A City Where Fear Reigns Supreme Set against the backdrop of Kolkata’s shadowy underbelly, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter crafts an intense tale of crime, power, and relentless ambition. Often referred to as the ‘City of Bhoy (fear),’ Kolkata serves as the perfect setting for this gritty saga. The series kicks off with a shocking act of brutality—the cold-blooded murder of honest police officer Saptarishi (Parambrata Chatterjee) by the ruthless gangster Bagha (played chillingly by Saswat Chatterjee). This single act of violence ignites a chain reaction, sending shockwaves through the city and ensuring that both law enforcement and the audience remain on high alert.
A Crime Drama That Refuses to Let Up Unlike formulaic crime dramas, this series delves deep into the corruption and lawlessness that plagued Kolkata’s early 2000s, portraying an unforgiving world where survival hinges on power and strategy. Showrunner Neeraj Pandey, known for his keen storytelling prowess, meticulously weaves a complex narrative that remains gripping despite its length. The raw, unpolished nature of the characters complements the series’ brutal tone, keeping viewers on edge as each twist unfolds.
Clashing Egos and Ruthless Ambition The show’s most electrifying performance comes from Prosenjit Chatterjee, who embodies Barun Roy, a cunning and ruthless politician with an iron grip over the state’s affairs. His influence is made glaringly apparent in a shocking scene where he unapologetically slaps the chief minister, a moment that defines his terrifying authority. Though he thrives on manipulation, Barun is no reckless tyrant; he is acutely aware that every move must be calculated in his high-stakes game of power.
The central conflict intensifies with the introduction of Sagor and Ranjit, two former allies whose ideological split turns them into bitter rivals. Ritwik Bhowmik’s restrained and brooding portrayal of Sagor is a highlight, providing a sharp contrast to Adil Zafar Khan’s portrayal of the unhinged and theatrical Ranjit. While Bhowmik’s performance elevates the narrative, Khan’s at times exaggerated approach slightly undermines the show’s grounded realism.
Women Who Leave an Impact Despite the testosterone-driven setting, the female characters make their presence felt with commanding performances. Shruti Das, as Sagor’s devoted yet strong-willed wife Manjula, and Aakansha Singh, portraying the determined cop Aratrika, infuse the narrative with emotional gravitas. Meanwhile, Chitrangda Singh’s portrayal of Nivedita, a politically ambitious woman, feels somewhat misaligned with the show’s rugged world—her performance, while compelling, lacks the unfiltered grit the role demands.
A Near-Flawless Crime Saga With its razor-sharp storytelling, gripping suspense, and powerhouse performances, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter cements itself as one of the most thrilling crime dramas in recent memory. While some inconsistent performances slightly hinder its perfection, the show surpasses its predecessor, Khakee: The Bihar Chapter, with richer character arcs and a more layered narrative. For crime thriller enthusiasts, this series is an unmissable ride through the darkest corners of power and ambition.
