Published on 09:00 AM, August 29, 2023

Rise of antagonists on OTT

Photos: Collected and Star

With the emergence of OTT platforms, the local audience is now more inclined towards antagonists, forsaking the traditional scenario where chivalrous protagonists used to rule over the screens.

Multiple actors have started to explore different grey shades through the formation of devious yet charming dark characters.

Here are five celebrated actors who have meticulously portrayed negative roles in OTT releases, enthralling the audience with their impeccable performances.

Afran Nisho

When it comes to embracing villainous roles, Nisho is one name that cannot be ignored.

Forsaking his nag for conventional lead roles, his turn towards darker characters in the production "Morichika", where he beautifully donned the persona of Salam Sharif Babu -- a political mafia, was lauded by audience and critics alike.

Be it the charming yet gruesome chef Rafsan Haque in "Punorjonmo", or the seemingly cold-hearted and calculative lawyer Reza in his new Hoichoi release "Sharey Showlo", the actor has aced it all!

Nasir Uddin Khan

Nasir's portrayal as Allen Swapan in "Syndicate" not just outshined the performance of his costars but set a new graph for himself.

His excellent portrayal of the character encouraged the production's director Shihab Shaheen to craft "Myself Allen Swapan", a spin-off solely featuring the 'next door' drug lord hiding under the simple grey uniform of a peon.

Shamol Mawla

Shamol was showered with praises for his portrayal of the dynamic Afnan Chowdhury, the egoistic son of a power lord with no remorse for running-over an innocent city dweller, in "Mohanagar".

His incredible depiction of Sharirar, a criminal mastermind who robs Tk 108 crore from a bank, in Tanim Noor's "Money Honey" also gained much attention from spectators, pushing his career to new heights.

Tama Mirza

Tama's stunning performance in "Friday", a web-film directed by Raihan Rafi, was a delight for mystery buffs.

Her portrayal of Muna, a homemaker who eventually murders her entire family, was relatable and commendable.

The actress beautifully projected Muna's transition from an abused woman to a brutal murderer, leaving behind a soft spot for her audience who could relate to the character's psychological trauma.

Shajal Noor

Shajal's dashing and enigmatic portrayal of the 'devil' in Vicky Zahed's "The Silence" was one of the most power-packed OTT debuts in recent times.

The actor, showcasing a unique combination of grace and ruthlessness, left an enduring mark in the hearts of the fans who are now eagerly waiting for his next venture.

While darker plots, revolving around themes like thrillers and mysteries continue to please OTT streamers, relentless efforts by stars to match up to such challenging characters keep the audience waiting for more.