Ajminur Oarish

Review of Dard: Shakib Khan’s Stardom vs. a Conventional Story Megastar Shakib Khan is a name that resonates with Bangladeshi cinema lovers. His films come with sky-high expectations from fans. However, “Dard” struggles to meet those expectations. Pan-India Attempt, but Mediocre Execution With international actors like Sonal Chauhan, Rahul Dev, and Paayel Sarkar, the movie aimed to present itself as a pan-India project. Unfortunately, a weak script and a predictable storyline held it back. The pacing was particularly slow in the first half, leaving the audience bored. The climax before the interval did bring some excitement, but it wasn’t enough to save the overall narrative. Casting Concerns Bringing in a Bollywood actress like Sonal Chauhan for such a bland and underwhelming role felt like a waste of her talent. Similarly, Rahul Dev’s character lacked depth and impact. A seasoned local actor like Misha Sawdagor could have added more substance and made the movie more engaging. Technical Merits The budget and technical aspects of the film deserve appreciation. The cinematography and song visuals were commendable. However, impressive visuals alone cannot win the audience; a strong story and compelling characters are equally essential. Comparison: Priyotoma vs. Dard Earlier this year, Shakib Khan’s “Priyotoma” captivated audiences with its emotional depth, engaging storyline, and powerful dialogues. In comparison, “Dard” feels like a step down. While Shakib Khan’s undeniable stardom and acting skills remain the film’s strongest points, the weak script limits his ability to shine. Final Verdict For Shakib Khan fans, “Dard” is worth watching once, but it doesn’t offer much to revisit. Its lack of originality and underwhelming character development make it fall short compared to Shakib’s other hits. Rating: 5/10 If you’re a die-hard fan of Shakib Khan, give it a watch, but lower your expectations.