In a surprising twist that combines the worlds of sports and entertainment, cricket legend Sourav Ganguly has stepped into the role of a promoter for Netflix's latest web series, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, which premiered on March 20, 2025.
Ganguly, known for his remarkable on-field aggression, took part in a promotional video that recently dropped ahead of the series' launch. Clad in a police officer's uniform, he returned to the spotlight by gate-crashing the filming of the promotional content. During this process, he was challenged to channel some of his on-field intensity, envisioning former India coach Greg Chappell, a figure from his past who recently became the subject of nostalgia reflecting on his cricketing journey.
"I am extremely talented (laughs)," Ganguly joked when asked about his role in the promotion. He humorously noted, "It’s just a promotional film for Khakee. I am told that the web series has actually done well. I will also watch it. Neeraj Pandey wanted me to promote it because it was something very close to his heart. I did it and it worked, so that’s what it is," as reported by IBNS on March 22.
The series itself has gathered favorable responses, featuring an impressive lineup of Bengali superstars, including Jeet Madnani, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Chitrangada Singh, Aadil Zafar Khan, and Ritwik Bhowmik, among others. Directed by Neeraj Pandey along with Debatma Mandal and Tushar Kanti Ray, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter marks the second installment of the Khakee franchise, following last year's successful launch of Khakee: The Bihar Chapter.
Simultaneously, Mimoh Chakraborty, who appears in the series as a police officer, shared his thoughts on the impactful changes brought about by OTT platforms. He remarked on the newfound freedom for creators to experiment, particularly in an era dominated by big-budget films. "With the rise of OTT platforms, there's so much room for experimentation. In the world of movies, we still love the big blockbusters like Animal, Gadar 2, or Pushpa 2. But OTT gives creators the freedom to explore new and unconventional stories. That's where you see series like Paatal Lok or Khakee: The Bengal Chapter come to life," he explained.
Chakraborty goes on to express gratitude for being part of this transformation, stating, "I feel extremely lucky and grateful to have been part of a show that gave me the chance to express myself as an actor. It's a blessing, and I'm excited to see how the industry continues to grow." He captures the sentiment that while the OTT landscape provides an abundance of opportunities, actors still experience significant pressure due to their constant quest for validation. As he puts it, "We actors are probably the most insecure people in the world. We constantly seek validation. It's that validation that drives us to work harder, stay motivated, and give our best performances."
Despite the absence of traditional box office metrics on these platforms, Chakraborty insists that the audience's approval is paramount. "Without their support and love, we're nothing. So, their approval and validation mean the world to us," he stated. As the industry evolves, actors thrive on the thrill of new content that allows fresh narratives to shine. "It's a mix of nervousness and excitement, and I'm just grateful to be experiencing it," he adds.
When asked about his viewing preferences on OTT, Chakraborty highlighted a few favorites, including Khakee: The Bihar Chapter, Paatal Lok, Panchayat, and The Family Man. He also enjoys American series like Invincible, The Boys, Jack Reacher, and The Diplomat. His remarks emphasize the diversity of content available, suggesting a platform where varied tastes find their place.
As Khakee: The Bengal Chapter gains traction in the competitive OTT arena, Ganguly and Chakraborty both represent a new era where actors are not just performers but also vibrant promoters of the content, helping bridge the gap between sports and entertainment.
With Ganguly's unexpected role in promotions and Chakraborty's enthusiastic embrace of the OTT landscape, viewers can look forward to more innovative interactions within the entertainment industry, likely resulting in creative partnerships that keep audiences engaged.
