Khakee: The Bengal Chapter Fails to Impress with Worn-Out Tropes

Kolkata, India – Netflix‘s latest series, “Khakee: The Bengal Chapter,” premiered on March 20, 2025, as a follow-up to the acclaimed “Khakee: The Bihar Chapter.” Directed by Debatma Mandal and Tushar Kanti Ray and created by Neeraj Pandey, this seven-episode series features a star-studded cast, including Prosenjit Chatterjee and Jeet. Despite high expectations, critics have found the series lacking in originality and emotional depth, often falling into predictable storytelling patterns.

The plot revolves around the kidnapping of a politician’s grandson in Kolkata, which leads to the involvement of honest cop Saptarshi and the notorious gangster Bagha. After the boy’s release, a violent conflict erupts, prompting a new police officer, Arjun Maitra, to restore order in a morally corrupt landscape.

Critics have praised Jeet for his portrayal of the principled officer, aligning his performance with a lack of character evolution. Prosenjit Chatterjee’s role as the corrupt politician has been highlighted as effective, weaving elements of his character’s twisted nature into a broader narrative of political and criminal collusion. However, the performances of Chitrangada Singh and other supporting cast members failed to leave a significant impact, being described as one-dimensional.

As the story unfolds, it draws parallels to the series’ predecessor but misses the opportunity to weave in the rich cultural tapestry of Bengal. The absence of a strong regional flavor diminished the storytelling, leaving critics to question its intent and coherence. “It seems to be more a Hindi project with Bengali actors rather than a story rooted in the local milieu,” noted one review.

Critics have taken issue with the repetitive plot devices, stating that the series adheres to a time-worn formula of cop versus gangster narratives that offers little in terms of excitement or innovative writing. The two pivotal characters, Sagor and Ranjit, initially show promise but ultimately succumb to clichéd conflicts that lack genuine development.

Despite its numerous flaws, the series did manage to offer a few engaging moments, retaining some level of viewer investment through controlled performances and a straightforward narrative direction. It brings brutal realities to light but does so in a manner that often feels uninspired.

The absence of music that resonates with the dramatic moments further diluted the emotional tension, leading to a superficial experience. Cinematographers Tushar Kanti Ray, Arvind Singh, Tarashree Sahoo, and Souvik Basu have received commendations for portraying Kolkata authentically, resisting the urge to present a sanitized version of the city.

In conclusion, while “Khakee: The Bengal Chapter” may entertain some viewers looking for a basic cop drama, it ultimately fails to rise above its predictable narrative filled with recycled tropes. The series bears little innovation and presents a weary depiction of an ongoing struggle of power and corruption. Viewers might find it tolerable, but fans expecting the original flair of its predecessor will likely be disappointed.