Enola Holmes 1: A worthy successor to Sherlock Holmes

Millie Bobby Brown plays the determined sister with the right mix of feistiness and oodles of charm. Director Harry Bradbeer is successful in setting up an origin story with themes of feminism

Recently I have seen a film called Enola Holmes streaming on Netflix it is the first one in the series of movies focusing on a fictional sister to an already fictional detective. The movie is based on the book The Enola Holmes Mysteries: The case of missing Marquess by Nancy Springer. Millie Bobby Brown plays the central character. Like her brother Sherlock (Henry Cavil) she is extremely intelligent. The mother Eudoria (Helena Bonham Carter) gives her daughter a rather unusual upbringing given the times the film is set in. Through the movie Enola turns out to be an equal firebrand to her already feisty mother. Enola knows many things like deciphering messages that have been written in a secret code along with a Japanese marital art called Jujustu among others. The broad storyline of Enola Holmes 1 is about a young woman becoming a detective to find her missing mother, in the process of finding mother she comes other mysteries too.

The best part of Enola Holmes part 1 is the characterization of the central character coupled with Millie Bobby Brown’s charismatic performance. Throughout the movie she gives a running commentary on what Enola is going through. This could have been irritating in the hands of a mediocre actor, but the dialogues coupled with Millie Bobby Brown’s charm keeps the viewers engaged.

The various disguises of Enola are also charming to watch, often times she dresses up in men’s clothes. This feels like a running gag but at the same time there is a deeper symbolism too. For Enola dressing up in a man’s dress gives her a greater sense of freedom. It allows her to do what she wants without being discovered. How Enola navigates the 19th century patriarchy influenced by her mother is wonderful to watch.

The movie also benefits immensely from the recreation of Victorian England. The CGI coupled with the costume department is absolutely spot on. There is a historical context to the events happening in Enola Holmes. Like a decisive vote over a reform bill.

The different equations of Enola with the brothers also gives the movie some of its best moments. For example, Cavil’s Sherlock is seen mostly cold, but every time Enola outsmarts him there is also a palpable happiness. Apart from Millie Bobby Brown Helena Bonham Carter is also a treat to watch as the revolutionary mother Eudoria.

Shekhar Home: Sherlock Holmes with a Bengali twist

This desi rendition is a treat for fans of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic detective. Directors Srijit Mukherjee and Rohan Sippy do a fine job in capturing the eccentric nature of Sherlock Holmes while giving it their own twist. The atmospherics of Kolkata becomes a major character in itself

  • Starcast: Kay Kay Menon, Ranvir Shorey, Rudranil Ghosh, Kaushik Sen, Rasika Dugal, Kriti Kulhari and others
  • Directors: Srijit Mukherjee and Rohan Sippy
  • Creators: Aniruddha Guha and Srijit Mukherjee
  • Inspired by: Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes
  • Screenplay: Aniruddha Guha Niharika Puri
  • Production house: BBC Studio Productions
  • No of episodes: 6
  • Streaming site: Jio Cinema

The characters of Sherlock Holmes and his associate Dr Watson have captured the imagination of many readers even to this day. The combination of Sherlock Holmes eccentrics and Dr Watson’s more grounded approach makes these stories very entertaining. In Hollywood numerous movies and web shows have taken inspiration from Arthur Conan Doyle’s work. For example, there is the British mystery/ crime series Sherlock. There is also Robert Downey Jr starrer Sherlock Holmes and the sequel Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. There was also the 2020 Enola Holmes with Millie Bobby as Sherlock Holmes sister. In Indian context you have the character of Byomkesh Bakshi a fictional detective similar to Sherlock Holmes. Shekhar Home has the Bengali atmospherics reminiscent of Byomkesh Bakshi but in tone this detective is closer to Sherlock Holmes whacky nature

Kay Kay Menon and Ranvir Shorey as desi Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson

The story of Shekhar Home unfolds in a serene town of Lonapur in Bengal. Shekhar (an excellent Kay Kay Menon) is a detective who draws conclusions with his sharp observations. Shekhar’s biggest strength is his perceptive mind and the ability to second guess. Jayavart Saini (Ranvir Shorey) is an ex-army doctor and Shekhar’s new housemate. Together both of them solve many cases ranging from blackmail, murders and also supernatural events. The solving of all these lead to a major revelation in the climax.

The best part of Shekhar Home is its anthology-like structure. Every episode comes with a fresh bunch of suspects, as a result the approach of Shekhar and Jayavart also varies. This makes the show very interesting. The series particularly picks up pace when the action shifts to a place in Bihar. These portions have Jayavart in a stressful mood resulting in some chuckle worthy moments. The task of Shekhar and Jayavart is to catch the person blackmailing a politician. Rasika Dugal plays Iravati, she is a Sitar expert whose observation skills are on par with Shekhar. The chemistry between Kay Kay Menon and Rasika is a delight to watch.

Rasika Dugal in Shekhar Home

Iravati is a seductress with a hidden agenda. The scenes of Shekhar and Iravati using their observation skills to stay one step ahead is wonderful to watch.

Mention also must be made of the segment involving Kriti Kulhari as Mumtaz. Mumtaz is a liaison officer responsible for inter- departmental coordination. Shekhar and Jayavart are on the hunt for a certain M. This segment also keeps you hooked, and the ultimate revelation is indeed a pleasant shocker.

Kriti Kulhari in Shekhar Home

Shekhar Home also benefits from excellent cinematography. The visuals of bustling streets and hidden alleys makes you feel like you are solving the crimes alongside Shekhar. The charm of Kolkata coupled with the eerie mood heighten the tension. The incorporation of the Bengali Folklore is also first rate. Joel Crasto’s background score is in perfect sync. The series ends with a cliffhanger leaving the viewers excited for the second season.

It goes without saying that Kay Kay Menon and Ranvir Shorey shoulder the show with their first-rate performances. Kay Kay slips into the eccentric nature of this desi Sherlock with utmost ease. He portrays the role with the right blend of humor and intensity. Ranvir Shorey as Jayavrat proves to be a perfect partner. Apart from the comic scenes Ranvir particularly shines in the pre climax bringing out an unexpected side of him. Rasika Dugal and Kriti Kulhari also do well in their respective parts. Shehnaz Patel as Shekhar’s landlady comes across as tad too animated which could have been toned down.