Netflix has recently released the much-anticipated series Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, which premiered on March 20, 2025. Created by Neeraj Pandey, this latest addition to the franchise follows up on the groundwork laid by its predecessor, Khakee: The Bihar Chapter, which became one of Netflix’s most popular Indian originals in 2022. Set against the turbulent political backdrop of Kolkata in the early 2000s, the show features a star-studded cast that includes Prosenjit Chatterjee, Jeet, and Chitrangada Singh, among others.
However, despite its intriguing premise, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter has received a lukewarm response from audiences and critics alike, as many reviews echo a sentiment that the series lacks originality and the emotional depth necessary to captivate viewers. One reviewer succinctly noted, "The series has the emotional intelligence of a substandard Crime Patrol episode and a simplified run of a C.I.D case." Such statements point to a broader issue of how the show attempts to weave complex narratives about crime and politics but ultimately fails in delivering an engaging storyline.
The show revolves around a stark tale of power struggles, where Barun Roy (played by Prosenjit Chatterjee), a powerful politician, manipulates the law and its enforcers—particularly through his ties to notorious gangster figures. As the plot progresses, the audience is introduced to an ‘honest cop’ (Parambrata Chatterjee) who bravely attempts to clean up the violent streets of Kolkata. Yet, after his untimely murder, we see the introduction of a new protagonist, Arjun Maitra (played by Jeet), who becomes embroiled in the corrupt political gamesmanship. This transition feels contrived, with several reviewers noting the character development is lacking and feels forced.
The series introduces a blend of familiar tropes found in crime dramas, including unwarranted violent outbursts that seem to propagate character development rather than enrich it. The dynamics between the characters Ranjit (Aadil Khan) and Sagor (Ritwik Bhowmik) initially showcase an interesting friendship that ultimately devolves into darkness. Critics argue that this transformation lacks a solid foundation due to poor writing choices. Indeed, Aadil Khan has been singled out for his performance, inspiring hope as a lead actor; however, overall viewer reactions range widely.
On social media, viewers have voiced mixed reactions. Some hailed the series as "one of the finest web series I've ever watched! A gripping story, mind-blowing execution, and an incredible cast of Bengali stars. A must-watch!" Others, however, did not share the same enthusiasm. One harsh critique stated, "Better to watch Crime Patrol. This has weak direction with weak plot.. dialogues delivery worst.. only actors played their part, that's it." Such polarized opinions indicate that viewer reception varies, with some appreciating its entertainment value while others find it predictable and lacking in depth and nuance.
Despite the criticisms, many fans appreciated the effort to depict the complex relationship between politicians and the criminal underworld in West Bengal. The story’s historical context—setting during the Communist Party's reign and the rise of Mamata Banerjee—could provide fertile ground for compelling storytelling. While the attempts to set a local atmosphere with Bengali accents are acknowledged, the execution falters when broader regional struggles are glossed over, reducing the narrative to mundane political speeches.
This dissatisfaction with Khakee: The Bengal Chapter also shines a light on a broader concern regarding the need for originality in India's growing streaming content. As the reviewer observed, "OTT platforms these days cook the same Bollywood dish in a regional pan to create a credible taste," exemplifying the notion that freshness is sorely lacking in present storytelling approaches within the Indian cinematic landscape.
The series' production quality, too, has come under scrutiny, particularly the intro music, which one critic compared unfavorably to a marketing jingle promoting the state of Bengal. This tonal dissonance detracts from the show’s serious themes and gives off an unintended light-hearted vibe, contrasting sharply with the heavy subject matter at hand.
As the series continues to stream on Netflix, audiences may struggle with this juxtaposition of high expectations set by its predecessor against the reality of its latest installment. While the cast boasts some of Bengal's finest talents, including a cameo by Parambrata Chattopadhyay, the depth of storytelling appears fleeting, leading to reflections on how enjoyment can falter in overfamiliar tropes and thin character arcs. Ultimately, while viewer reactions remain mixed, the exploration of crime and political interplay raises interesting points worth considering in the evolving narrative landscape of Indian web series.
