What Is the Story About?
Hoichoi TV’s latest Bengali series ‘Mahabharat Murders’ is a serial killer suspense drama, with a mythological twist. A series of gruesome killings rock Kolkata. A modern-day Duryodhan is on the hunt for those he perceives as the reborn Draupadi, Sahdev, Nakul, Arjun, Bheema, and Yudhishthir. As detectives Ruksana Ahmed (Priyanka Sarkar) and Siddharto (Arjun Chakraborty) delve into the murders, they realise that wily politician Pabitra Chatterjee (Saswata Chatterjee) might be the killer’s Yudhishthir, and next on his hit-list.
Mahabharat Murders is based on the book of the same name by Arnab Ray. The script and dialogue are written by Anirban Bhattacharya and Sougata Basu, and it is directed by Soumik Haldar.
Performances?
Mahabharat Murders is chock-full of accomplished actors, and each of them does a good job of the role given to them. Saswata Chatterjee is very good as shrewd politician and CM aspirant, Pabitra Chatterjee. He brings just the right amount of charm and ruthlessness, as needed, to his role. Kaushik Sen is good as Pabitra’s constant companion, Abirlal. Priyanka Sarkar and Arjun Chakraborty render convincing performances as police detectives. The rest of the cast, including Rishav Basu, Rajdeep Gupta, Debashis Mondal, lend suitable support.
Analysis
At its core, Mahabharat Murders is your everyday serial killer story that are commonplace on streaming platforms these days. What sets the story apart from regular murder mysteries and police procedurals is its inventive use of mythology in the storytelling. The serial killer seeks out and murders his victims on the basis of the ‘Great Journey’ from Ved Vyas’ epic Mahabharata. The story becomes even more interesting when the pattern of murders is decoded so superbly by Pabitra Chatterjee’s character in the series. It sets the tone for the series, and adds an element of intrigue to the narrative.
The first six episodes of Mahabharat Murders go by in a breeze, keeping our attention securely in the grip of the storytelling. This, however, is the point where the plot descends into chaos. Too many characters are introduced into the plot, making it confusing to understand who is who. To add to the bewilderment, the script resorts to a liberal use of flashbacks to take the story forward. This non-linear style of storytelling, coupled with too many similar-sounding characters, messes up the crisp nature of the series that had hooked us to it in the first place.
The twist that the story takes is a tad hard to swallow, nor does it strike a chord with the viewer. The motive for the murders is also quite lame and contrived. The writer seems to believe in the strategy of introducing outlandish twists—the more outlandish the better—so as to create that elusive element of incredulity in the narrative. Alas, it fails in its motive.
Several subplots take place in the story with no explanation for the actions of the characters – why does Ruksana ask Joy to track Siddhartho, for instance. What does she discover that makes her realise that his life is in danger? And then why does she abandon her search, even though she fails to find him?
Not just this, there are several such sequences in the series that leave us baffled – Tanya’s murder, for instance. Also, the political subplots in the series are absolutely meaningless. Javed and Shamshuddin’s characters, and their skirmishes, could have been done away with totally, with no loss to the narrative.
That said, Mahabharat Murders is a commendable attempt, save for the drawbacks and loopholes in the narrative. Hoichoi TV must be lauded for the distinctive choice of stories that it picks to turn into series – Mandaar, Robindronath Ekhane Kawkhono Khete Aashenni, Tansener Tanpura, and more.
Music and Other Departments?
Amit-Ishaan’s background score for Mahabharat Murders is well-suited to the suspense and gore in the series. The intro tune is especially pleasing to the ear. Ramyadip Saha’s camerawork helps in the world-building – an important factor for the series. He captures the goriness of the narrative perfectly. Sanglap Bhowmik’s editing skills help to make the storytelling sharp and crisp.
Highlights?
Good performances
Unique storyline
Short episodes help to keep the pace and narrative engaging
Drawbacks?
A rather tame end
Too many flashbacks and too many characters make the story a bit confusing towards the end
Sidhartho’s character arc doesn’t quite hit a chord
Too many loopholes
Did I Enjoy It?
Moderately
Will You Recommend It?
Partly
Mahabharat Murders Web Series Review by Binged Bureau
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