PHOTO: SHEIKH MEHEDI MORSHED

ZAHID AKBAR

This Eid-ul-Azha, Arifin Shuvoo returned to the big screen in Saif Chandan’s action movie Malik, appearing in a bold and intense new avatar.

Released in 32 cinemas across the country, Malik has been drawing steady in its second week, the film continues to perform strongly, with multiple houseful shows reported across both single-screen theatres and multiplexes.

The film also marks the third on-screen pairing of Arifin Shuvoo and Bidya Sinha Mim, a duo audiences continue to appreciate. Viewers have praised Shuvoo’s performance, action sequences, transformation, and screen presence.

What are audiences saying about ‘Malik’?

Malik is the kind of film that people specifically enjoy watching during Eid. It has everything—action, romance, and fun. It’s a complete entertainer for the festive season. Moreover, audiences have never seen me in a character with this kind of look before. Audiences are also appreciating my on-screen pairing with Mim.

Are you receiving many film offers?

Since the release of my international project Jazz City , many filmmakers have shown interest in working with me. I’ve already had discussions with several people about new projects, and I’m hopeful I’ll be able to share news about upcoming work soon.

However, I’ve received a strong response from both audiences and critics for this web series. Many people at home and abroad have praised my performance openly. The character Jimmy Roy in the film has really won hearts. I have put a lot of effort into that project, and I’m now even more motivated to do similar work in the future.

Apart from your own film, have you watched any other Eid releases?

I’ve been busy with the promotions of my own film. Once all these promotional activities are over, I plan to watch the other films as well. I believe our film industry moves forward when we support each other.

I’m hoping to catch the other releases soon. It’s really encouraging to see Bangla films being discussed this Eid, and people going to cinemas in groups and talking about films. That kind of excitement around cinema is truly a joy to see.

What was your realisation when you were promoting ‘Malik’?

I realised that if you make a proper film, people will come to watch it. My film has had houseful shows, and audiences are sharing their likes and dislikes openly after watching it. I believe our film industry will move forward even more if we get better budgets.

Through this experience, I’ve also gained a better understanding of what kind of films audiences actually enjoy.

A part of your recent interview is being discussed on social media. What would you like to say about it?

My stance remains the same. I still stand by what I said. I’ve worked in many places and have proven myself—there’s nothing left to prove anymore.

I started in 2004 with my first fashion show. After that, I’ve worked across modelling, radio, television, films, and OTT platforms -- and I’ve received good results along the way.

I don’t feel I have anything left to prove anymore because I’ve done a wide range of work: from romantic films like Chuye Dile Mon , to action films like Dhaka Attack , and even showed a six-pack transformation in Mission Extreme . I’ve also done critically appreciated films like Ahaa Re , and with the series Jazz City , I’ve once again tried to push myself.

The industry knows what I can do. That statement comes from that confidence and experience.

What is your current stance on love and marriage?

Right now, my only love, day and night, is my work. There is no compromise in that. My love is expressed through my work.

And if you’re asking about love in my personal life, I would say -- the old wounds of love are still in my heart, so I’m not thinking about it at the moment. I’m not considering love or marriage right now.