Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, the standalone sequel to Neeraj Pandey’s acclaimed Khakee: The Bihar Chapter, delivers a thrilling ride that, while not reinventing the crime drama wheel, shines with its stellar cast and atmospheric execution. Set in the gritty underbelly of early 2000s Kolkata, this series follows IPS officer Arjun Maitra (Jeet) as he takes on the formidable gangster Bagha (Saswata Chatterjee) and a web of corrupt politicians led by the cunning Barun Roy (Prosenjit Chatterjee). The premise—a righteous cop battling a broken system—is familiar, but the show’s strength lies in its ability to keep you hooked despite its predictable beats.

The narrative kicks off with a kidnapping gone awry, setting the stage for a cat-and-mouse chase that unfolds across eight episodes. Critics might point out that the story doesn’t stray far from the well-trodden path of cop-versus-criminal tales, and the initial episodes can feel a tad disjointed as they juggle multiple threads. However, once the plot finds its footing—around episode three—it transforms into a binge-worthy saga packed with tension and well-timed twists. The pacing picks up, and the show’s unapologetic embrace of drama, complete with slow-motion action sequences and a pulsating background score, adds a cinematic flair that’s hard to resist.

What truly elevates Khakee: The Bengal Chapter is its ensemble cast, a dream team of Bengali cinema heavyweights and rising stars. Jeet brings a magnetic intensity to Arjun Maitra, balancing grit with charisma in a way that marks him as a standout OTT debutant. Prosenjit Chatterjee’s understated yet commanding portrayal of the manipulative politician is a masterclass in subtlety, while Saswata Chatterjee’s Bagha exudes menace with every glance. Ritwik Bhowmik and Aadil Zafar Khan, as the gangster duo Sagor and Ranjit, steal scenes with their raw energy, proving they can hold their own alongside the veterans. Even the supporting players, like Chitrangada Singh as an ambitious opposition leader, add depth to the sprawling narrative.

Visually, the series is a love letter to Kolkata, capturing its chaotic charm through misty ghats, bustling streets, and political rallies. The sepia-toned aesthetic and authentic Bengali dialogue lend it a rooted feel, even if the story itself could fit into any crime-ridden city. Some might argue that this lack of cultural specificity is a flaw, but it also makes the show broadly appealing—a smart move for a global platform like Netflix. The action sequences are slick, the dialogues pack a punch, and the title track by Jeet Gannguli is an earworm that ties it all together.

Yes, the climax might feel a bit too neat, and the reliance on familiar tropes could leave you wanting more originality. But Khakee: The Bengal Chapter doesn’t pretend to be groundbreaking—it’s a rollicking, high-energy thriller that knows its strengths and plays to them with gusto. It’s the kind of show that invites you to sit back, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the ride. For fans of Neeraj Pandey’s brand of storytelling and anyone craving a dose of adrenaline-soaked drama, this Bengal chapter is a worthy addition to the Khakee franchise—imperfect, but undeniably entertaining.

Ratings: 4/5