Gunin Film : Iresh Zaker in Giasuddin Selim’s Supernatural Masterpiece

In the landscape of contemporary Bangladeshi cinema, few films dare to blend the supernatural with raw human emotion quite like “Gunin.” Directed by the acclaimed Giasuddin Selim and based on Hasan Azizul Huq’s evocative short story, this 2022 film transported audiences to a rural Bangladesh of five decades past, where exorcism, family conflict, and forbidden love intertwine in a web of mystery and tradition. Among the film’s stellar ensemble cast, Iresh Zaker delivered a performance that critics praised as “superb,” anchoring the narrative with the kind of nuanced intensity that has become his signature.

At-a-Glance

• Title: Gunin
• Type: Feature Film
• Release Year: 2022 (Theatrical: March 11, Digital: March 24)
• Genre: Supernatural Romance / Drama / Thriller
• Director: Giasuddin Selim
• Iresh Zaker’s Role: Pivotal supporting role, contributing to the village dynamics and story progression.
• Major Award: The film garnered critical acclaim and was a theatrical success

The Hook & Plot Summary

What happens when the mysterious death of a village exorcist unravels the fabric of an entire community? “Gunin” opens with the enigmatic demise of Rojob Ali Gunin, a powerful spiritual healer played by Azad Abul Kalam, whose presence had kept the village’s paranormal forces at bay. The story then plunges into the aftermath, following two brothers, Ramiz (Shariful Razz) and his sibling (Mostafa Monwar), as they engage in an intense rivalry for the affections of Rabeya (Pori Moni), the village beauty. Set against a backdrop of superstition, occult practices, and the exploitation of the gullible, the film weaves together romance, mystery, and social commentary in a manner rarely seen in Bangladeshi cinema.

The narrative explores how paranormal beliefs intersect with human desires, how inheritance rights are denied to women, and how traditional patriarchal values shape the destinies of those trapped within their confines. With an exotic village setting, mystic atmosphere, and thrilling background music, “Gunin” offers viewers a unique cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Iresh Zaker’s Role & Performance

The Character

While specific details about Iresh Zaker’s character remain shrouded in the film’s carefully constructed mystery, what’s clear is that he played a pivotal supporting role in this ensemble piece. As part of the family and community dynamic, his character would have been integral to either the romantic conflict or the supernatural elements that drive the plot forward. Given the film’s focus on family inheritance, traditional values, and the power struggles that emerge after Gunin’s death, Iresh’s role likely involved navigating the complex web of relationships and motivations that define the village’s social structure.

The Performance

Critics were unequivocal in their praise. In a review by The Financial Express, the assessment was direct: “Mostafa Monwar and Iresh Zaker were superb at their respective roles.” This recognition speaks volumes about Iresh’s ability to inhabit a character fully, bringing authenticity to the rural setting while maintaining the dramatic tension the story demands.

What makes Iresh Zaker’s performance particularly noteworthy is his capacity to ground supernatural narratives in reality. Known for his National Award-winning portrayal of complex, often antagonistic characters, Iresh brings a naturalistic approach to his work. In “Gunin,” this translated to a performance that balanced the film’s mystical elements with genuine human emotion. Whether portraying the weight of tradition, the complexity of familial obligation, or the darker undercurrents of village politics, Iresh demonstrated the range and depth that have made him one of Bangladesh’s most respected actors.

His involvement in the film wasn’t limited to his on-screen presence. In the lead-up to the release, Iresh actively promoted “Gunin” by sharing behind-the-scenes snippets from the sets, content that received wide appreciation from audiences and helped build anticipation for the theatrical premiere.

Overall Review & Themes

“Gunin” represents a bold step forward for Bangladeshi cinema. The film doesn’t shy away from difficult themes, including the exploitation of rural communities through superstition, the systematic denial of women’s inheritance rights, and the ways traditional patriarchal structures perpetuate inequality. Yet it never becomes preachy or didactic. Instead, as one reviewer noted, the plot “did not burden the viewers with any social or political messages, or tried to sell any ideology; it just told the story in a plain and simple way.”

The film’s strengths lie in its atmospheric storytelling, strong performances across the board, and director Giasuddin Selim’s ability to maintain mystery and romance side by side without losing the audience for a second. The exotic village setting, enhanced by meticulous production design and evocative cinematography, transports viewers to a world where the supernatural feels plausible and the human drama cuts deep.

The chemistry between the lead actors, Pori Moni and Shariful Razz, added an extra layer of authenticity to the love story (the real-life couple actually met on the sets of this film). Combined with solid supporting performances from veterans like Dilara Zaman, Azad Abul Kalam, and of course, Iresh Zaker, the film created a rich tapestry of characters that felt lived-in and genuine.

However, the film wasn’t without its critics. Some viewers felt the ending was abrupt or didn’t fully resolve the story’s many threads. Others noted that while the first act was gripping, the narrative momentum occasionally faltered in the latter portions. These criticisms, while valid, don’t diminish the film’s overall achievement as a unique and necessary addition to the Bangladeshi film canon.

The Verdict

“Gunin” stands as a testament to what Bangladeshi cinema can achieve when filmmakers dare to explore unconventional narratives with confidence and craft. Giasuddin Selim’s direction, combined with Hasan Azizul Huq’s compelling source material, created a film that breathes fresh air into an industry hungry for innovation.

For Iresh Zaker, “Gunin” represented another opportunity to showcase his versatility and commitment to quality storytelling. His “superb” performance, as noted by critics, contributed significantly to the film’s success and reinforced his status as one of the country’s finest actors. The film garnered praise not just for its performances but for its willingness to tackle themes of superstition, gender inequality, and family dynamics within a supernatural framework.

As one review aptly concluded: “Gunin provides the viewers with a unique story with a number of interesting characters, and such unique films are much needed for our dying film industry.” With its houseful opening shows and successful transition to digital streaming on Chorki, “Gunin” proved that audiences are ready for cinema that challenges, entertains, and lingers in the imagination long after the final frame.

For fans of Bangladeshi cinema, supernatural thrillers, or simply well-crafted ensemble dramas, “Gunin” is essential viewing. And for those following Iresh Zaker’s impressive career trajectory, it’s yet another example of an actor at the height of his powers, bringing depth and authenticity to every role he inhabits.