Netflix has released a new Indian series titled Khakee: The Bihar Chapter, created by famous writer-director Neeraj Pandey. The series is based on the book “Bihar Diaries: The True Story of How Bihar’s Most Dangerous Criminal Was Caught” and is currently streaming on the platform. It follows the story of IPS officer Amit Lodha, played by Karan Tacker, as he navigates the corrupt world of politics and criminal activity in the state of Bihar, and works to capture powerful criminal Chandan Mahto, played by Avinash Tiwary.
Plus Points:
- The series does a good job of immersing viewers in the world of Bihar, with strong production design and attention to detail in the slang and atmosphere of the state between 2000-2006.
- The last episode of the series is particularly engaging, with a mind game between the protagonist and antagonist using technology of the time, and a discussion of the flaws in the judicial system that allow criminals to evade justice.
- Avinash Tiwary’s performance as Chandan Mahto is excellent, and Karan Tacker, Abhimanyu Singh, Ashutosh Rana, and Ravi Kishan all give solid performances in their respective roles.
- The Humra Bihar title track by Advait Nemlekar is enjoyable and the background music throughout the series is strong. The cinematography by Hari Nair is also well done.
Minus Points:
- Despite having a talented creator in Neeraj Pandey, the series falls short of expectations and is often bland and unengaging. It lacks twists and turns and becomes predictable, with a formulaic screenplay and lack of novelty in the police investigation.
- The length of the series is a problem, with long, tedious sequences that could have been trimmed for a more gripping, fast-paced narrative. The action scenes are also unconvincing due to poor VFX work.
- The writing is not strong enough to make up for the other flaws, resulting in a fairly standard crime drama rather than a standout series.
Technical Aspects:
- The production values are average, and the editing could have been improved by cutting down on lengthy sequences.
- Director Bhav Dulia does an okay job with the series, but the writing team does not deliver an exciting narrative, resulting in a lack of impact despite strong performances from the lead cast.
Verdict:
Overall, Khakee: The Bihar Chapter is a passable series with a few good moments. The performances and portrayal of the world of Bihar are strong points, but the straightforward narration and lengthy runtime detract from the overall experience. While it may still be worth a watch for some viewers, there are likely better options available.