Draft:Raihan Rafi Cimematic Universe
The Raihan Rafi Cinematic Universe (RRCU), also known as the RRU, is an Bangladeshi media franchise and cinematic universe of Bangla-language action thriller films created by Raihan Rafi. It is currently one of the highest-grossing Bangladeshi film franchise. This universe is comprising interconnected films that blend elements of social thriller, political drama, and psychological suspense. The universe began with Surongo (2023) and was further developed with Taandob (2025).
| Raihan Rafi Cinematic Universe (RRCU) | |
|---|---|
| Created by | Raihan Rafi |
| Original work | Surongo (2023) |
| Owners | |
| Years | 2023–present |
| Films and television | |
| Film(s) | |
| Audio | |
| Soundtrack(s) | |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Budget | est. BTD. 2 crore (1st film) |
| Box office | est. BTD. 15 crore (1st film) |
Inspiration, Planning and Announcement
[edit]The Raihan Rafi Universe (RRU) draws inspiration from real-world Bangladeshi issues, emotional trauma, and crime-based storytelling. The open-ended conclusion of Surongo (2023), where the protagonist escapes into mystery, has drawn comparisons to Kaithi (2019), the first film in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU). Both films avoid definitive closure and introduce emotionally wounded leads operating within interconnected criminal worlds, suggesting that Rafi’s narrative and structural choices were influenced by the LCU model.
There was no formal announcement of a cinematic universe when Surongo was released. However, following the launch of Taandob (2025)—which features a cameo by Afran Nisho reprising his role from Surongo—speculation grew among fans and critics regarding a shared continuity. Director Raihan Rafi later confirmed in promotional interviews for Taandob that multiple upcoming films would be set within the same fictional framework, officially establishing the Raihan Rafi Universe.
Development
[edit]Raihan Rafi conceived the idea of a shared cinematic universe rooted in real-world Bangladeshi issues and emotional human conflict. Surongo, starring Afran Nisho, introduced a protagonist navigating complex psychological trauma. In Taandob (2025), the character Mikhail, played by Shakib Khan, is revealed to have stolen money from Masud (Afran Nisho’s character), who appears in a cameo. Mikhail has now risen to power as a criminal don, establishing a direct narrative continuation.[1] Rafi has stated that he plans to connect more of his future films within the same fictional continuity.
Naming
[edit]Before the official confirmation, fans began referring to the shared continuity as the Taandob Universe, based on the popularity and scale of the film Taandob (2025). A lesser-known critic proposed the title Heist Universe, referencing the recurring themes of robbery, crime, and underworld dynamics that connected the films.
On 7 June 2025 (release date of the movie) , during the pre-credit scene of Taandob, an on-screen announcement teased a sequel titled Taandob 2, alongside the phrase "Raihan Rafi’s Film Universe", marking the first semi-official reference to a unified cinematic world.
The following day, in an interview with Global TV News, Raihan Rafi formally welcomed audiences to the "Raihan Rafi Universe", confirming that his previous and upcoming films would share an interconnected narrative framework.[2]
Finally, on 15 June 2025, Rafi posted a photo collage on Facebook featuring the three central characters — Mikhail (Shakib Khan), Mansoor (Siam Ahmed), and Masud (Afran Nisho). The caption of the post included the phrase "Raihan Rafi Cinematic Universe", solidifying the official name as RRCU.
Feature films
[edit]| Film | Release date | Director | Writer(s) | Production house |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surongo | 29 June 2023 | Raihan Rafi | Nazim Ud Daula
and Raihan Rafi |
Alpha-i |
| Taandob | 7 June 2025 | Adnan Adib Khan
and Raihan Rafi |
Alpha-i |
Released films
[edit]Surongo (2023)
The first film in the RRCU, starring Afran Nisho as Masud, a psychologically complex man drawn into crime through desperation. The film ends with him escaping into the unknown with stolen money — a mysterious ending that would later tie into the universe’s expansion.
Taandob (2025)
Features Shakib Khan as Mikhail, a wanted criminal, who made an terror attack in TV channel and is later revealed to have stolen Masud’s money. Afran Nisho appears in a cameo, establishing direct continuity. Mikhail’s rise as a don cements the interconnection between characters and events introduced in Surongo.
Upcoming Films
[edit]Lion (TBA)
A high-budget action drama reportedly part of the RRCU, starring Jeet (India) and Sariful Razz (Bangladesh). While not officially confirmed, sources suggest narrative links to Taandob through shared criminal networks.
Surongo 2 (TBA)
A direct sequel exploring Masud’s fate and his hunt for redemption or revenge, deepening the psychological and narrative threads from the original film.
Untitled Arman Mansoor Spin-off (TBA)
A spin-off centered around Arman Mansoor, played by Siam Ahmed and introduced in Taandob, exploring his backstory and influence on the RRCU’s underworld structure.
Taandob 2 (TBA)
A sequel focusing on Mikhail’s dominance, power struggles, and eventual confrontation with past ghosts — including Masud.
Other Projects (TBA)
Raihan Rafi has hinted at multiple spin-offs and prequels- sequels exploring side characters, rival criminal empires, and crossovers between heroes and antiheroes within this universe. As of June, 2025, none have been officially titled.
Cast and characters
[edit]This section includes characters who will appear or have appeared in Raihan Rafi Universe.
- An empty grey cell indicates the character was not in the film, or that the character's official presence has not yet been confirmed.
- A indicates an appearance through archival footage or audio.
- C indicates a cameo role.
- V indicates a voice-only role.
List
[edit]| Actor | Films | |
|---|---|---|
| Surongo
(2023) |
Taandob
(2025) | |
| Afran Nisho | Masud | Masud C |
| Shahiduzzaman Selim | Apel Khan | Jamsher |
| Tama mirza | Moyna | |
| Mostafa Monwar | Jahir (Masud's Friend) | |
| Shakib Khan | Mikhail | |
| Sabila Nur | Nishat | |
| Jaya Ahsan | Saira | |
| Siam Ahmed | Armaan MansoorC | |
| Fazlur Rahman Babu | ||
| Afzal Hossain | Abhilash | |
| FS nayeem | R. Shinde | |
| Bhanu Chander | Vishwanath | VishwanathA |
| Rao Ramesh | Nageswara Rao | |
| Komalee Prasad | Varsha | |
Future Plans
[edit]Rafi has revealed that multiple entries are in various stages of development, aiming to deepen and expand the RRCU. Among these are direct sequels like Surongo 2 and Taandob 2, both expected to explore unresolved plot threads and character arcs. Additionally, spin-offs such as a standalone film based on Arman Mansoor (Siam Ahmed) are being planned, offering insight into supporting characters who may play larger roles in future crossovers.
There is also increasing buzz around Lion, an upcoming Indo-Bangladeshi action thriller starring Jeet and Sariful Razz, which, though not officially confirmed, is speculated to be connected through shared antagonists and criminal networks.
Rafi has expressed interest in eventually bringing multiple lead characters together in a single film, hinting at a potential crossover event or ensemble storyline, similar to Hollywood’s cinematic universes.
Music
[edit]Various Artists composed the soundtracks and film scores for the RRCU films under the label of SVF and Chorki.[3]
Theme music
[edit]No any official theme music has published yet.
Soundtracks
[edit]| Title | Release date | Length | Composer(s) | Label | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surongo Film Soundtrack | 15 May 2022
|
0:10:19 | Various Artists
|
||
| Taandob Film Soundtrack | 19 October 2023
|
TBA |
Film scores
[edit]| Title | Release date | Length | Composer(s) | Label | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Surongo Background Score
|
N/A
|
N/A | N/A | [4] | |
Taandob Background Score
|
N/A
|
N/A | N/A | [5][6] |
References
[edit]- ^ "Cameos galore: Dhallywood adopts new trend to elevate storytelling". The Daily Star. 10 June 2025. Archived from the original on 10 June 2025. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
- ^ Global TV News (8 June 2025). তাণ্ডব ২’ ও ‘সুড়ঙ্গ ২’ নিয়ে যা বার্তা দিলেন রায়হান রাফি | Shakib Khan | Raihan Rafi | Global TV News. Retrieved 17 June 2025 – via YouTube.
- ^ Citation Needed
- ^ "Lokesh Kangaraj directed Karthi's Kaithi original soundtrack released". Behindwoods. 22 November 2019. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
- ^ "Vikram (Original Background Score)". Spotify. 7 July 2022. Archived from the original on 7 July 2022. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
- ^ "Vikram (Original Background Score) - All Songs - Download or Listen Free - JioSaavn". 7 July 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
External Links
[edit]