Abir Chatterjee, renowned for his exceptional portrayals of iconic detectives like Byomkesh and Feluda, embarks on a captivating journey as he takes on the role of Deepak Chatterjee in Debaloy Bhattacharya’s ambitious cinematic venture, “Shri Swapankumarer Badami Hyenar Kobole.” This cinematic creation proves to be a mesmerizing tapestry, capturing the essence and nostalgic resonance of 1950s Bengali literature, which played a pivotal role in shaping the literary scene with the allure of pulp fiction.
Abir Chatterjee’s portrayal of Deepak Chatterjee marks a distinct departure from the usual terrain of Bengali cinema’s customary detectives. Conceived by the erudite Bengali writer Samarendranath Pandey under the pen name Swapan Kumar, Deepak Chatterjee became a revered figure in fiction during the 1950s. The film orchestrates a magical convergence between the character (Abir Chatterjee) and the wordsmith Swapan Kumar (Paran Bandyopadhyay), seamlessly woven into the fabric of an enigmatic narrative.
The film adeptly encapsulates the very soul of pulp fiction, paying homage to its pop-art-like motifs through captivating color palettes. It intricately satirizes the highbrow Bengali cognoscenti who allowed Swapan Kumar and his creation to fade into oblivion. This cinematic opus unfolds as a kaleidoscopic procession of pulp fiction elements, incorporating dialogues, music, action, and characters, all interwoven with an amalgamation of melancholy and arrogance.
Throughout the narrative, the fictitious detective, Deepak Chatterjee, engages in a riveting dialogue with his creator, Swapan Kumar. Entrusted with the mission of rescuing the city from the clutches of Badami Hayna, the detective contends that the city has outgrown the need for a character of his ilk. The writer, however, emphasizes that the allure resides not in logical coherence but in the realm of magic, presenting a dynamic interplay between reality and fiction. Featuring Pratik Dutta and Shruti Das, celebrated for their roles in “Chhotolok” and other productions, the film showcases a formidable ensemble cast. Produced under the aegis of Hoichoi Studios, “Shri Swapankumarer Badami Hyenar Kobole” unfolds as a magical sojourn on the expansive canvas of the silver screen.
Abir Chatterjee, achieving a triumphant hat-trick in translating literary detective characters to the cinematic realm, following Feluda and Byomkesh Bakshi, delivers what might be considered his most entertaining portrayal yet. In Debaloy Bhattacharya’s “Shri Swapankumarer Badami Hyenar Kobole,” Abir embodies Dipak Chatterjee, the pulp-fiction detective originating from the immensely popular novel series initiated by Swapan Kumar in the 1950s and sustained for three decades. The central theme of the film revolves around the intricate interplay between reality and fiction, with both the fictional sleuth Dipak Chatterjee (Abir Chatterjee) and his creator, author Swapan Kumar (Paran Bandyopadhyay), assuming roles as tangible, real-life characters.
As the narrative unfolds, Dipak Chatterjee, now a delusional security guard in a dilapidated library, questions his relevance in a city undergoing transformative changes. However, the looming threat of the enigmatic antagonist, Badami Hyena, over Kolkata prompts Swapan Kumar to coax Dipak out of retirement, compelling him to don his crime-solving cape once more. The crux of the plot revolves around a small box coveted by Badami Hyena, leading to a confrontation between Dipak and his old nemesis, Bajpakhi (Goutam Halder). Dipak outwits Bajpakhi, securing the box, but the entrance of the mysterious Tashi (Shruti Das), whom Dipak saves from an attempted murder, introduces a complex layer. Sparks fly between Dipak and Tashi, only to reveal that Tashi is a mole for Badami Hyena. With time ticking away, Dipak engages in a valiant struggle to once again save the city.
“Shri Swapankumarer Badami Hyenar Kobole” stands out as a bold adaptation, maintaining the suspension of disbelief inherent in Swapan Kumar’s works while paying homage to pop culture with astute references and hidden gems. The film unfolds in a nonlinear meta-narrative style, incorporating the angst and disillusionment of its central characters, depicted through the interactions between Dipak and Swapan Kumar. The narrative takes a satirical jab at the cultural gatekeepers who allowed Swapan Kumar’s creation to fade into obscurity. In a poignant sequence, Dipak imparts tips to his creator on enhancing the marketability of his novels, suggesting the incorporation of Rabindrasangeet and riddles for a treasure hunt. This prompts Swapan Kumar to delve into a selection from Gitabitan to find the perfect song for the plot.
Abir adeptly deconstructs his conventional image to portray a beleaguered, washed-up detective, while Paran Bandyopadhyay delivers an equally compelling performance as a once-best-selling writer refusing to succumb to societal disdain. Pratik Dutta commands attention as Dipak’s ally Ratanlal, and Goutam Halder’s flamboyant portrayal of Bajpakhi seamlessly complements the film’s tone.
After a gradual start, “Shri Swapankumarer Badami Hyenar Kobole” gains momentum in the second half, punctuated by sufficient plot twists to captivate the audience. Visually striking with CGI and a vibrant color scheme, the film constructs a world that embraces the whimsicality of Swapan Kumar’s fantasy realm. Despite the film’s extended duration testing patience at times, the witty dialogues remain a constant source of engagement. The musical score emerges as another noteworthy aspect, featuring haunting tunes like “Nirbashito Chand,” written by Debaloy Bhattacharya and composed by Amit Chatterjee, along with westernized renditions of Rabindrasangeet. These musical elements enhance the film’s dark comedy vibe, contributing to its overall appeal.
Let’s see the trailer once:
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