The Eken: Benaras e Bibhishika

Watched it 'first day first show' to use an expression from my childhood and must say it was a satisfying experience. The plot moves on without sagging - it is not a typical whodunnit but more of a thriller; the Ekenisms are liberally sprinkled; Bapibabu and Pramathababu sirs do good jobs as sidekicks, has the occasional 'Khukur phone' motif, good locales and nice Benaras shots, the usual homages to Ray....most boxes are ticked.

There are a couple of questionable plot points though minor; Saswata does a good job as the villian but maybe looks 'too Bengali' to do justice to the multiple characters he portrayed, imho. But overall, a nice one to enjoy with the family.

Returning to the big screen with his trademark wit and unassuming brilliance, Eken Babu-played to near perfection by Anirban Chakrabarti-takes us on another quirky, layered adventure in The Eken: Benaras e Bibhishika. This time, the beloved Bengali sleuth finds himself in the ancient and atmospheric city of Benaras, where a vacation quickly turns into a mysterious case involving theft, deceit, and a dangerous game of secrets.

At its heart, the film remains faithful to what fans love most about the Eken franchise: the light-hearted tone, the gentle humor, and Eken Babu's unorthodox methods of deduction. But what sets this installment apart is its location. Benaras is not just a backdrop here-it's a character in itself. The narrow gullies, the ghats drenched in history and myth, and the constant spiritual buzz of the city all come together to form a textured setting that enhances the mystery and gives the film a unique visual flavor.

The plot kicks off when Eken Babu, accompanied by his ever-curious friends Bapi and Pramatha, stumbles upon a suspicious theft connected to a priceless idol. What follows is a maze of clues, red herrings, and eccentric suspects. True to form, Eken Babu doesn't rush or dramatize. His strength lies in his seemingly simple yet razor-sharp observations. The film keeps you guessing, not through high-octane chases or dramatic twists, but through clever writing and the slow peeling back of layers.

Anirban Chakrabarti once again proves that he is Eken Babu. His performance is warm, witty, and deeply rooted in a sense of Bengali nostalgia. There's something profoundly comforting about his screen presence-almost like meeting an old friend who hasn't changed a bit, and that's a rare quality. He doesn't try to be the brooding, intense detective. He's cheerful, chatty, a little clumsy, and yet, always five steps ahead. This contrast is what makes the character work so well.

The supporting cast does a solid job. Suhotra Mukhopadhyay and Somak Ghosh, as Bapi and Pramatha, strike the right balance between comic relief and genuine curiosity. Their banter feels organic, never forced. The suspects and side characters-especially those rooted in the local Benarasi culture-are portrayed with flair, adding layers of complexity and color to the narrative.

Visually, the film is a treat. The cinematography captures both the chaos and serenity of Benaras. From misty morning shots at the ghats to busy market lanes lit with diyas and neon, the camera invites the viewer into the soul of the city. The background score complements the mood without overpowering it-quietly building suspense where needed, and adding a playful touch to Eken's lighter moments.

If there's one critique, it's that the pace dips slightly in the middle. Some scenes feel stretched, and the narrative could've benefited from tighter editing. But the finale picks up well, and the resolution, while not earth-shattering, is satisfying and clever in a very Eken Babu way.

In a world filled with dark, gritty detective thrillers, The Eken: Benaras e Bibhishika is refreshingly light yet intelligent. It doesn't scream for attention but earns it steadily, scene by scene. The film reinforces that suspense doesn't always need to be grim-sometimes, it can wear a smile, sip a cup of tea, and still surprise you.

For fans of Eken Babu, this film is a warm, familiar hug. For newcomers, it's a charming entry point into a detective universe unlike any other. Either way, it's worth the watch-especially if you enjoy mysteries that value character and charm just as much as crime and clues.