“Khakee: The Bengal Chapter” is a gripping Indian crime thriller series that premiered on Netflix on March 20, 2025. Created by Neeraj Pandey, this series serves as a standalone sequel to “Khakee: The Bihar Chapter,” shifting its narrative focus to early 2000s West Bengal. The story delves into the complex interplay between law enforcement, organized crime, and political corruption in Kolkata during that era.
Plot Overview
The series centers on IPS officer Arjun Maitra, portrayed by Jeet, who is determined to dismantle the criminal empire of the notorious gangster Shankar Barua, also known as “Bagha,” played by Saswata Chatterjee. Following the death of a respected officer, Maitra confronts powerful gangsters and corrupt politicians in his mission to restore law and order. The narrative intricately weaves through the challenges Maitra faces, highlighting the pervasive corruption and the formidable influence of crime syndicates in the region.
Cast and Characters
- Jeet as IPS Arjun Maitra: The protagonist, an upright and fearless police officer committed to eradicating crime from Kolkata.
- Prosenjit Chatterjee as Barun Roy: A politician entangled in the web of crime and politics.
- Saswata Chatterjee as Shankar Barua “Bagha”: The primary antagonist, a dreaded gangster controlling Kolkata’s underworld.
- Chitrangda Singh as Nibedita Basak: A significant character whose role intertwines with the central conflict.
- Ritwik Bhowmik as Sagor: A pivotal character contributing to the unfolding drama.
- Parambrata Chattopadhyay as DCP: A senior police officer involved in the operations against crime syndicates.
- Aakanksha Singh as Aratrika: A dedicated colleague assisting Maitra in his mission.
- Mahaakshay Chakraborty as Himel: Another loyal team member supporting the protagonist.
Production Team
The series is directed by Debatma Mandal and Tushar Kanti Ray, with Neeraj Pandey serving as the creator and writer. The production is backed by Shital Bhatia under the banner of Friday Storytellers. The musical score is composed by Jeet Gannguli and Sanjoy Chowdhury, while cinematography is handled by Tushar Kanti Ray, Arvind Singh, Tarashree Sahoo, and Souvik Basu.
Episodes and Runtime
“Khakee: The Bengal Chapter” comprises seven episodes, each with a runtime ranging between 45 to 60 minutes. he series unfolds its narrative over these episodes, delving deep into the complexities of crime and justice in early 2000s Kolkata.
Critical Reception
The series has garnered attention for its compelling storytelling and strong performances. However, some critiques have pointed out its slow pacing despite the stellar cast. The detailed portrayal of Kolkata’s socio-political landscape and the intricate character arcs have been highlighted as significant strengths of the series.
Viewing Information
“Khakee: The Bengal Chapter” is available for streaming exclusively on Netflix. Subscribers can access all episodes and delve into this intense crime drama at their convenience.
For a visual glimpse into the series, you can watch the official trailer here: