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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.
