- Language: Hindi (with Bengali dialogues for authenticity)
- Age Rating: UA (Suitable for viewers above 12 years with parental guidance)
- Episodes: Seven
- Genre: Crime, Political Thriller
Neeraj Pandey’s Khakee: The Bengal Chapter is a gripping crime thriller that dives deep into the murky nexus of politics, crime, and law enforcement in early 2000s Bengal. Streaming now on Netflix, this fictional series is packed with twists, stellar performances, and a fast-paced narrative that makes it a binge-worthy watch.
Plot Overview
Set in the volatile political landscape of early 2000s Bengal, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter revolves around Barun Roy (Prosenjit Chatterjee), a shadowy “philanthropist” who secretly controls the state’s ruling party and its criminal underbelly. His power is upheld by the notorious gangster Bagha (Saswata Chatterjee) and his loyal lieutenants, Sagor Talukdar (Ritwik Bhowmik) and Ranjit Thakur (Aadil Zafar Khan). However, when Sagor and Ranjit act without Bagha’s approval, chaos ensues, threatening the delicate balance of power.
Enter IPS Arjun Moitra (Jeet), a no-nonsense cop with a shoot-first-ask-later approach. His arrival sparks a high-stakes game of chess between him and Barun Roy, where every move could mean life or death. The series explores themes of corruption, loyalty, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
Cast and Character Development
Prosenjit Chatterjee as Barun Roy
Prosenjit delivers a commanding performance as the manipulative puppet master. While his screen time is limited, his presence looms large over the narrative.
Jeet as IPS Arjun Moitra
Jeet shines in his web series debut as the fearless cop determined to dismantle the criminal-political nexus. His intense portrayal adds gravitas to the series, though his character’s moral ambiguity raises questions about heroism.
Ritwik Bhowmik and Aadil Zafar Khan as Sagor and Ranjit
Ritwik undergoes a striking transformation from his usual romantic roles to a cold-blooded gangster. Aadil impresses with his raw portrayal of a hot-headed criminal. Their friendship-turned-rivalry is one of the most compelling arcs in the series.
Supporting Cast
Saswata Chatterjee as Bagha and Parambrata Chattopadhyay in a cameo add depth to the narrative. Chitrangada Singh as opposition leader Nibedita Basak brings elegance to her role but could have been given more screen time. Mimoh Chakraborty and Aakanksha Singh also deliver noteworthy performances.
What Works
✅ Engaging Narrative: Neeraj Pandey’s signature storytelling keeps you hooked with unpredictable twists and layered characters.
✅ Powerful Performances: The ensemble cast delivers standout performances, particularly Jeet, Ritwik Bhowmik, and Prosenjit Chatterjee.
✅ Authentic Setting: The integration of Bengali dialogues adds authenticity to the story without alienating non-Bengali audiences.
✅ Fast-Paced Direction: Debatma Mandal and Tushar Kanti Ray ensure that the pacing remains consistent, making it hard to look away.
What Could Have Been Better
❌ Predictable Moments: While most twists are effective, some plot points feel formulaic for seasoned crime thriller fans.
❌ Underutilized Characters: Saswata Chatterjee’s Bagha and Chitrangada Singh’s Nibedita deserved more depth and screen time.
❌ Background Score Issues: The music occasionally feels jarring and detracts from key moments instead of enhancing them.
Direction and Cinematic Style
The series employs Neeraj Pandey’s signature sepia-toned aesthetic, creating a gritty atmosphere that complements its dark themes. While some action sequences lack polish, the overall visual dynamism keeps viewers engaged. The directors skillfully balance political intrigue with high-octane action.
Final Verdict
Khakee: The Bengal Chapter is an engrossing addition to Neeraj Pandey’s crime thriller repertoire. While it doesn’t break new ground in terms of storytelling, its strong performances and engaging narrative make it a worthwhile watch for fans of political dramas and crime sagas.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ½ (3.5/5 Stars)
Should You Watch It?
If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with complex characters and political intrigue, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter is definitely worth your time. Despite its minor flaws, it delivers enough drama and excitement to keep you hooked from start to finish.