After being stalled in the development phase since 2021, the film marks Banerjee's second collaboration with Dev after Golondaaj. The film pairs Dev and Paul for the second time on screen after Khadaan. The music is composed by Nilayan Chatterjee and Rathijit Bhattacharjee, while Soumik Halder handled the cinematography.[7]Principal photography commenced in January 2025, primarily in Jharkhand and Purba Bardhaman.[8][9] The film marks the third collaboration between Dev and Anirban Bhattacharya after Arshinagar and Golondaaj. The film also marks Bhattacharya's fourth collaboration with Banerjee after Golondaaj, Tiktiki and Karnasubarner Guptodhon (in which Bhattacharya had lend his voiceover).
Raghu Dakat is scheduled to release in the theatres on 25 September 2025, during Durga Puja.[10]
Plot
Set in 19th-century Bengal during the period of British colonial oppression, Raghu Dakat follows the life of Raghu, a notorious outlaw who rises as a folk hero and symbol of resistance against colonial rule.[11] The narrative weaves historical events with elements of Bengali folklore, featuring elaborate action sequences and themes of rebellion and justice. The story draws inspiration from the legendary figure of Raghu Dakat, blending myth and history to depict his transformation from a feared dacoit to a revered figure in Bengal's cultural memory.[12]
Cast
Dev as Raghu Dakat, a notorious outlaw and folk hero[13]
Raghu Dakat was announced in 2021 by SVF Entertainment and Dev Entertainment Ventures,[18] with Dhrubo Banerjee as the director and writer.[19][20] This marked their second collaboration after Golondaaj (2021).[21] The story was inspired by Bengali folklore surrounding the titular character, with additional research into 200 years ago, 19th-century colonial Bengal to ensure authenticity.[22][23]
The film's development faced repeated delays due to scheduling conflicts and budget finalization.It is planned to be one of the most expensive film in Bengali cinema.[24][25] A concept motion poster was released on 8 November 2021.[26][27] After sorting out the issues, and with Banerjee and Dev refining the script to balance historical accuracy and cinematic flair, the first poster of the film was released on 1 January 2025.[28] In mid January 2025, Dhrubo Banerjee finished the final draft of the screenplay.[29]Shree Venkatesh Films announced it on 5 February 2025.[30] The film was officially re-announced at SVF's 30 year journey event "Golper Parbon 1432" on 28 February 2025.[31][32]
Casting
The casting process began in 2020, with Dev Adhikari confirmed for the lead role of Raghu Dakat.[33] Director Dhrubo Banerjee mentioned in an interview that he approached Dev for the role of Raghu Dakat, soon after the success of Golondaaj (2021).[34][35]Anirban Bhattacharya was cast in a pivotal antagonistic role.[36] An obstacle appeared while filming his parts because the Tollywood technicians' guild decided to boycott Bhattacharya; but the issue was solved upon Dev's mediation, and the filming continued.[37]Sohini Sarkar and Idhika Paul were selected for principle female characters.[38][39] This marked the second collaboration between Dev and Idhika after Khadaan (2024).[40][41]Roopa Ganguly was cast to play a significant supporting role, marking her return to Bengali cinema.[42]Chiranjeet Chakraborty denied the rumors of him being present in the film.[43]Alexx O'Nell and Carl A. Harte were cast as major British colonial officers.[44] Firdousi Bose was cast in a pivotal role.[45]Rajatava Dutta joined the cast in April 2025.[46][47]
Pre-production
Pre-production involved extensive planning for the film's period setting.[48][49] The team conducted location scouting in Jharkhand and Purba Bardhaman to capture the rugged landscapes of 19th-century Bengal.[50][51] Dev underwent physical training to portray the physically demanding role of Raghu, including horseback riding and combat choreography.[52][53] The horse riding sessions were practiced at the Kolkata Horseback Policeman Training Ground.[54][55] Dev grew a long beard to suit the character of Raghu Dakat.[56] Costume design and set construction were prioritized to recreate the colonial era authentically, with Banerjee emphasizing attention to cultural details.[57][58] Dev and all the cast adapted the Bengali accent of 19th century.[59] The mahurat of the film was done on 2 February 2025.[60][61]
Filming
"A Dream we dreamt in 2021 is finally turning into Reality as we begin shoot today. This day wouldn't have been possible without my two strongest pillars Shrikant Mohta & Mahendra Soni (svf). Where we stand today as an industry, every penny counts, yet they dared to produce this magnum opus. I also must thank Dhrubo Banerjee my director for remaining loyal towards his passion for making sure this film sees the light of day, even when all I saw was darkness."
"Last but not the least, I want to thank my team of HOD's who have worked relentlessly over the past 6 months to make this project happen and create magic on celluloid. If everything goes well, get ready for the Biggest Bangla Film of 2025 and till 2025! Raghu Dakat Shoot begins today. Keep us in ur Prayers."
— Dev, sharing his experience of re-starting such a high budget film which was almost shelved due to a high budget.[62][63]
Filming was initially scheduled to start from mid 2022 but was delayed owing due budget finalisation and Dev's prior schedule.[64][65] It was rescheduled to start from April 2024 but was again delayed owing to date issues.[66][67] Principal photography commenced on 16 March 2025, after being delayed for four years.[68][69] A poster and small announcement video was released on that day, which displayed the construction of a 100 feet set for filming few horse fight scenes in the film.[70][71]
Major portions were filmed in the arid regions of Jharkhand in the second schedule, chosen for their resemblance to historical Bengal's terrain.[72][73] The first look poster of Dev as Raghu Dakat from the film was released on 28 March 2025,[74] announcing the completion of the first schedule.[75][76] Additional scenes were shot in the jungles of Aushgram in Purba Bardhaman.[77] Few sequences were shot in the Aduria forests, dilapidated Kalikapur zamindar house and the adjoining Moukhira teracotta temple.[78] Few scenes were shot in the forests of Maharashtra.[79][80] Few scenes were shot in Pune.[81] Parts of the film were shot at Bolpur and Purulia in early June, 2025.[82] The song sequence of "Jhilmil Laage Re" has been filmed in the Krabi province of Thailand.[83] The production team shared behind-the-scenes updates on social media, showcasing Dev's transformation and the film's large-scale action sequences.[84] Filming wrapped in mid-2025, with a focus on capturing authentic period visuals.[85][86]
The soundtrack and background score are composed by Nilayan Chatterjee and Rathijit Bhattacharjee . Nilayan Chatterjee and Rathijit Bhattacharjee are collaborating with Dev for the 5th and 4th movie respectively, after Khadaan. Lyrics are penned by Sugata Guha and Prasen.
The first single "Joy Kaali" was released on 27 August 2025.[87] The second single "Jhilmil Laage Re" was released on 6 September 2025.[88]
The promotional campaign began with the release of a glimpse on 15 July 2025.[89][90] The pre teaser was released on 20 July 2025.[91][92] On 14 August 2025, the official teaser was attached at the end of Dhumketu screenings in West Bengal.[93] The teaser was released on social media on 15 August 2025.[94] A poster was released on 18 August 2025.[95][96]
The makers announced "Bengal Tour" on 26 August 2025, to promote the film across several towns in West Bengal including Malda (at Brindabani Ground) on 6 September 2025, Balurghat (Balurghat High School Ground) on 6 September 2025, Raiganj (Surendranath College) on 7 September 2025, Siliguri (Vega Mall) on 8 September 2025, Howrah (Sehagori Football Ground) on 11 September 2025, Berhampore (Mohan Mall) on 12 September 2025, Purulia (Near KB Centre City Mall) on 14 September 2025, Durgapur (Junction Mall Ground) on 15 September 2025 and Madhyamgram (Star Mall) on 18 September 2025, in a Raghu Dakat themed bus, featuring the characters in giant posters all over the bus.[97]
The trailer was launched at an event on 20 September 2025 at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata.[98] It marked the largest trailer release event for a film in the history of the Bengali film industry.[99] It also marked the first ever ticketed trailer release event for a Bengali film.[100] Twenty years of Dev in Tollywood was celebrated at the event.[101] The event marked by the presence of all of Dev's co-actresses throughout his career barring Subhasree Ganguly and Rukmini Maitra.[102] Besides, it was attended by most of the directors with whom Dev has worked in his career. Dev announced that the money which they collected from the trailer release event will be donated to the Bengali Technicians' Welfare Fund.[103]
Release
The film was initially scheduled to release on Diwali 2021, but was delayed owing to Dev's other projects and budget issues.[104] The release date was announced with a poster on 1 July 2025.[105]Raghu Dakat is scheduled for a theatrical release on 25 September 2025, on the eve of Durga Puja, clashing with Raktabeej 2 and Devi Chowdhurani.[106][107]
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