Bot (Bet) Movie: Hamid Nematollah’s Drama Holds Private Screening at Galleria Cinema Complex

Mohammad Reza Foroutan Joins the Cast of Bot

Mohammad Reza Foroutan is another major performer associated with Bot. His presence alongside Leila Hatami adds further interest to the film’s ensemble.

Foroutan has an established career in Iranian cinema and is known for his work in dramatic roles. His participation makes Bot relevant to viewers who follow his performances as well as those interested in Hamid Nematollah’s directing.

Casting familiar actors can help a new film reach audiences who already recognise the performers’ previous work. It also creates expectations about the kind of dramatic experience the production may offer. Nevertheless, the success of a film depends on more than the reputation of its cast; its screenplay, direction, editing, performances and overall execution all contribute to the final result.

In the case of Bot, the combination of Foroutan, Hatami and the wider ensemble provides a substantial cast for a contemporary Iranian social drama.

The precise nature of Foroutan’s character and the relationship between his role and Hatami’s character should be established through an official synopsis or the film itself. Until those details are confirmed, it is more accurate to focus on the actor’s participation and the importance of the ensemble.

Bot Movie Cast: The Actors Appearing in the Film

The cast is one of the main reasons Bot has attracted attention from audiences interested in Iranian movies released in 2026.

The publicly reported cast includes:

• Leila Hatami: An established Iranian actress and a returning collaborator of Hamid Nematollah.
• Mohammad Reza Foroutan: A prominent performer with extensive experience in Iranian dramatic cinema.
• Leili Rashidi: An actress known for her work in Iranian film and television.
• Kazem Sayahi: An actor whose work spans screen and performance.
• Elnaz Habibi: An Iranian actress with experience across a range of productions.
• Banipal Shoomoon: An actor whose involvement was announced during the film’s development.
• Navid Pourfaraj: A performer associated with contemporary Iranian cinema.
• Iman Sayad Borhani: A member of the reported cast.
• Elham Jasmani: An additional performer associated with the production.
• Mahtab Servati: Another member of the ensemble.

Cast listings can vary between publications, particularly when early announcements contain only a partial list of performers. Readers seeking a complete and definitive cast list should consult the film’s official promotional materials or a reliable film database.

The range of performers involved gives the production a broad ensemble rather than relying solely on one lead actor. In a social drama, supporting roles can be particularly important because they help establish the wider social environment and the relationships surrounding the principal characters.

The contribution of each actor, however, should be assessed through the finished film rather than inferred from casting announcements.

From Development to Production: The Story Behind Bot

The production history of Bot extends across several years and reflects the challenges that can accompany a feature film from its initial development to theatrical release.

In June 2023, reports emerged that Hamid Nematollah had applied for permission to produce the project. The screenplay was attributed to Nematollah and Hossein Farrokhzadeh, and filming was expected to begin during the summer.

The production permit was subsequently granted in June 2024, when the film was temporarily associated with the title Rokh. The project later became known as Bot.

Casting announcements followed as the production developed. Leila Hatami’s involvement was confirmed, and Banipal Shoomoon and Navid Pourfaraj were also announced as members of the cast. Their participation marked new collaborations with Nematollah.

Principal photography began on 22 September 2024, corresponding to 1 Mehr 1403 in the Iranian calendar. Arman Fayyaz served as cinematographer, helping establish the visual framework of the production.

The sound recording was handled by Amir Ashegh Hosseini. Mohammad Reza Shojaei worked as production designer and executive producer, while Iman Karamian was responsible for practical special effects on set.

By the middle of November 2024, reports indicated that production had passed the halfway point. A behind-the-scenes image was also released, offering an early glimpse into the film’s development.

The production did not proceed entirely without interruption. In December 2024, reports described a temporary halt during filming, with the crew sent home for a period of approximately ten days because of unforeseen complications.

Such interruptions can affect a production schedule, particularly when a film is expected to reach a festival or a planned release window. In the case of Bot, the original expectation of a premiere at the Fajr Film Festival did not lead to the film being presented there as initially anticipated.

Filming was eventually completed in the winter of 2025, after which the project moved into post-production. A first image featuring Leila Hatami was released in March 2025.

The subsequent period involved the transition from a completed production to an approved theatrical release. In August 2026, reports announced that the film had received its screening permit, and Filmiran was identified as its distributor.

This chronology helps explain why Bot became a subject of renewed interest in 2026. The film was not simply a new title appearing without warning; it was the result of a production that had been publicly discussed for years.

October 17, 2026 | 7:48 pm