When you hear about a show of an IITian turned IPS officer, you know it is gonna be worth it. “Khakee: The Bihar Chapter” is a gripping Netflix series, created by Neeraj Pandey and based on the book “Bihar Diaries – The true story of how Bihar’s most dangerous criminal was caught” by IPS officer Amit Lodha. With a compelling narrative, skilled direction, and a talented ensemble cast, “Khakee” seamlessly blends crime, corruption, drama, and action. I found the storyline to be pretty intriguing tbh, backed by stellar performances, and raw portrayal of societal issues, and hence “Khakee” proves to be a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.
Set in the heartland of Bihar, the series unfolds through the eyes of Ranjan Kumar (Abhimanyu Singh), an SHO at Sheikhpura, as he guides us through the parallel journeys of IPS officer Amit Lodha (Karan Tacker) and Chandan Mahto (Avinash Tiwary), a truck driver who rises to become a notorious gangster. Set in Bihar between 2000 and 2006, the show’s narrative provides insights into the political rivalries, caste wars, betrayals, and violence that shape the state’s landscape. While the screenplay is tightly woven, I feel they could have added more graphic violence to make it more convincing and captivating.
The heart of this show lies in its ensemble cast. With each actor perfectly fitting into their respective roles, the show witnesses commendable performances. Ravi Kishan, Anup Soni, Bharat Jha, Nikita Dutta, Abhimanyu Singh, and Shraddha Das impress with their compelling portrayals. Jiten Sarna and Aishwarya Sushmita are remarkable as Chawanprash and Meeta Devi, respectively. Karan Tacker excels as IPS officer Amit Lodha, skillfully portraying the character’s level-headedness and action-oriented nature. Ashutosh Rana shines in his role, deftly balancing his character’s complexities. However, Avinash Tiwary steals the show with his captivating performance and powerful screen presence as Chandan Mahto, flawlessly capturing the character’s evolution.
A treat for fans of crime dramas
The writing in “Khakee: The Bihar Chapter” is top-notch, striking a perfect balance between suspense, action, and emotional depth. The screenplay effectively weaves together multiple subplots, gradually revealing the interconnectedness of the characters’ lives. The dialogues are sharp and poignant, highlighting the stark realities of Bihar’s socio-political landscape. Director Neeraj Pandey masterfully navigates the intricate layers of the narrative, ensuring a seamless flow of storytelling that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.
A true ground report of the social and political conditions of Bihar
One of the standout aspects of “Khakee” is its unflinching portrayal of the grim realities of Bihar. The series fearlessly confronts issues like political corruption, caste-based discrimination, and the nexus between criminals and politicians. It provides a harsh but necessary commentary on the systemic challenges faced by the law enforcement agencies in their pursuit of justice. The show is successful in exposing the harsh realities of Bihar while maintaining a certain authenticity that resonates with the viewers.
So, if you’re looking for an intense, adrenaline inducing binge-watch, “Khakee: The Bihar Chapter” is the series for you. Neeraj Pandey’s creation, brought to life by skilled direction, offers viewers a captivating narrative that keeps them engaged throughout. With its talented ensemble cast and authentic portrayal of Bihar’s socio-political landscape, “Khakee” stands as a remarkable addition to Netflix’s lineup. It is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and those who are intrigued by the thought-provoking narratives that leave a lasting impact.
