Crime, corruption, and power struggles—when these elements collide, the result is a high-stakes drama. Netflix’s “Khakee: The Bengal Chapter” brings this intense mix to life, depicting the relentless battle between law enforcement and the underworld in early 2000s Kolkata.
This article explores the series’ gripping storyline, compelling characters, and overall impact while analyzing how it compares to its predecessor, Khakee: The Bihar Chapter.
A Crime Saga Set in Kolkata’s Underbelly
From Bihar to Bengal – A New Chapter
Following the success of Khakee: The Bihar Chapter, showrunner Neeraj Pandey shifts focus to Kolkata’s murky underworld. While the setting changes, the essence remains the same—a relentless IPS officer taking on a deeply entrenched criminal empire backed by powerful politicians.
A Story of Crime, Power, and Justice
The narrative follows IPS officer Arjun Maitra, a fearless cop tasked with uprooting organized crime in Kolkata. However, he soon finds himself caught in a web of deceit, where political influence shields criminals and law enforcement is constantly undermined. The show blends political intrigue with high-adrenaline action, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish.
The Key Characters – Heroes and Villains
Jeet as IPS Officer Arjun Maitra
- A determined law enforcer battling a corrupt system.
- Takes on criminals and their political protectors.
- Faces life-threatening challenges in his quest for justice.
Prosenjit Chatterjee as Barun Roy
- A cunning political leader wielding immense influence.
- Uses crime syndicates as pawns to maintain power.
- Represents the dark side of governance.
Saswata Chatterjee as Shankar “Bagha” Baruah
- A ruthless mafia don controlling Kolkata’s underworld.
- Engages in kidnappings, organ trafficking, and contract killings.
- Operates fearlessly under political protection.
Ritwik Bhowmik & Aadil Zafar Khan as Sagor Talukdar & Ranjit Thakur
- Young hitmen trained by Bagha.
- Sagor: Calculated and composed.
- Ranjit: Aggressive and impulsive.
Chitrangada Singh as Nibedita Basak
- A fiery opposition leader challenging the status quo.
- Struggles to make her mark in a male-dominated system.
- Adds a political edge to the storyline.
The Plot – A Dangerous Mission
Kolkata’s Crime Empire
The series paints a grim picture of Kolkata, where organized crime thrives under political patronage. The police force is stretched thin, and corruption is rampant. IPS officer Arjun Maitra is appointed to lead a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to crack down on these syndicates.
The Police vs. The Underworld
Arjun’s team faces off against a deeply embedded crime network that profits from:
- Kidnappings and ransom schemes.
- Illegal organ trade.
- Contract killings.
- Political money laundering.
Despite his determination, Arjun’s efforts put him in direct conflict with both criminals and corrupt officials, making his mission nearly impossible.
The Climax – A Final Showdown
As tensions escalate, the battle reaches a boiling point. Loyalties are tested, betrayals unfold, and the ultimate question arises—can one honest cop bring down an empire of crime?
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Series
What Works?
✔ Outstanding performances – The Bengali film stars bring their characters to life. ✔ Authentic setting – Captures the gritty essence of Kolkata’s underworld. ✔ Engaging storytelling – Fast-paced and filled with suspense. ✔ Political backdrop – Offers a realistic take on corruption and power dynamics.
What Falls Short?
✘ Predictable tropes – Relies on familiar cop vs. mafia themes. ✘ Limited character depth – Some supporting roles could have been better explored. ✘ Missed opportunity – Could have added more unique cultural elements.
Final Verdict – Is It Worth Watching?
For fans of crime thrillers, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter delivers an engaging watch. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, its powerful performances and intense narrative make it a compelling series. If you enjoy action-packed police dramas with political intrigue, this is definitely worth your time.
FAQs
Q1: Is “Khakee: The Bengal Chapter” based on true events?
Though inspired by real incidents, the story is largely fictionalized for dramatic impact.
Q2: Do I need to watch “Khakee: The Bihar Chapter” first?
No, both seasons have independent storylines, though they share similar themes.
Q3: Where can I watch “Khakee: The Bengal Chapter”?
The series is available for streaming exclusively on Netflix.
Q4: What makes this series unique compared to other crime dramas?
Its political elements and Bengali cinema influence offer a distinct flavor, even though the core story remains familiar.
Q5: Will there be another season?
There is no official confirmation yet, but the ending hints at possible future installments.
