Bhog

Giving it 6 stars! ⭐

Watched Bhog on Hoichoi after reading the original story by Avik Sarkar. While I was really looking forward to it, the show didn't quite live up to expectations. The mood and tension from the story got lost in a somewhat rushed screenplay. The slow psychological burn that made the original so gripping was replaced with a surface level supernatural vibe.

That said, one thing I absolutely have to mention is Anirban Bhattacharya's performance. He didn't overact or try to be dramatic, he just was Atin. His expressions, body language, and the way he showed Atin's descent into obsession felt natural and chilling at times. Honestly, if someone else had played the role, I don't think I'd have watched it till the end. The rest of the cast was okay but Anirban held it all together.

Overall, great concept, average execution. Could've been much more atmospheric and disturbing, but still worth a watch for Anirban alone.

The new Bengali Web Series Bhog has some distinctive qualities that make it unique. The Web Series released on May 01, 2025 narrates a story related to Paranormal activities. But it is unclear whether this can be called a horror Web Series as per the standard lexicon. Rather it's genre seems to be different one which includes some important aspects related to certain Schools of Devotion comprising both Hinduism and Buddhism of ancient India. In fact, different religious Schools eminent during the rules of Hindiu and Buddhist kings and emperors in India display unique sense of uniformity in certain aspects centuries back. The Tantra Sadhana (Black Magic) is one of them. But one understands the difference between Black Magic and the Divine. However, as the thin line often remains unnoticed, the Hindu and Buddhist rituals often seem alike. This is relevant in case of Tibetan Buddhism.

The Web Series Bhog narrates all these beautifully. Here the theme is straight forward. The action revoles around a strange idol and the paranormal activities which go on having both direct and indirect connection with the ritualistic aspects and the fallouts of Tantra Sadhana practised by an individual without proper knowledge. This goes on and keeps on inviting perils. The Web Series keeps hooked the attention.

The Casting of the Web Series is really great. Anirban Bhattacharya is great as always. Despite limited space, Rajatava Dutta makes his presence felt. Anyway, a highly recommend Web Series.

I really liked the series apart from the ending. Some things were not linked right. However, I will give full marks to the settings and the scares generated.

Watch at night with less distractions. You will be scared surely.

The acting of the lead actor is good and exceeds expectations. The supporting cast also does it's job well.

As I said before some questions were not answered properly and that is my only gripe with the show. The back story had holes. I cannot say more as it would then give away spoilers.

A great effort for a Bengali show and my recommendation would be to go ahead and definitely watch it.

"Bhog," written by Avik Sarkar, is basically a mediocre story, but it gained popularity through Sunday Suspense, thanks to its voice artists and extremely effective music. Hoichoi's adaptation of Bhog, helmed by Parambrata, is a missed opportunity. He tried his best to execute the story, but it's unclear whether budget constraints or time limitations held him back. The episodes are roughly 25 minutes long, with no proper character development. The screenplay is the main culprit here. Even ace actors like Rajatava and protagonist Anirban couldn't save the show. Parambrata should have taken creative liberties. Even horror serials like Aahat and Ssshhhh... Koi Hai manage to chill you more.

Having read and heard the story multiple times, I was cautiously excited when a live action adaptation was announced. Having seen the series, I regret having spent my time. Cheap jump-scares, uninspiring sequences, amateur lighting , visibly poor dubbing, wasted opportunities for creative liberties and the lack of memorable performances ( even Anirban Bhattacharya and Rajatava Dutta's fine performances couldn't save the day) spoiled it for me. Horror is more about ambience, sound, unspoken and unseen elements rather than jump-scares and overt dramatizations. Forget about horror, I never even had any fleeting sense of discomfort in the entirety of the 6 episodes. I wish Mr Parambrata Chatterjee had spent more time imbibing the true flavour that Mr Avik Sarkar had concocted in his literature.