Entertainment Desk:

Director Anonno Proteek Chowdhury makes a striking debut with “Noya Note” (New Money) — a socially charged drama about dignity and about deception. Writing both the story and screenplay himself, Anonno crafts a narrative that is deeply rooted in Bangladeshi society but broad in its human appeal.

Whether it’s a child receiving salami on Eid or a beggar cherishing a rare moment of dignity, a new note carries the same magic — it stretches a smile across every face. The crisp shine and the distinct scent of a new note can become a symbol of hope or proof of overcoming life’s harshest turns. The symbolism was pushed further in “Noya Note” when it came to the darker side of survival, betrayal and the cycle of poverty. But the question arises, can old habits die hard?

At the center is Nasir Uddin Khan, who delivers one of his most memorable roles as an eccentric beggar who is far from ordinary. He brings wit and a sense of mystery to the character, keeping viewers guessing about his true nature until the very end.

Opposite him is Partho Sheikh as Rehan, a man determined to hold on to dignity and morality even as life pushes him toward compromise. His nuanced performance makes the audience empathise with his stubborn pride and inner turmoil.

Nawba Tahiya Hossain plays the bubbly but strong-willed female lead, providing the heart that softens the film’s sharper edges.

The film explores a different side of our everyday life in Dhaka. The beggars who stretch out their hands for coins may carry stories far darker than what meets the eye. “Noya Note” makes the audience wonder: how vast is the gap between those on the pavements and those in the towering high-rises, and is that difference as clear as we believe?

The moral dilemma Rehan faces throughout the film is very well portrayed. His constant struggle between a deep-rooted fear of repeating the cycle of poverty and the urge to speak out against corporate politics mirrors the reality of much of Bangladesh’s middle-class youth.

The relationship between Rehan and the beggar is where the film truly shines. Every single one of their interactions was a delight to watch as the audience got to see the bond etched with humor and underlying mystery. Something is always a little off and yet the unease keeps the viewers engaged. The audience wants to root for these characters, however flawed they may be.

Though the start of the story was a bit slow, it did not drag. The visuals and the little details of the streets of Dhaka paired with E K Majumder Esty’s evocative musical direction stitched the story together beautifully.

The film had a lot of twists— some of which were predictable and the others were not. Yet, nothing about the film seemed recycled. Instead, “Noya Note” delivers a sharp and thought-provoking narrative that is refreshingly original, weaving irony and social critique together.

With standout performances from Partho Sheikh and Nasir Uddin Khan, a strong supporting cast including Deepa Khandakar and Nawba Tahiya Hossain, and the vision of Anonno Proteek Chowdhury, this is a debut that sparks conversation the moment the lights come back on.