Chaalchitro: The Frame Fatale

While the narrative may have a couple of shortcomings, the film is always one step ahead of you. The sharp editing and the crisp runtime further accentuate the depiction of police procedures and the execution of the crimes. Though it veers away from typical buddy-cop tropes, a limited series format might have allowed the story more room to breathe and develop.

The film does well in exploring the personal crises of its lead characters, weaving their emotional struggles seamlessly into the narrative. These moments of dramatic turmoil enhance, rather than detract from, the story. However, one subplot feels underdeveloped, contributing little to the overall plot. The interpersonal dynamics between the police officers are a highlight. Their differing priorities shape their approaches to the case, and the restrained use of banter ensures the focus remains on the events rather than the characters. Unlike many Bengali crime thrillers, the balance between character development and plot progression is handled adeptly here. That is where Chaalchitro scores, reaching a new height in Bengali cinema.

The cast of Chaalchitro delivers some of the best performances I've seen in recent thrillers. Kanishka, played with remarkable intensity, anchors the film, while the supporting characters bring their unique traits to the table. The murders are gruesome yet compelling, each one shedding light on the killer's twisted psyche.

The pacing is impeccable, with the story building up to an electrifying climax. The screenplay is sharp, and the dialogues are impactful. The film's background score is another highlight, enhancing the tension without overpowering the narrative. This is a film that demands your attention and rewards you with an unforgettable cinematic experience.

It saddens me to say that as a Bangali, I have never seen a classic thriller on the OTT platform that can engage or keep the viewers, forget grabbing the arm of the chair but at least have their brows frown for a minute! When crime thrillers like Pataal Lok, Delhi Crimes, etc keep piling up, the Bangla Industry could not even produce ONE!

This film industry is certainly blessed to have films like Sonar Kella, Joy Baba Felunath, and Kuheli & since then, the same industry has come to believe garbage over content & performance! Has the Bangla Film Industry started collecting scripts from the trash of those who are making masterpieces mentioned as references, above?

3 Stars from me: 1 for Tota, 1 for Anirban and the 3rd for the lady who played the character of a differently abled girl. The rest (in major roles) were as good as the movie itself, which is ZERO, especially that Marwari boy, whose character was as important as the actor playing it!

Could have been better had they dropped the plan of making this piece of paper!

Chaalchitro - The Frame Fatale is not for the faint-hearted. The gruesome murders depicted in the film are disturbing but essential to the narrative. Kanishka and his team's investigation is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with dead ends, revelations, and moments of despair. What I loved most was the authenticity of the detective work. The procedural elements are detailed and believable, drawing you into the world of the investigators.

Kanishka's struggle with his past adds an emotional core to the film, making it more than just a crime thriller. The climax ties the threads together in a way that's both satisfying and chilling. This is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.

Kolkata is rocked by a gruesome murder, and the case lands on the desk of two seasoned detectives, Kanishka Chatterjee (Tota Roy Chowdhury) and Naseer (Anirban Chakrabarti) from the Kolkata Police Detective Department. Their instincts kick in as they notice an eerie resemblance to an old case. Joining the chase are the spirited young IPS officer Ritesh Kumar (Shantanu Maheshwari) and the dependable Bishwa (Indrajeet Bose). But as the investigation unfolds, the city's streets turn red with more victims, and the pressure mounts.

Nothing sets the mood on a winter night like a bone-chilling thriller, and Pratim D. Gupta delivers one with flair. Packed with a delectable plot and a handful of red herrings, the film pulls viewers into a rollercoaster of suspense. While it occasionally teeters on predictability, the story's pace, intensity, and edge-of-your-seat twists make it nearly impossible to look away.

Pratim masterfully scatters the pieces of his puzzle, leaving the audience to play detective. The first half grips you with razor-sharp efficiency, as every twist pulls you deeper into the mystery. Though the second half leans more heavily on its surprises, the film keeps the guessing game alive till the very end, ensuring a thoroughly entertaining ride.