Rating: 4/5 stars
In the heart of Kolkata, where politics and crime intertwine in an intricate dance of power, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter emerges as a compelling crime thriller that keeps audiences on the edge throughout its seven-episode run. Premiering on Netflix on March 20, 2025, this standalone sequel to “Khakee: The Bihar Chapter” brings together an impressive cast of Bengali cinema stalwarts alongside Hindi film actors, creating a perfect blend of talent that elevates this gritty narrative.
A Closer Look at the Plot
Set against the backdrop of early 2000s Kolkata, the series follows IPS Arjun Maitra (Jeet), a no-nonsense police officer appointed to head a Special Investigation Team. His mission? To bring down Bagha (Saswata Chatterjee), a powerful gangster whose criminal empire operates with impunity thanks to his political connections. What begins as a seemingly straightforward cat-and-mouse chase soon unfolds into a complex web of corruption involving politicians, businessmen, and law enforcement.
The series shines brightest when it portrays the “pada” culture unique to West Bengal—neighborhood clubs that have evolved from community service organizations into political foot soldiers. This aspect lends authenticity to the narrative, setting it apart from other crime dramas in the Indian streaming landscape.
Cast Performance: A Stellar Ensemble
The show marks several firsts—Jeet’s web series debut and the first on-screen collaboration between him and Prosenjit Chatterjee. Both deliver powerful performances that anchor the series. Jeet brings a quiet intensity to Arjun Maitra, a character who relies more on intelligence than brute force. His methodical approach to dismantling Bagha’s network keeps viewers invested in his journey.
Prosenjit Chatterjee as Barun Roy, a cunning politician from the ruling party, delivers a performance that showcases why he remains one of Bengali cinema’s most respected actors. His portrayal of a man walking the thin line between public service and criminal enterprise is nuanced and compelling.
Saswata Chatterjee as Bagha brings the right amount of menace to his role. His ability to switch between calm calculation and explosive violence makes him a memorable antagonist. Parambrata Chatterjee as IPS Saptarshi Sinha delivers a solid supporting performance, adding depth to the police procedural elements of the narrative.
Chitrangada Singh, making her web series debut as Opposition Leader Nibedita Basak, brings a sharp political edge to the storyline. Her character’s determination to expose corruption adds another layer to the political machinations at play.
Direction and Production Quality
Under the guidance of creator Neeraj Pandey and directors Debatma Mandal and Tushar Kanti Ray, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter maintains a consistent tone throughout its run. The directors capitalize on Kolkata’s visual landscape, incorporating iconic locations like Prinsep Ghat, Vidyasagar Setu, and Howrah Bridge to establish a strong sense of place.
The cinematography deserves special mention for capturing the city’s contradictions—its colonial architecture juxtaposed against crowded neighborhoods, the serene Hooghly River against the chaotic streets. This visual contrast mirrors the thematic exploration of order versus chaos, law versus crime.
| Aspect | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Story | 4/5 | Strong narrative with occasional predictable turns |
| Acting | 4.5/5 | Exceptional performances across the board |
| Direction | 4/5 | Consistent pacing with authentic portrayal of Kolkata |
| Music | 3.5/5 | Sanjoy Chowdhury’s background score enhances tension |
| Visual Appeal | 4/5 | Excellent use of locations and cinematography |
Narrative Strengths and Weaknesses
The non-linear storytelling approach works in the show’s favor, creating intrigue and allowing for satisfying revelations as the narrative progresses. Each episode ends with enough tension to warrant immediate continuation, making it highly bingeable content.
Where the series occasionally falters is in its action sequences, which sometimes prioritize graphic violence over believability. Some viewers might find these scenes unnecessarily brutal, though they do establish the high stakes of the conflict.
The show also struggles with some pacing issues in its initial episodes. The first two installments move somewhat slowly as they establish the numerous characters and their motivations. However, once the groundwork is laid, the narrative picks up significant momentum in the middle episodes.
Cultural Context and Authenticity
One of the most commendable aspects of Khakee: The Bengal Chapter is its attention to cultural specificity. The dialogue flows naturally between Bengali, Hindi, and English, reflecting the linguistic reality of urban Kolkata. The show doesn’t explain these cultural nuances to viewers unfamiliar with Bengali society but allows them to absorb the context organically.
The portrayal of the political landscape avoids obvious parallels to current affairs, instead focusing on the universal themes of power and corruption. This approach gives the narrative a timeless quality while still maintaining its rootedness in Bengali culture.
How It Compares to Other Crime Dramas
In an overcrowded genre, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter manages to carve out its own identity. Unlike glossier cop dramas that glorify vigilante justice, this series takes a more grounded approach to police work. It acknowledges the bureaucratic hurdles and political pressures that real officers face while investigating high-profile cases.
The show also avoids the trap of portraying its protagonist as an infallible hero. Arjun Maitra makes mistakes, faces setbacks, and occasionally questions his methods—character nuances that make him more relatable than the typical action hero.
Compared to its predecessor “Khakee: The Bihar Chapter,” this installment stands on its own merits while maintaining the franchise’s commitment to authentic regional storytelling. Fans of crime thrillers like “Sacred Games” or “Paatal Lok” will find familiar elements here, but the Bengali setting and cultural context provide a fresh perspective.
Technical Aspects
The technical craftsmanship on display deserves recognition. The sound design creates an immersive experience, especially during tense confrontations and chase sequences. Sanjoy Chowdhury’s background score complements the visual storytelling without overwhelming it, while Jeet Gannguli’s title track—which changes lyrics with each episode—adds a unique touch.
The editing maintains narrative clarity despite the complex plot with multiple character arcs. Even when the story jumps between different timelines, viewers can follow the developments without confusion.
Streaming Experience on Netflix
As the first Hindi show to stream simultaneously in Hindi and Bengali on Netflix, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter sets an important precedent for multilingual content. This approach not only respects the cultural setting of the story but also makes it accessible to a wider audience.
The Netflix platform suits this content well, allowing viewers to consume all seven episodes at their own pace. The binge-worthy nature of the show aligns perfectly with streaming viewing habits.
Who Should Watch It?
Khakee: The Bengal Chapter will appeal to several audience segments:
- Fans of crime thrillers with political undertones
- Viewers interested in regional Indian cinema and culture
- Those who appreciate character-driven narratives over action spectacles
- Audiences looking for content that doesn’t shy away from complex moral questions
The show earns its mature rating through its depiction of violence and criminal activities, making it unsuitable for younger viewers.
Final Verdict
Despite some familiar tropes and occasional pacing issues, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter succeeds as an engaging crime thriller that respects its audience’s intelligence. The exceptional cast performances, authentic portrayal of Kolkata, and intricate narrative make it worth investing seven hours of viewing time.
For those curious about the expanding universe of Indian streaming content or specifically interested in stories set in Bengal, this series offers a compelling entry point. It balances mass appeal with artistic integrity, resulting in a show that satisfies both casual viewers and discerning cinephiles.
If you’re planning your weekend Netflix watchlist, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter deserves a spot at the top. Just be prepared to clear your schedule—once you start this gripping tale of crime and consequences, you’ll likely want to finish it in one sitting.
Before watching this crime thriller, you might also enjoy checking out Oops Ab Kya? Web Series for something lighter, or the critically acclaimed Kanneda Series for another regional gem.
