Myshelf Allen Swapan: A man of myths

“I am Shamsur Rahman Swapan, AKA Allen Swapan”.

If any random person comes towards you while having a relaxing day-out, and utters the above words, do not interact with him at any cost, let alone do any business. Because that is going to be the most definite way you would like to choose to ruin your relaxation. 

This Eid, one of the most anticipated OTT releases was this spin-off series of the previous year's 'Syndicate,' 'Myshelf Allen Swapan.' That extra H in 'Myshelf' can obviously be interpreted as Swapan's Chittagong-based accent, but those who will watch this series will agree to make this H stand for Hypnotic; that was the story and performances throughout all the episodes. 

Siddikur Rahman Swapan, or Allen Swapan is a drug dealer trying to escape from police and army attacks; he calls in his twin brother Shamsur Rahman and simply murders him. Then, it is just a matter of time before he becomes Shamsur Rahman and turns the real Shamsur Rahman's dead body into the body of Allen Swapan. Allen Swapan flees to Dhaka as Shamsur Rahman. 

This is where Allen Swapans existence becomes the myth and starts expanding its branches. To the Police and media, Allen Swapan is dead, and they have no clue about Shamsur Rahman. To Swapan's son, this Shamsur Rahman seems pretty Suspicious. Swapan's ex-assistant, Bodu, also suspects Shamsur Rahman as the real Allen Swapan. There are so many confusions, so many theories. 

Then who knows the truth behind the myth? Shayla, aka Swapan's 'Boiyom Faki.' Shayla is actually Shamsur Rahman's wife, but Allen Swapan convinces her in a way that she starts trusting him, taking him as her husband. Still, some myths and mysteries are left untold, which only Swapan himself and the viewers know. This takes the journey with this man of myths to a higher level.

If compared with 'Syndicate,' 'Myshelf Allen Swapan' can be said to have a completely different type of taste in it. Where Syndicate was about the corruption and misuse of power, Myshelf Allen Swapan is about a man's war of survival. 

In this war, he loses a lot of things, his identity, his son, but still, not his life. To him, his life is something more than these. 

This mindset makes this character of grey shades. No one can declare Allen Swapan a hero or antihero, or villain. He is none of them, but all of them. He, himself, is a myth. 

Nasir Uddin Khan as Allen Swapan, the first time a central character, performed like a monster. He was so good in the role that viewers will surely forget the name of Nasir Uddin Khan after one or two episodes. What will remain is only and only Allen Swapan. 

Rafiath Rashid Mithila as Shayla was appealing, and she perfectly balanced the multiple layers of the character. Abdullah Al Sentu's acting will be a treat to the audience's eyes. All the other casts were also perfect fits for their roles. 

Every frame of the series proves the passion and ambition of Shihab Shaheen for it. The colour-grading was a bit dark-ish, matching the character of Allen Swapan. The cinematography and editing were also very good. 

The series is now streaming on Chorki, just like Syndicate and has been the talk of the town since its release.

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