The new web series Cactus, directed by Shihab Shaheen, premiered on the Chorki OTT platform last Wednesday night, immediately capturing the attention of audiences. Starring Mehzabin Chowdhury and Pritam Hasan in lead roles, the series has been met with enthusiastic responses across social media, signalling a successful launch for the Bangladeshi spy thriller.
Fans have been vocal online. One viewer commented, “Finally, something different from Shihab Shaheen!” while another wrote, “The wait was worth it!” accompanied by celebratory emojis. Many have already requested confirmation of a second season, demonstrating strong engagement and anticipation.
In a Facebook discussion on the group Cinegolpo, Tanvir Dhruv praised the series:
“Cactus elevates the spy thriller genre on Bangladeshi OTT platforms. Across six episodes and over three hours of content, the series maintains tension and intrigue from start to finish. Pritam Hasan’s portrayal of Mansib and Mehzabin Chowdhury’s performance as Anura are exceptional. The sixth episode, in particular, delivers a jaw-dropping twist that will leave viewers stunned.”
Plot Overview
Cactus revolves around Mansib, a brilliant hacker played by Pritam Hasan. Initially shown as a prisoner, Mansib is recruited by the government to handle a critical national threat. Alongside him is the enigmatic Anura, portrayed by Mehzabin Chowdhury, whose arrival introduces a series of action-packed sequences. Another character hinted in the series is Allen Swapon, played by Nasir Uddin Khan, a cunning and darkly humorous personality whose presence hints at a larger narrative universe envisioned by Shaheen.
Pritam Hasan remarked on his role:
“Mansib is a complex character—intelligent, agile, and morally ambiguous. The twists in his journey are designed to keep viewers engaged until the very last moment. He is a grey-hat hacker, and every action he takes is part of a calculated plan.”
Mehzabin Chowdhury shared her experience preparing for the action-driven role:
“Playing Anura required training in stunts I had never done before. Edward and his team guided me intensively in a short period. I embrace roles that push me beyond my comfort zone, and Anura was an opportunity I could not pass up.”
Production and Cast
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Shihab Shaheen |
| Story Contributors | Shihab Shaheen, Al-Amin Hasan Nirjhar, Ador Rahman, Asaduzzaman Abir, Rejwan Kabir |
| Screenplay | Shihab Shaheen |
| Lead Cast | Pritam Hasan (Mansib), Mehzabin Chowdhury (Anura) |
| Supporting Cast | Munira Yusuf Memi, Mansh Bandyopadhyay, Najiba Bashar, Salahuddin Lovlu, Shahdat Hossain, Arifin Zilani, Zahidul Haque Apu, Sanjida Tasnim |
| Episodes | 6 |
| Total Runtime | 3+ hours |
| Genre | Spy Thriller |
| Platform | Chorki OTT |
Audience Reception
The trailer for Cactus had already generated excitement prior to the series launch, with viewers praising the chemistry between the lead actors and the promise of high-stakes action. Comments included, “Mehzabin in action looks amazing!” and “Pritam and Mehzabin together are incredible!” The series has established itself as one of the most compelling Bangladeshi web offerings of the year, blending suspense, action, and intricate storytelling to deliver a thrilling viewing experience.