By Ayman Anika
If you had told me a few years ago that a Bangladeshi crime drama would have me questioning my own moral compass, I might have laughed it off. But then came Myself Allen Swapan, and suddenly, I found myself rooting for a man who operates in the shadows, manipulating those around him with a smile that conceals as much as it reveals.
If Season 1 of Myself Allen Swapan (2023) was a masterclass in manipulation, Season 2 is a descent into the abyss of power and its discontents. Premiering on Chorki during Eid 2025, this seven-episode arc doesn’t just continue Swapan’s saga – it deepens it, darkens it, and dares us to look away.
Set months after the events of Season 1, where Swapan successfully evaded the law by slipping into the identity of Shamsur Rahman, Season 2 opens with a jolt: the government is hunting for Tk400 crore in laundered funds, and Swapan’s trail is getting warmer by the day. His comfortable dual life is now being crushed under the weight of his own reputation – people are whispering about him in hushed tones, banks are getting edgy, and the cops aren’t fooled anymore.
Unlike in Season 1, where he’s always one step ahead, this time Swapan is reactionary. There’s a sense that the criminal has grown complacent, maybe even a little tired. His schemes become more desperate: posing as a bank reformist to gain leverage, manipulating art galleries for money laundering, and trying to keep his wife Shayla in the dark, all while juggling old associates who now feel more like liabilities.
This shift – from calculated conman to scrambling survivor – appears more compelling.
Nasir Uddin Khan’s portrayal of Swapan is nothing short of riveting. He embodies a man teetering on the edge, his charm now laced with paranoia. Rafiath Rashid Mithila’s Shayla becomes more involved this season. She’s no longer just “the wife who doesn’t know” – there’s a lingering suspicion in her eyes, a distance that suggests she’s starting to see the cracks. Their dynamic is subtle but pivotal. It’s not a loud marital collapse; it’s one of those slow drifts that happen when the lies get too big to contain.
One surprise standout is Xefer Rahman as Disha, the art gallery owner. While her screen time is limited, her character adds flavor, symbolic of the “sophisticated” face of money laundering, and a commentary on how crime now wears a suit and curates exhibits instead of running from back alleys.
Director Shihab Shaheen crafts a narrative that’s as visually compelling as it is narratively complex. The use of Chattogram’s locales adds authenticity, while the cinematography captures the claustrophobia of Swapan’s world closing in. Each frame is meticulously composed, reflecting the series’ themes of entrapment and duplicity.
The series excels in building tension. Every interaction is charged, every silence deafening. The writing delves deep into the psyche of its characters, exploring themes of identity, morality, and the cost of ambition. The pacing, while deliberate, ensures that each revelation lands with impact.
What struck me most was how the show subtly critiques the systems that enable people like him to thrive. There are offhand references to bureaucratic apathy, a media that’s easily distracted, and business elites who are more than happy to play dumb when the money flows. These aren’t just background noise – they’re the real infrastructure that allows Swapan’s world to function.
However, the series isn’t without its flaws. The intricate plot, while engaging, occasionally borders on convoluted. Some subplots, such as the art gallery’s role in the money laundering scheme, could have been fleshed out more. Additionally, certain character motivations remain opaque, potentially leaving viewers seeking more clarity.
Beyond its narrative, Myself Allen Swapan resonates culturally. It reflects the complexities of Bangladeshi society, where power dynamics, corruption, and identity politics intertwine. The series doesn’t just entertain; it provokes thought, challenging viewers to question the nature of truth and the masks we wear.
Season 2 of Myself Allen Swapan is a bold continuation of a story that refuses to offer easy answers. It’s a series that demands attention, rewards patience, and leaves a lingering impact. While it may stumble in its complexity, its ambition and execution solidify its place as a standout in Bangladeshi television.
For those seeking a crime drama that challenges conventions and delves deep into the human psyche, Myself Allen Swapan is a journey worth undertaking.
