It is quite amazing how Feluda remains so iconic for all Bengalis. Every Feluda production is scrutinized for authenticity. I am sure playing Feluda is a pinnacle in itself for any actor. In the latest version, #SandipRay directs #IndraneilSengupta as Feluda in #Hatyapuri, streaming on #Zee5. This is a contemporary take on the ace sleuth, mobile phones, computers and technology is rampant but what remains unchanged is the super cool detective with his youngish looks, sharp observation skills, cryptic comments and a finish to the case that leaves you in awe, always!
#ParanBandhopadhyay plays a manuscript collector; the valuable manuscripts become the center of the story line. There is theft, impersonation, hint of physical violence and the usual red herrings strewn all over the narrative. #SubhasishMukherjee plays the astrologer who ‘has the sight’ over things. #SahebChatterjee as Bilas Majumdar pulls off a decent act. #IndraneilSengupta overcomes initial hiccups to settle well into the role and passes the litmus test. He has the potential to be the face of the ace detective in future stories. #AbhijitGuha as Jatayu is not quite there and #AyushDas as Topshe is not convincing, the expressions and one liners reduce the character to a caricature. The three are on a leisure trip to Puri and get pitchforked into the mysterious going-ons.
In what is a modern twist to the story of the most famous Bengali detective, #SandipRay attempts to keep it simple and authentic but the editing and the back stories are not convincing enough. The temples, alleyways and sights and sounds of Puri are a refreshing sight and invoke more than a tinge of nostalgia. I would imagine Sengupta’s Feluda would be viewed at with circumspection but #Hatyapuri is a fairly good watch. This one is of course for ardent fans of Feluda!
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