwar Hossain Dil. It stars Shakib Khan as Nafees Iqbal and Shabnam Bubly as Mila Chowdhury, with Misha Sawdagor and Shahiduzzaman Selim in supporting roles. The story centers on Nafees, “a conscious young man who embarked on a transformative journey to rid society of corruption and the misuse of political power”. Notably, this film is the final movie pairing of Shakib Khan and Bubly.

• Shakib Khan’s commanding performance: The lead actor’s portrayal of Nafees is energetic and heartfelt, and was widely praised.

• Fresh take on a familiar story: Topu Khan’s direction gives a modern, grand presentation to a conventional anti-corruption plot.

• Soulful soundtrack: Composer Bappa Mazumder’s score (including the rap song “Kotha Ache”) was singled out as the film’s emotional core.

• Box-office hit: The film opened to packed theaters on Eid, with reports of nearly every show sold out.

Plot and Premise

Leader: Amie Bangladesh follows Nafees Iqbal (Shakib Khan), a young man in a neglected city neighborhood where even basic civic services are lacking. Frustrated by a crooked councilor who refuses to repair broken roads, Nafees quits his job and opens a local coffee shop, believing that citizens — especially the youth — must take the lead in creating change. Opposing him is Mila Chowdhury (Bubly), the power-hungry daughter of a city doctor. The film traces how Nafees wins the community’s trust and eventually leads a grassroots movement to confront systemic corruption.

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Cast and Performances

Shakib Khan anchors the film with a charismatic performance as Nafees. Critics noted his confident presence and lively dialogue delivery. Mostafizur Rahman Manik (National Film Award-winning director) praised Khan, saying he “performed brilliantly” and essentially “pulled the whole movie on his shoulders”. Misha Sawdagor is suitably menacing as the film’s chief antagonist, injecting tension into his scenes. Shahiduzzaman Selim brings gravitas in a brief role as a government minister. Bubly charms as Mila, though some viewers felt her character was underwritten compared to Nafees’s. (Veteran actors Fakhrul Bashar Masum and Mili Bashar as Nafees’s parents provide solid support.)

Direction and Screenplay

Topu Khan’s debut direction shows strong visual flair. Along with writer Delwar Hossain Dil, he addresses many social issues — from civic neglect to political hypocrisy — within a commercial drama framework. Critics observed that while the core storyline is familiar, the execution feels fresh and polished. Prothom Alo critic Masum Apu praised the movie’s “modernity and innovation in the presentation of the story”, though he noted parts of the script can be rushed or melodramatic. In short, Leader offers an ambitious, emotionally charged drama that blends popcorn thrills with a social conscience. Delwar Hossain Dil’s punchy dialogues highlight Nafees’s ideals, delivering lines about unity and honesty that resonate in crowd rallies.

Music, Cinematography, and Style

Bappa Mazumder’s music is a standout. His energetic background score and catchy songs (notably the rap track “Kotha Ache”) add vigor to the film. Critic Sherif Al Sayer even called the soundtrack the movie’s “soul”. These musical highlights underscore key emotional moments. Visually, cinematographer Chandan Roy Chowdhury captures both intimate café interiors and large protest scenes in crisp, polished shots. Editor Arifin Sarker keeps the 144-minute runtime brisk. Overall, the film’s production is glossy and high-end, giving it the glossy look of a mainstream Dhallywood spectacle.

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Reception and Final Thoughts

Leader: Amie Bangladesh proved a hit with Eid audiences. It reportedly grossed about ৳9.5 crore, with many shows selling out. Critics generally gave it above-average reviews: Sherif Al Sayer (Bangla Tribune) rated it 7/10, praising its stirring soundtrack and Shakib’s performance, and SA Haque Olik (Samakal) gave 8/10 for its earnest social message. Another reviewer scored it 6/10, calling it a “socially conscious” film but criticizing its reliance on familiar clichés. Overall, Leader: Amie Bangladesh deserves about 3 out of 5 stars from a critic’s standpoint: its patriotic theme, Shakib’s energetic heroics, and high production values mostly outweigh the formulaic plot elements.

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)