New Delhi:
A little less than a masterpiece, Detective Byomkesh Bakshy is a treat to see Calcutta of 1940s under mysterical circumstances of getting obsolete.
Returning on screen after almost 20 years, the film starring Sushant Singh Rajput in the lead role successfully reclaims the magic, Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay used to create, with added twist and turns by director Dibakar Banerjee.
Full marks to the art director for brilliantly representing Kolkata as Calcutta; barely leaving any detail of that time, film presented about dozen of vintage cars, old age tram and also the real value of ‘paan’ for the city.
Straight to the business approach puts Byomkesh into a case where he need to find a missing father. It was a bit off track from what Sushant told us in an exclusive interview. ‘Film presents the making of Byomkesh Bakshy,’ the actor had said. But, it started on a note that everyone knows him and this is the reason he has been asked for this case. After he starts his investigation, he unfolds layers and finds out it is not just a case of missing man instead it is a much bigger conspiracy, which could lead Japanese Army to get hold of Calcutta.
Byomkesh’s tackling tricks and a master plan for the mastermind is gripping which keep you engaged till the very last frame of the film.
In between, Swastika Mukherjee as Anguri Devi turns out to be a treat for eyes but gets very less frames to prove her worth in the film. The major positive point which could turn out to be the weakest link is the foreign language which may force many viewers to lose interest. Though director tried to hook the strings on a lighter note and also avoids it at many occasions.
Sushant Singh Rajput, who plays the lead role, makes a marvellously inconspicuous and hugely effective hero. This may turned out to be his best act and also a rope that takes him up towards success.
The film ends on a hint of sequel, and if that happens Sushant may get a second chance to present his smart, intelligent act once again.
Final Verdict: Beautifully shot by Nikos Andritsakis, film is designed for those who demand much more than just songs and a preeminent star in a movie. Sushant Singh Rajput’s fan will go gaga over him after watching this.
