'Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!' review: Sushant Singh Rajput's never-seen-before avatar is convincing!

Film: Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!
Cast:Sushant Singh Rajput, Anand Tiwari, Swastika Mukherjee, Neeraj Kabi 
Director: Dibakar Banerjee
Rating: ***1/2 

What's it about: 

Byomkesh Bakshy is India's answer to Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes. After being a fan of the 1993 TV show of the same name, I was a bit apprehensive when Dibakar Banerjee announced he was planning a big screen adaptation of my favourite detective. But having watched the film, not only did he lay all my doubts to rest, but also proved that the right combination of style and substance can make a world of a difference to any film. Sushant Singh Rajput plays the lead role in the film that shows pre-independence Calcutta. He not only looks the part (the dhoti, hair, jacket), but has totally transformed himself to become the always on his guard detective. He takes up a case where Ajit Bandyopadhyay (Anand Tiwari) asks his help to trace his missing father Bhuvan. Byomkesh has his own Watson in the form of Dr Anukul Guha (Neeraj Kabi). There are ample twists and turns to keep you engaged in the second half. Who has killed Bhuvan ? Who are the suspects and how will Byomkesh and Ajit solve the case ? 

What's hot: 

Dibakar is a master storyteller and he doesn't use style just for the sake of making the product look glossy. There are so many stellar moments in the film that showcase his  technical prowess over his work. Be it the lighting, the way he builds up a frame, that haunting background music, the set decoration, everything is on the money. I can't think of any other director putting up such a mammoth story with such ease. Also what works for the film is the pace, it's fast and super engaging. There might be a few random scenes where the tempo drops, otherwise the film is like a gun blazing some fireworks from the beginning. Sushant Singh Rajput deserves a huge pat on his back for accepting this part. It must have been truly harrowing and scary to take on such a popular role, but he does it with utmost conviction. When the first look photos came out, we were on the fence, but when you see him move, talk and become Byomkesh you are totally sold! Swastika Mukherjee impresses as the sexy seductress and her character stays with you even after the film ends. Without giving away the end I can say that the baddie in the film is someone who will not only surprise but also impress you the most. It also helps that there are no songs and we don't see Byomkesh prancing around in his dhoti. 

What's not: 

Dibakar could have wrapped the film in a better way. Even after the suspense ends, there are some scenes that seem to be incorporated just to act as fillers. Also the second half sort of slows down and the clues leading to the culprit get  obvious. 

What to do: 

Don't miss it for the world. Byomkesh Bakshy has everything going for it. Great script, superb ensemble and a director who isn't afraid to dream big! It is worth getting caught in this cryptic maze.