Entertainment News : Bengali literature has given birth to some of the most iconic detectives, such as Byomkesh Bakshi, Feluda, Masood Rana, Misir Ali, Kakababu and many more. Bengal has undoubtedly carved a unique niche for itself in the field of Indian detective fiction and there could be many reasons behind this. The region witnessed significant social and political upheaval, including the partition of India, which created a backdrop full of intrigue, mystery and hidden agendas, the perfect elements for detective fiction. Kolkata, with its colonial architecture, bustling markets and hidden lanes, provides a fascinating setting for these stories.

Another attempt at telling a detective story in the Indian entertainment industry has been made with the series 'Shekhar Home' which is set in the early 1990s - a period known for its unique charm and simplicity. The show has everything that will attract the audience and create anticipation. However, does it really live up to the expectations set by the legacy of iconic detectives associated with Bengali fiction? Let's delve deeper to find out.

Story

Set in the quiet town of Lonpur in Bengal in the early 1990s, 'Shekhar Home' is a new reimagining of 'Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's' iconic British character 'Sherlock Holmes'. The show pays tribute to the era when technology did not exist and human intelligence was the only tool. Kay Kay Menon plays the lead role in 'Shekhar Home', an eccentric but brilliant man. His path crosses with that of Jayavrat Sahni played by Ranvir Shorey, a new version of Dr. John H. Watson. Sahni, a middle-aged bachelor and former army doctor, becomes an unexpected ally for Shekhar. Together they embark on a journey to solve mysteries across eastern India, dealing with cases ranging from blackmail and murder to the supernatural.

The main problem with Shekhar Home is its inability to develop its characters and their motivations. The protagonist Shekhar remains an enigma throughout the series, with very little character development. The performances of the supporting cast are even worse, reduced to mere caricatures with predictable actions and dialogue. Barring one or two twists or revelations, the mysteries themselves are predictable and lack the complexity needed to keep the audience's interest. The show's attempt to mix mystery, drama, and even romance feels forced and inconsistent.

Another downside of the show is its runtime. Each episode ranges between 39 to 45 minutes and the makers have opted for an anthology format where each episode presents a new case to solve, with a bigger threat lurking in the background for Shekhar and Jayavrat. However, if we look at Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock series, each episode was treated like a standalone film. Both Shekhar and the audience need enough time to get familiar with a new case, understand it and solve it. Every case in 'Shekhar Home' is written in a hurry, often leading to conclusions that are not always believable.

Directing and writing

Shekhar Hom's direction is bland, with little visual appeal or creativity. The series relies heavily on predictable camera angles and editing techniques, resulting in a visually dull experience, and this is surprising since big directors like Rohan Sippy (Bluffmaster) and Srijit Mukherji (Begum Jaan, Shabaash Mithu) are attached to the series. The writing is equally disappointing, with cliched dialogues and plot points. The show's attempt to create suspenseful moments falls flat due to poor execution. 

Acting

The series has a talented cast including Ranvir Shorey, Rasika Dugal, Kirti Kulhari and Kay Kay Menon. Normally this level of talent is enough to carry any show, but unfortunately that is not the case here. Due to the writing, there is very little scope for anyone other than Kay Kay Menon and Ranvir Shorey to shine. While the chemistry between these two leads does raise some hope, it is not enough to keep the show interested throughout.

Actors of the calibre of Ranvir Shorey, Rasika and Kirti deserve better material. Their characters are thinly written and lack meaningful development, except for a final twist or revelation on which the show seems to hinge. While there are occasional brilliant moments, they are overshadowed by the overall mediocrity of the performances. Kirti Kulhari, playing Mumtaz, just goes through the motions, delivering her dialogues with little conviction. The supporting cast, which includes names like Shernaz Patel, Dibyendu Bhattacharya and Rasika Dugal, despite being competent, have little screen time.

How is the movie

Shekhar Home is a lost opportunity. With its talented cast and promising plot, it had the potential to become the Indian 'Sherlock'. Unfortunately, it falls short on every level. The stories are not interesting at all, the characters are flat and the direction and writing are poor. It is a painful reminder that a good cast does not guarantee a good show.