What Is the Story About?
Set in the small town of Shikarpur, the namesake series deals with a series of murders caused by a ghost. Keshto, a budding detective, is determined to find the truth and solve the mystery related to the brutal killings. Did he or did he not is the series’ basic plot.
Performances?
Ankush Hazra is a perfect fit for a novice detective learning steps from his guru. The actor neatly brings out the body language depicting confidence yet a little hesitance simultaneously. It makes the part relatable and gives it a compelling touch. There is not enough drama to work on, but the small moments are acted out adequately.
Sandipta Sen is another good casting choice for the role in question. A strong and vocal woman who loves a guy and pushes him to succeed. She does the part with elan even though it goes missing at times.
Analysis
Nirjhar Mitra directs Shikarpur, a series created by Kaushik Ganguly. It is a classic whodunit set in a small town that is terrorised by gruesome murders.
One has to follow the story closely to get the hang of things. They are set neatly in the first few episodes itself. In fact, all the cards are neatly bared at the start itself, which makes the story intriguing. It sets the ball rolling towards a classic whodunit thriller.
However, what looks simple turns complicated and convoluted as the narrative progresses. The many characters and their motives are hard to track if not given full attention. The way each revelation leads to a new red herring or roadblock feels contrived after a point. It feels overdone.
Some also appear to miss logic if things are pieced together. This contradiction brings the effect down a little bit, but enough is happening to keep one hooked.
The primary mystery related to the killer is ultimately what holds everything together. Despite the convolution, it seems alright when it all comes together, even though a bit far-fetched.
However, those interested in the thriller genre might find Shikarpur something different than usual because of the setting and, ultimately, the motive, although it is bound to leave some divided. The performances, too, are okay. The hint at the end for a potential sequel could be better done, though.
Overall, Shikarpur is a decent crime thriller with a whodunit angle. Its length and convoluted narrative are the downers, but for genre lovers, there is something to chew on. Give it a try if you like slow-burn thrillers, and don’t mind the excessive length.
Other Artists?
The veteran Kaushik Ganguly is in form playing Dindayal Biswas. The role appears briefly in parts but always holds some meat to get registered. Debashish Mondal starts well but is lost after a point. He is fine in the role given to him, but one can’t help but feel it to be integrated in a better way into the narrative. Korak Samanta appears much later and has a more impactful part than him. He does well as the sidekick to the detective. There are many other actors playing bits and pieces roles. They are fine.
Music and Other Departments?
Mainak Mazoomdar’s background score is decent. The recurring theme track is alright, and so are some parts, but overall it lacks the intensity. Souvik Basu’s cinematography is standard fare. It does well in capturing the locales and giving a mood to the proceedings. However, the close-ups and some night sequences are below par. Subhajit Singha’s editing is okay. The writing is good enough in parts related to the core mystery.
Highlights?
Story
Setting
(Few) Simple Yet Effective Twists
Drawbacks?
Convoluted Narrative
Ending (Dividing Opinion)
Formulaic In Parts
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Reservations
Shikarpur Webseries Review by Binged Bureau
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