What Is the Story About?
Souvik (Souman Bose) is a newly recruited police officer. He gets posted under the Department Of Unusual Cases as a newbie. The department headed by Kaniachoron (Rajatava Dutta) mostly gets cases that are deemed worthless, or no one takes them up.
How did Souvik and Kaniachoron forge a mentor-mentee bond at the department? What is the case they track together and how they catch the culprit forms the core plot of the series.
Performances?
Rajatava Dutta and Souman Bose are the main leads of the series. They form a perfect pair of master and student. The chemistry they share (that is slowly grown) is the mainstay of the series.
Rajatava Dutta, as the senior and wise man, is adequate and does his part well. It is controlled and thought out act with no overdramatization. Souman Bose, on the other hand, is a young guy with dreams and ambition. He presents a neat portrayal of the role and shows the character’s dramatic arc well. He does go overboard at times but is alright.
Among the rest, Anirban Chakrabarti and Kharaj Mukherjee have decent roles. The former has a slightly more significant part and a vital role, whereas the latter is smaller. Both shine in the small moments they get as part of the narrative.
Analysis
Abhirup Ghosh directs Byadh, which is based on a novel. The word’s meaning is ‘Hunter’, and it’s perfect for the series that deals with a serial killer. However, there is a slight twist here as the killings are not that of humans.
The series begins with gruesome and chilling visuals. However, there is a twist to it, and only if one gets the same feeling even after then, they should proceed with the rest.
There is a serial killer on the prowl killing ‘Sparrows’ brutally. What is the reason for it, and how important is it to value their lives is addressed as part of the narrative.
The proceedings are dead slow, to begin with, but there is a gripping quality to them, which holds our attention. The background score and the writing is what generate intrigue. The whole thing getting assigned to the Departments Of Unusual Cases also gives it a fresh vibe.
It is easy to take the narrative lightly with no human interest involved. However, the story and writing incorporate elements to give it an air of seriousness. The ‘dog’ angle is neatly inserted to create the emotional effect. It does come across as a bit forced, but it serves the purpose at a critical moment.
More than anything, the growing bond between the two lead characters is what makes one go through the proceedings. It is neatly done.
The ending consisting of a theory behind the killings and the linking to ‘current’ hostile political atmosphere is good, even though it might appear a bit far-fetched to some. It helps in elevating the profile of the case and the seriousness.
Overall, Byadh consists of a simple thriller premise that goes about traditionally and in an old school way. The police investigative drama holds the attention for the most part due to the actors and some decent writing. If you like the thriller genre and a straightforward subject, give the series a try.
Music and Other Departments?
Aamlaan Chakraabarty and Bob SN provide the background score. It is excellent; especially the whistle theme is terrific. Subhadeep Naskar’s cinematography is alright. The atmosphere and police office setup has been decently captured and presented. Pijush Ghosh’s editing is okay. The pacing could have been better with slick editing. The writing is fine throughout.
Highlights?
Story
Screenplay
BGM
Casting
Drawbacks?
Length
Slow Pace
Drags In Parts
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Reservations
Byadh Web Series Review by Binged Bureau