Khakee: The Bengal Chapter Review: The mention of West Bengal evokes strong imagery of its rich culture, exquisite cuisine, and varied musical traditions. In contrast, Neeraj Pandey's second installment of the acclaimed Khakee series explores a much grimmer narrative, focusing on the state's violent and tumultuous undercurrents. While this shift offers impactful moments, it occasionally stumbles.

The plot

The first installment, Khakee: The Bihar Chapter, was inspired by Amit Lodha’s memoir, Bihar Diaries: The True Story of How Bihar’s Most Dangerous Criminal Was Caught, featuring performances by Karan Tacker and Avinash Tiwary.

In this sequel, Neeraj Pandey has opted for a fictional storyline, moving away from the real-life basis of the previous chapter. Set in Kolkata during the 2000s, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter presents a narrative centered on crime, corruption, and the challenges faced by law enforcement.

The story opens with the terror instigated by gangster Shankar Barua, known as Bagha (played by Saswata Chatterjee), who runs an extensive network of illegal operations throughout West Bengal, supported by the powerful politician Barun Roy (portrayed by Prosenjit Chatterjee). Under Bagha's rule, the state is engulfed in fear, as his devoted associates, Sagor Talukdar (Ritwik Bhowmik) and Ranjit Thakur (Aadil Zafar Khan), unleash chaos. As crime escalates, IPS officer Arjun Maitra (Jeet) is called in to dismantle this criminal organization.

As the narrative unfolds, it reveals the more sinister facets of human ambition and the repercussions of unrestrained desire. The compelling story is interspersed with moments of intense violence and graphic scenes.

The series is helmed by directors Debatma Mandal and Tushar Kanti Ray, with Neeraj Pandey co-writing the script alongside Debatma Mandal and Samrat Chakraborty.

What works

The series effectively captures the essence of the state by featuring a predominantly Bengali cast, which adds a layer of authenticity to the storyline.

Moreover, it highlights the crime-ridden aspects of West Bengal, presenting a stark contrast to the typical image of the state as a center of culinary, musical, and cultural excellence. The theme song "Ik aur rang bhi dekhiye Bangal ka" aptly reflects this duality, reminding viewers that Bengal encompasses more than just its cultural wealth.

In terms of performances, Ritwik Bhowmik's role as a merciless gangster represents a significant shift from his previous character as a folk music star in Bandish Bandits. Prosenjit also delivers a commendable performance as a ruthless politician.

The series keeps viewers engaged with its intricate plot twists. Its action sequences and visual effects stand out, while the direction is particularly noteworthy for its bold camera work that vividly portrays the gritty realities of Bengal's criminal world.

The first season's lack of strong female representation appears to be addressed in the second season. Chitrangada Singh shines as the Leader of Opposition, and Aakanksha Singh adds depth to her portrayal of a police officer. Shruti Das is featured as the wife of a gangster.

What doesn’t work

However, the show falters in several critical areas that hinder its overall impact. The pacing is problematic at the beginning.

Several unresolved plotlines leave viewers seeking closure. The relationship between Ranjit and Sagor is underdeveloped, and Cheena’s storyline involving Bagha’s son remains unfinished.

The series also takes a bold approach with its regional emphasis, which may pose challenges for audiences, especially those unfamiliar with the socio-political context of West Bengal.

Perhaps the most disappointing aspect is the lack of musical depth. Given that the series is set in West Bengal, a region celebrated for its rich musical traditions, the soundtrack fails to leave a lasting impression.

The verdict

Khakee: The Bengal Chapter provides a unique insight into a lesser-explored aspect of West Bengal, showcasing compelling performances by local talent. This series is a must-see for crime drama aficionados looking for a fresh experience. Featuring actors such as Parambrata Chatterjee, Mimoh Chakraborty, and Shraddha Das, the web series premiered on Netflix on March 20.

Read Also: Khakee: The Bengal Chapter Review – Gunday Vibes with a Gritty Neeraj Pandey Twist

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