User reviews

So finally, Byomkesh comes to Bollywood!! A well-scripted movie with an original story.Just the base is taken from the original work.The movie seems a bit slow at times but overall, you remain glued to your seats in the anticipation of what's coming next. Its not just another Bollywood thriller. The movie demands the attention of the viewer. In the end, you want for more! Sushant has played the role brilliantly. Other actors are commendable too.There are no irritating songs in the movie, and the dark background music adds to the mystery. Kudos to Dibakar Bannerjee for directing and YRF for producing this movie. And the story is not yet over.... there's more to come!

Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! is based on the popular sleuth character created by the Bengali writer Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay. "Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!" stars Sushant Singh Rajput, Neeraj Kabi, Anand Tiwari, Swastika Mukherjee, Meiyang Chang, and Divya Menon in major roles. The movie is set in 1942-43 Calcutta (now Kolkata) with the carefully chosen World War II backdrop in an attempt to resonate the ever bustling tempo of the city of joy with the chaos and hysteria of war. But, did the attempt succeed? Well, we will certainly try to find an answer to this and many other pertinent questions during the course of this article. But, before we do that, let's first focus on the plot details and various other filmmaking aspects.

The title "Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!" in itself gives a lot away without leaving much to the imagination—irrespective of whether one is already acquainted with Byomkesh Bakshi or not. There's no denying that Byomkesh Bakshi is a cult figure but it's nowhere as famous as say a Sherlock Holmes or a James Bond. Hence the smartly chosen title "Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!" and not just "Byomkesh Bakshy!" or "Byomkesh!"! The problem with nondescript titles based on relatively lesser known fictional characters is that they defy reasonable marketing strategies to attract the mass audiences. By why change Bakshi to Bakshy? And why use an exclamation mark with the name? Well, according to Dibankar Banerjee, these playful little adjustments have been made to make it more adventurous than generic. Clearly, Banerjee doesn't merely seem interested in adapting the stories of Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay. He has his eyes set on a bigger and a more challenging goal: to transform pulp into cinema while adding his own creative touches in the process and simultaneously ensuring that the spirit of the source material remains intact.

"Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!" is targeted towards a new audience and is bound to disappoint the purists (they can still find solace in the 1993 Television series telecasted on Doordarshan). However, Byomkesh Bakshi enthusiasts can still enjoy the film if they choose to approach it with an open mind. Banerjee seems to have a penchant for making dark films like "Shanghai" and "Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!". Made in the tradition of Hollywood whodunits, "Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!" is a richly textured detective story with a multilayered narrative. And while Dibankar may refuse to acknowledge it, the film noir influence just cannot be overlooked and is not limited to the presence of femme fatales and private eyes.

It's never a cinch to recreate a certain epoch in history and the fact that Banerjee and team meticulously reconstructed the 1940s Calcutta not only speak volumes about their commitment but actually help orchestrate an enchanting mise-en-scène that adds great detail to a sprawling period piece like "Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!" Add to this a thick plot, actors who can act with conviction, some brilliantly crafted dialogue, thrash metal music, Leone's signature camera movements, Welles' characteristic use of shadows and silhouettes, and shades of Tarantino-esque violence. Voila! We have crafted a palpable atmosphere that will hold the viewer in a vice- like grip until the end credits began to roll.

Banerjee's film is not original by any stretch of imagination, for he has borrowed ideas from various other filmmakers. But, there is no shame in borrowing ideas as long as one can concoct them into something unique. One of the greatest merits of the film is that it brilliantly serves the purpose of a suspense thriller. Some viewers may complain that the film is a bit predictable at times but the truth is that it keeps the viewer guessing throughout—the whole truth and the real motives of the various characters aren't revealed until the very end. There is a subtle difference between suspense and mystery and "Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!" for the most part falls in the former category (yes, there is mystery but the suspense element is stronger). So, there's no denying that Banerjee and team do succeed in their endeavor!

Overall, "Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!" can best be described as a marriage of commercial and experimental filmmaking. It is entertainment galore but not at the expense of creative freedom. In the context of contemporary Hindi cinema, "Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!" is nothing short of a monumental achievement. And those who think that Hindi cinema is not good enough to make great suspense thrillers anymore (Of course, the great Vijay Anand was the pioneer of the genre in Hindi cinema) certainly need to watch this film. Dibakar Banerjee needs to be congratulated for eliciting worthy performances from his entire cast of actors. Sushant Singh Rajput seems to have finally got the big break that he has been waiting for. Again his portrayal of Bandyopadhyay's sleuth may not satisfy the purists but nonetheless he manages to make his mark. Amidst a series of memorable performances, it's Neeraj Kabi's portrayal of Dr. Guha that stands first among equals. Another performance that deserves a special mention is that Swastika Mukherjee as Anguri Devi. The movie has some pacing issues and it occasionally tries to purposefully misdirect the viewer but despite the flaws it proves to be quite an enthralling experience. While the movie is bound to disappoint the hardcore Byomkesh Bakshi enthusiasts, it has all the elements to satisfy the masses and the classes alike. If the movie does well at the box office (and it most certainly will), a sequel may be just around the corner . Highly recommended!

(This review was first published in my film blog A Potpourri of Vestiges)

Based on the fictional detective Byomkesh Bakshi created by the Bengali writer Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay, 'Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!' is A Blast! Writer-Director Dibakar Banerjee delivers a deliciously twisted thriller, that's grim, dark, complex & yet engrossing. Its a moody period film, that works hugely as a suspense-thriller!

'Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!' Synopsis: In a contemporary interpretation of war torn Calcutta during the 1940's, the film follows the first adventure of Byomkesh (Sushant Singh Rajput), fresh out of college, as he pits himself against an evil genius who is out to destroy the world. It's his wits against the most villainous arch criminal the world has seen, in a world of murder, international political intrigue and seduction.

'Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!' is a slow-burn thriller, that grows on you with each passing scene. The drama unfolds with such detailing & crispness, that I kept going with the narrative more & more. Bakshy's first adventure has moments of pure shock, twists, humor & also betrayal.

Banerjee & Urmi Juvekar's Adapted Screenplay is very well-done. The Writing is super sharp, despite, its slow-pace. The first-hour builds up suspense, while the second-hour offers one intriguing moment after the other. The climax, also, is fabulously done. Banerjee's Direction deserves full marks. He's back in top-form! He's handled the film with utter brilliance. Cinematography captures every moment with flourish. Art Design is extremely well-detailed. Editing is good, but the pace could've been slightly faster. Music & Background Score are excellent.

Performance-Wise: Sushant Singh Rajput as Byomkesh Bakshy, is impressive all through. This is his finest performance to date. Anand Tiwari is fantastic. He contributes so much in the goings-on. Swastika Mukherjee enacts the femme fatale, confidently. Divya Menon is first-rate. Neeraj Kabi is outstanding. He stands out. Meiyang Chang is effective. Arindol Bagchi is adequate.

On the whole, 'Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!' works big time! Its one helluva thriller! Strongly Recommended!

I loved this movie. Yesterday I watches Chhichore then Raabta and must say Sushant is a master class actor. There was a TV series of Byomkesh Bakshi years ago and I remember watching it. It was good to see Sushant did the complete justice to the character.

Everything is amazing in the movie, the set especially. It is very scripted and screen written. Director Dibaker Banarjee has proved that he is in class of pure elite film-makers like Raju Hirani,Anurag Kashyap,Neeraj Pandey etc. It is set in 1942 with a loose connection to World war II. In short, it is all brilliantly put. The antagonist of the movie is more powerful than the protagonist. this gives another spark to the movie. Every scene is interconnected with each other which makes this mystery tale perfect. There is not a single scene about the movie which you can say is unnecessarily put into it. The only thing which could have been better is that the actors could have performed better. Sushant did all he could but that was like his 3rd film so he is not to blame and all the other actors aren't famous. Just because few people who have zero knowledge of movie have given negative reviews about it doesn't mean that movie isn't good. Anyone who loves sherlock is going to love this movie too. Its not a movie to miss guys. And its sad the movies like kick, dhoom3 and chennai express do all the business only because of big names while good movies like DBB don't get the business they deserve. Its a pure delight for mystery lovers.

Struggling to solve the case, breaking down each clue into a significant detail, in a world ravaged by the British dominion and equally endangered by war, the 1940s, there lives a detective Byomkesh Bakshy typically stylized as Bakshy Babu. Sublime his way with words, sharp his mind and snazzy his attire, Sushant Singh Rajput dazzles as the Indian counterpart of the well known mastermind.

Revitalizing the ingenuously crafted characters of Bandopadhyay, laughs gelled up here and there, Dibakar Bannerjee creates a thriller turning out in no more than 15 to 20 minutes to be a very intriguing flick as Bakshy Babu untangles the mystery by joining the pieces from the fragments of hints scattered across the locale.

What's so different about the movie is that it takes the road less traveled by. It portrays a beautifully archaic Calcutta with vintage cars and trams, and a story paced with an excellent flow. With a strong grip on your curiosity and attention, it shines as the product of masterful thinking timed by fluid execution. From the creation of an eerie environment to the brilliant juicing up of characters, Detective Byomkesh Bakshy is a cinematic delight.

Fantastic. 8.5/10.

Wow! Just yesterday, i saw that expensive disaster, fast n furious 7, and my faith in cinema went down a little. but today, with the help of Mr.Byomkesh, brings back the faith and belief. the first half gets a tad slow at times as they are building the characters and the atmosphere, but its Calcutta yo - gotta be slow! the second half though- spectacular - culminating in a crackerjack climax. the atmosphere, the cast, the production, the soundtrack (oh, the soundtrack!!). all brilliant. the Indian sherlock and Moriarty have been established - here's hoping for a resounding success and many more sequels. the lord knows we need good cinema in the times of the khans!!

The screenplay is out of the box some movements appreciate for Dibakar Banerjee,production design background score is amezing sometimes directing skils in banerjee we all knows he is outstanding overall. So must watch if you really Love detective spy movies.

Initially the movie is quite boring. But then we realize that Mr. Dibakar has taken time to introduce the characters to us. Once we get into the real story we realize how each thing is related to another and slowly the mystery unfolds. Detective Bakshy is never tired of using his methods of deduction and wit to solve the mystery and catch the real culprit. But then there is a super villain, right under his nose, breaking his every plan! The important characters of this film are: Byomkesh Bakshy: A common man who prefers to be a detective rather than a mathematics teacher. Ajit Bandyopadhyay: A simple guy who aspires to become a writer. He does not share a good relationship with his father but is upset about his missing. Dr Ankul Guha: A physician by profession who also runs a male hostel. Anguri Devi: An actor who is married to a local politician. She keeps many secrets with her... Satyawati: A well educated Bengali girl who is trying hard to prove her brother's innocence, convicted for murder. The film may not be appreciated by people who are just in the theater for complete entertainment or to sit back and enjoy. One needs to be patient and alert to watch this movie. You cannot afford to miss even a single dialog! While the camera is capturing the events of 1940s the music is of the current times but still seems to be very well in sync! The movie is a visual treat too. It time transports us to war stricken Calcutta of the 1940s. The props, vehicles, costume, sets, all are faultless. Finally on the scale of 'Highly Recommended', 'Recommended', 'Watchable' and 'NO Please' this movie is Recommended.

This was a highly anticipated movie for me. Expectations built up when the trailer was out. Went to the first show and was so happy that the movie is just what i was expecting - A good mystery detective flick with little bit comedy, little bit action and lots of thrill and awesome scenes. Really this is something new for Indian audiences. Dibakar Banerjee has done a great job in recreation of 1942 Culcutta. Back ground music is simply fantastic. These kind of movies are very rare in Bollywood and hence it was an awesome experience. Expect that this will be a big commercial success. A sequel is expected and hope it will come soon. Go for it if you like suspense and dark comedy.

Dibakar Bannerjee has raised the bar with his earlier films, and though this one slips a fair bit under that bar, it's still probably worth the weekday price of the ticket.

He is still pushing the envelope, no doubt about that. You can tell that a great deal of effort has gone into visualising the period - from matchboxes to trams, clothes and newspapers. On the other hand, the sound and music makes the story contemporary, even grungy, in a very good way. The international elements were cool too, especially the short scene in "japan", and authentic looking Japanese and Brit characters. While some of the period stuff jumps out at the viewer awkwardly here and there, the jewel of production piece must be the boarding house, which looks completely real and lived-in.

The story, and its telling is where the film falls short. Though the basic idea is great - because it lifts the narrative out of Kolkata and puts in context with international goings on - it got too complex. It could not told so that the viewer can connect the dots; it needed to be spelt out, in words, by the protagonist near the dragging end. As a result, it keeps the viewer distracted and confused through most of the slow fragmented narrative.

Despite good performances from the entire cast, it is hard to relate to anyone in particular. It's not Sushant Rajput's fault, it must be something about the writing. Women characters lack depth, which i think is an unfortunate / unintentional director's trademark. Emotionally, there is no memorable moment in the film, though there could have been a few.

The films ends with a hint of a sequel. Hope the storytelling is fixed in the next one; though I wouldn't miss it in any case because it is, after all, a Dibakar Banerjee film.

One of India's all time favorite characters + a talented director +star lead + a period setting - elements that promise an entertaining film. Alas, as happens so many times - the result is highly disappointing. Byomkesh Bakshi was one of my favorite TV detective shows (as was of most people I know) from the 90's - never missed an episode. Why ? Simple whodunit stories, great acting, suspenseful music and slick direction. On the other hand, the thrill factor was totally lost in the film even before mid-way. Extremely slow paced, the film lacks in suspense appeal. It seems the team spent more time (and money) on the research on the film's period setting (1940's Calcutta) - and they indeed have done a great job at that. Only if similar energy had gone into keeping the plot simple and tight - could have been a great success. Highly anticipated film of 2015- unfortunately falls flat on its face. Bad news for Byomkesh fans indeed !

So watched one hell of a movie today!!…It is known as Detective Byomkesh Bakshy.. Dibakar-Sushant,kudos to you both ..U guys have just nailed it.. Awesome,kick ass,chilling,edge of the seat mystery thriller.. Calcutta has never looked so damn gorgeous on screen ever before,brilliant cinematography. The film manages to keep you guessing with the next dialog spoken till the very end of the film,such is the narrative. You just can't afford to divert your mind for a moment or you will lose something significant. Background music specially in the 2nd half of the film is kick ass n supports the film very well. And what can I say about the villain,definitely one of the most menacing I have seen in years now.Now I know why this role was presented to aamir coz it definitely had the potential. I loved the climax too,it is a bit predictable but one you can relish for a long time. I have finished watching this film for about 5hrs now,but still I can't get over it coz this film stays with you. I am going with 4 stars. Definitely the best for me this year!! I will be highly anticipating its sequel whenever it will be announced. If you can focus your mind for 150min.,you will love this

******

As far as box office aspects of DBB are concerned,I doubt it will be a success.The film demands probably too much from your side.People who go to watch mostly light hearted films will come out disappointed.I watched the film in the morning show with only 7 people in the entire theatre!!!

This movie was one of the few instances in my life where I tasted something genuinely superior than my expectations. It was like going back to those fabulous film noirs with ever lasting thirst for mystery. Watching this movie, I realized I just found the jackpot I've always been searching for, a perfect Detective Movie in today's environment which is polluted by the likes of Robert Downey Jr.'s Sherlock Holmes franchise.

40's Calcutta comes alive and in the turmoil of World War 2, but there is another, much darker war is lurking under the shadows, a war filled with ultimate betrayals, politics and may be, at the cost of the country itself. Who will outsmart another in this game of throat cutting foxes, Chinese, Japanese or just an ordinary amateur detective...... you should remember his name, because it's very likely that he'll leave you mesmerized. He's BAKSHY, BYOMKESH BAKSHY.

All of us have seen films from which we expect good things but once the film is over we come out after having seen an average product, happens quite often to me and this film is guilty of it. Detective Byomkesh Bakshi (or as Yashraj Films has forcefully inserted it self in the title with BakshY) does a lot of things right, it hired an excellent director- Dibakar Banerjee and spent a lot of time, effort and money in building the DBB's 1943 Calcutta. My words can do no justice to how beautiful and lively the atmosphere and the setting of the film was, this was the highlight of the film by far, the production values are excellent, a complete standout aspect. DBB also sports excellent acting especially by Neeraj Kabi (who stole the show in Ship of Thesus) and decent acting by Sushant Singh Rajput. I have always considered Sushant Singh Rajput and Anushka Sharma typical 6-7/10 actors, decent, gets the job done, but no where even close to being good and though the boy does his best he doesn't exceed his limits and capabilities. Now I am no Byomkesh Bakshi expert but having seen some handful episodes on TV he was as what us Bengallis describe as "Bhadralok" meaning intelligent, gentlemanly and a scholar, DBB's Bakshy is intelligent but not suave and gentlemanly, he squirms at the sight of sexy women and I don't think even later films will make this right. DBB's Bakshy is more relatable to the common man but isn't as cultured as you'd expect Byomkesh to be.

Now on to the main gripe, the plot, the plot is BAD and it's the worst kind of bad, it's promising and engaging, though I had some minor grievances but the first half of the film was great, and then it turns into a hot mess. Why does a detective story about a missing person have to be so big? It is insulting to the viewer's intelligence that the mystery of a missing person eventually becomes a borderline international war with drugs, Chinese opium smugglers and Japanese Katanas & armies. This is not only not Byomkesh Bakshi but a very badly written film where every loose end of the film is killed off, Person A knows too much, person A turns up dead, Person B knows too much let's drop the poor slugger like a sack of potatoes, while you are at it don't forget to slit Person C's throat. This is not how you write a detective mystery. The climax is bit satisfying to watch but illogical like the rest of the film. Illogical and Byomkesh Bakshi never thought I would be using those words in a single sentence. Further, Dibakar Banerjee doesn't understand that it was cool to bombard us with hard rock almost Rammestein level of music in 1943 Calcutta maybe once or twice but by the 50th time loud jarring music appears on the screen it feels very forced, unorganinc, unnecessary and yes out of place. Still better than an average Hindi movie for example it has almost no action scenes, your protagonist can't swing a punch to save his life showcasing he is a thinker not a fighter and the direction is great too showing some brilliance of Byomkesh but the plot of the film itself is ludicrous. Some research has yielded that there are a few recent Bengalli Byomkesh films which are better and more authentic without being over the top spy thrillers, why not just adapt them to the screen rather than this hot mess? Overall, a decent start to the franchise with excellent world building but ultimately soulless, and needs work.

The casting is fair,Sushant Singh Rajput has done a decent job and so have the other characters. Calcutta of the 1940's has been portrayed beautifully and aesthetically. Apart from this one just feel for most part of the movie it is too dark and at times does make it difficult to figure out what's going on. The main issue with the plot is the director has tried to do too many things and in doing so have lost the originality of the writings. One is not too accustomed with Bomkesh might find the movie interesting but not someone who knows all about Bomkesh. The ending is rather stereotype and doesn't charm the viewer. All in all a so-so flick.

"Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! Is a neo-noir crime thriller that successfully brings the iconic Bengali detective character created by the legendary author Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Directed by Dibakar Banerjee, the film has been praised for its engaging storyline, rich visual style, and meticulous attention to detail. The film immerses the audience in a world of intrigue, mystery, and moral ambiguity.

Set in the pre-Independence era of Calcutta, the film follows the titular character, Byomkesh Bakshy (portrayed by Sushant Singh Rajput), an astute and observant private detective. The story kicks off when a young man named Bhuvan (Ankit Bisht) seeks Byomkesh's help to find his missing father, a wealthy and influential figure. As Byomkesh delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a tangled web of deceit, betrayal, and murder. The narrative is woven with subplots involving political intrigue and lingering enmities, making it more than just a typical whodunit.

Dibakar Banerjee has a distinctive directorial style that shines through the film. Director paints a vivid picture of 1940s Calcutta, a city grappling with the shadows of war and the rise of criminal underworld. The film's atmosphere is dark, gritty, and atmospheric, capturing the essence of the era.

Sushant Singh Rajput delivers a standout performance, embodying Byomkesh's intellect, charm, and tenacious attitude. His portrayal is complemented by a talented supporting cast, including Anand Tiwari as Dr. Watson-like character, and Swastika Mukherjee, who brings depth to her role as a pivotal character in the plot.

The film's narrative is intricate, weaving together multiple storylines involving opium smuggling, political intrigue, and personal vendettas. While the plot might seem convoluted at times, it keeps the audience engaged with its twists and turns.

The screenplay is cleverly crafted, filled with twists and misdirection that keep audiences guessing. The plot unfolds methodically, presenting clues that allow viewers to engage in the investigation alongside Byomkesh, making the reveal all the more satisfying.

The music, by the talented duo of Vishal-Shekhar, adds to the overall mood of the film, seamlessly blending with the storytelling while heightening suspense and dramatic moments. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the essence of Calcutta's grandeur and decay.

While the film remains faithful to the spirit of the original Byomkesh stories, it also offers a contemporary interpretation of the character. Byomkesh in this film is not just a brilliant detective but also a young man grappling with personal demons.

Despite its many strengths, "Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!" may not appeal to all audiences. Some viewers might find the pacing uneven, especially during the film's first half, which lays the groundwork for the complex plot and some subplots might have been explored in more depth. Additionally, those unfamiliar with the original character and stories might find some cultural nuances or references challenging to grasp without prior knowledge.

"Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!" is a remarkable tribute to the classic detective genre. It stands out as a well-executed film that merges intriguing storytelling with atmospheric visuals, appealing to both fans of the detective genre and newcomers alike. Dibakar Banerjee's adaptation honors the legacy of Byomkesh while bringing a fresh perspective to its timeless appeal. For anyone who enjoys a clever mystery filled with rich historical context, this film is definitely worth watching.

I would ask you to watch this movie because this kind of movie is simply very rare in Bollywood.It is dark,smart and keeps you thinking for the entirety of it. A lot of people including myself found the movie very difficult to keep up with and I was the happiest person during the intermission!Not because the movie is bad rather I was happy because now I could join the dots and understand what really is happening!! Byomkesh is represented by Sushant Singh Rajput with perfection! Byomkesh isn't a fighter,he isn't fond of blood.He is just a normal guy who happens to be very smart and hence is a detective!His reactions to blood and murder are similar to what would happen if one of us sees a body. In the end the movie is kinda explained because come on it's a very complicated movie and we could use all the help we could get to understand it.

One of the few Indian directors that don't fail to impress. The movie is satisfyingly awesome and maybe one of the finest thriller in Indian cinema. What worked:

• great direction, brilliant cinematography and background scores, ambiance and climate
• Neeraj Kavi rocks as usual. Probably finest performance of Sushant.

-great screenplay

What didn't work: -maybe a slightly more elaborative conclusion. Final verdict: Highly recommended;a must watch.

I would ask you to watch this movie because this kind of movie is simply very rare in Bollywood.It is dark,smart and keeps you thinking for the entirety of it. A lot of people including myself found the movie very difficult to keep up with and I was the happiest person during the intermission!Not because the movie is bad rather I was happy because now I could join the dots and understand what really is happening!! Byomkesh is represented by Sushant Singh Rajput with perfection! Byomkesh isn't a fighter,he isn't fond of blood.He is just a normal guy who happens to be very smart and hence is a detective!His reactions to blood and murder are similar to what would happen if one of us sees a body. In the end the movie is kinda explained because come on it's a very complicated movie and we could use all the help we could get to understand it.

All in all, a great movie for people who like to whack their brains when they are sitting in the theater and not just churn popcorn's!!! Its definitely a thinking man's movie!! Great Work Mr.Dibakar Banerjee!!!