#Title

Your favourite ‘bad guys’ 2023:

WHO WILL WIN?
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DESK
The OTT industry has revolutionised storytelling, presenting unforgettable characters that leave lasting impressions. Among these are compelling antagonists who have captivated audiences and redefined what it means to play a villain. The nominations for the Best Antagonist category at the Blender’s Choice The Daily Star OTT and Digital Content Awards 2023 celebrate these powerful portrayals.
Afran Nisho, a name synonymous with versatility, made his OTT debut with Shihab Shaheen’s Morichika , which earned him the Best Antagonist award in 2021 (presented in 2022). This year, he has returned to the nominations for his chilling performance in Yasir Al Haq’s Sharey Showlo . Known for romantic roles on television, Nisho’s portrayal of darker characters has cemented his place as one of the industry’s finest.
Abdun Noor Shajal, another fan-favourite, has emerged as a masterful antagonist. His riveting performance in Vicky Zahed’s The Silence earned him a nomination this year. Shajal, typically celebrated for his romantic leads on the small screens, has successfully reinvented himself in the OTT space. Adding to his streak, he also starred as an antagonist in Zahed’s project Rumi , showcasing his range and consistency.
Irfan Sajjad took audiences by surprise with his haunting performance in Shihab Shaheen’s Baba Someone’s Following Me . Playing a mentally challenged antagonist, Sajjad earned widespread acclaim and a well-deserved nomination. His nuanced portrayal solidified his position as a rising star in the industry.
The multi-talented Mostafa Monwar, known for his transformative roles, delivered yet another stellar performance in Procholito . Consistently captivating audiences with his craft, Monwar secured his spot among this year’s nominees with a performance that solidified his reputation as a powerhouse of talent. His dedication to bringing complex characters to life continues to impress viewers and critics alike.
Reigning champion Nasir Uddin Khan, who won Best Antagonist last year for Syndicate , has also returned to this year’s nominations for his menacing role in Shankha Dasgupta’s Guti . With 18 nominations across Popular and Critics’ Choice categories, Guti leads the awards this year. Additionally, Khan received a Best Actor (Male) nomination for his exceptional work in Shihab Shaheen’s Myself Allen Swapan , proving his versatility and dominance in the OTT arena.
These actors exemplify the importance of well-crafted antagonists in storytelling, transforming them into the heart of a narrative’s success.
As we celebrate these outstanding performances, it’s evident that the rise of Bangladeshi OTT platforms has paved the way for diverse and boundary-pushing content. These narratives and characters are now earning both national and international recognition, beckoning a bright future for the country’s digital entertainment landscape.