Souvik Saha
Neeraj Pandey’s “Khakee: The Bengal Chapter”, streaming on Netflix, brings a gripping crime thriller set in early 2000s Bengal. The series follows IPS officer Arjun Maitra in his relentless pursuit of the dangerous gangster Shankar aka Bagha, navigating the murky world of political corruption, power struggles, and law enforcement challenges. While the show promises a thrilling ride, it struggles with a formulaic narrative that often feels predictable.
Star Performances:
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Jeet Madnani (IPS Arjun Maitra): Jeet delivers a solid performance as the determined officer, bringing a mix of composure and intensity. However, his character lacks the depth that could have made him stand out in the crime thriller genre.
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Prosenjit Chatterjee (Barun Roy): Prosenjit steals the show with his portrayal of the power-hungry politician. His screen presence is captivating, and his character’s ruthless ambition adds weight to the narrative.
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Saswata Chatterjee (Shankar Bagha): Known for his powerful performances, Saswata shines as the gangster with his nuanced portrayal of a man with his own set of ethics. His calm yet menacing demeanor adds layers to the character.
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Ritwik Bhowmik (Sagor) & Aadil Zafar Khan (Ranjit): Both actors bring intensity to their respective roles. Ritwik’s composed menace contrasts well with Aadil’s aggressive and unpredictable nature.
The Good:
✔ Authentic Setting: The depiction of early 2000s Bengal, its socio-political turmoil, and criminal underbelly adds a layer of realism to the series.
✔ Engaging Action Sequences: The well-choreographed action keeps the adrenaline pumping, making it an entertaining watch.
✔ Powerful Performances: Prosenjit Chatterjee, Saswata Chatterjee, and Ritwik Bhowmik elevate the series with their standout portrayals.
✔ Fast-Paced Storytelling: The show doesn’t waste time and keeps the momentum going, making it an engaging binge-watch.
The Bad:
❌ Predictable Plot: While the premise is gripping, the story unfolds in a way that makes twists easy to anticipate, reducing the suspense.
❌ Surface-Level Narrative: The show doesn’t delve deeply into the complexities of crime and corruption, making it feel more like an action-packed drama than a layered crime thriller.
❌ Underdeveloped Characters: Despite strong performances, some key characters lack proper backstories or motivations that would have made them more compelling.
Technical Aspects:
🎬 Direction: Tushar Kanti Ray and Debatma Mandal ensure a raw and intense atmosphere, but the storytelling remains straightforward, missing the unpredictability that makes crime thrillers more gripping.
📜 Screenplay: While the fast-paced narrative keeps the audience engaged, the script lacks the depth and nuance needed to make it a truly standout crime drama.
📷 Cinematography: The gritty visuals and well-shot action sequences effectively capture the tension and chaos of the setting.
🎵 Background Score: The music complements the intense moments well, adding to the overall mood of the series.
Final Verdict:
“Khakee: The Bengal Chapter” is an entertaining crime drama that blends politics, power struggles, and action. However, its predictable storyline and lack of narrative depth prevent it from reaching the heights of Neeraj Pandey’s previous works. Strong performances, particularly from Prosenjit Chatterjee and Saswata Chatterjee, make it worth a watch, but it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity for a truly gripping crime thriller.
⭐ Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐
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