Khakee: The Bengal Chapter

Neeraj Pandey, Debatma Mandal and Samrat Chakraborty's screenplay is gripping and despite the long length of certain episodes, the audience will be invested in the goings-on. Neeraj Pandey, Debatma Mandal and Samrat Chakraborty's dialogues are sharp. Many dialogues are in Bengali and hence, non-Bengali viewers will require the help of subtitles. Debatma Mandal and Tushar Kanti Ray's direction is great. There are far too many characters and sub-plots but they put it together neatly. Like the first part, simplicity is the key and the makers ensure that there’s no room for confusion. The other big strength is unpredictability. One never knows what twist awaits and who’ll get eliminated. Certain characters, who seem to be crucial parts of the narrative, are finished off pretty early and those who seem not-so-significant turn out to be the major drivers of the story.

Khakee: The Bengal Chapter is Neeraj Pandey’s attempt to reveal a hidden side of Kolkata. While the drama is engaging, the series sometimes feels repetitive, as it follows a formula that’s already been heavily used in Indian streaming content. The overdose of the crime genre on streaming platforms weakens what could have been a truly standout Netflix outing.

Directed by debutant duo Debatma Mandal and Tushar Kanti Ray, the series encapsulates all the classic elements of a Neeraj Pandey production, including its signature sepia-toned aesthetic. With Pandey at the helm of the script, the show unfolds as a taut thriller, packed with twists that keep you hooked till the very end. While some moments may be predictable, the unexpected turns far outweigh them. The first episode, though loaded and dense, effectively lays the groundwork for what follows. The pacing remains consistent throughout, and the authenticity is maintained with a well-balanced integration of Bengali dialogue (as a Bengali, I found it seamless and was relieved to find no mispronunciations). However, what truly elevates the show is its cast and their performances.