Subscribed to Adda-Times only for this show, and I arrived with a lot of expectations after seeing the trailer. Overall the show is really good and definitely worth watching multiple times. Few further observations are below:
a. The casting is spot on for all the major roles. For anyone who has read the book, all the characters seem like they have come alive from the pages. Especially the trio. However, i felt the role was Nilima Debi was somewhat weak and the expressions were not always spot on. The character always seemed too intense. There was no variety in her character.
b. The cinematography was very good and exceptional by Bengali movie standards. Srijit retains his ability to make a visually pleasing experience. Even the costumes and the locations did enough justice and it truly felt that the movie was shot 50 years in the past. For a regional web series I do not expect an ounce better.
c. The background score is very good. Unlike most people, I loved the background score in the trailer and I loved it here. Varying from the original score by Ray gave this series some well deserved freshness and also the music was apt for a mystery thriller.
d. Anirban has played my second favourite Jatayu now. I have had the pleasure of seeing all actors who have brought Jatayu to life in television, or the cinema or in the internet (through web series). And while Anirban is miles away from Santosh Datta, he is quite well ahead of the rest. He does not act like a clown. He is not a punchline for all jokes. In this iteration, he comes across as a simple and honest bengali babu. He has character, and his character is believable and enjoyable.
e. Tota was spot on as Feluda. In few instances he seemed like a little too stuck up, but I think that was the direction. He may be a bit more enjoyable if he is shown as a little bit fallible as was the case with Soumitra. After Soumitra, all Feluda's are too perfect. Fallibility will increase the humanity in the character. (Yes I know, this Feluda is more honest to the one described in the books. That is why I deferred to Soumitra's iteration)
f. Kalpan was an adequate Topshe at best. He needs a bit more enunciation. His interpretation of Topshe feels like the Topshe as was written in the initial stories. He could have been a little more assertive. (Definitely NOT like Parambrata as Topshe - he was unbearable). However, definitely enjoyable.
g. I loves how Srijit put some layers on the supporting characters. The way he weaved the characters and their actions increased the overall suspense. It was refreshing.
h. My only gripe is that he spoiled the character of Din Dayal to allow an easier redemption of Mahesh Babu. It to my mind, was unnecessary. The personality flaw of Mahesh Babu should not have been dampened.
i. In some places, Tota's dialogues were a little too long. Making it a little more succinct and pointed will make it more pleasing. I think the dialogue writer attempted to idiot-proof every pun and snide. The extra exposition took away the sharpness of the delivery.
I look forward to seeing the series again. And look forward to season 2.
a. The casting is spot on for all the major roles. For anyone who has read the book, all the characters seem like they have come alive from the pages. Especially the trio. However, i felt the role was Nilima Debi was somewhat weak and the expressions were not always spot on. The character always seemed too intense. There was no variety in her character.
b. The cinematography was very good and exceptional by Bengali movie standards. Srijit retains his ability to make a visually pleasing experience. Even the costumes and the locations did enough justice and it truly felt that the movie was shot 50 years in the past. For a regional web series I do not expect an ounce better.
c. The background score is very good. Unlike most people, I loved the background score in the trailer and I loved it here. Varying from the original score by Ray gave this series some well deserved freshness and also the music was apt for a mystery thriller.
d. Anirban has played my second favourite Jatayu now. I have had the pleasure of seeing all actors who have brought Jatayu to life in television, or the cinema or in the internet (through web series). And while Anirban is miles away from Santosh Datta, he is quite well ahead of the rest. He does not act like a clown. He is not a punchline for all jokes. In this iteration, he comes across as a simple and honest bengali babu. He has character, and his character is believable and enjoyable.
e. Tota was spot on as Feluda. In few instances he seemed like a little too stuck up, but I think that was the direction. He may be a bit more enjoyable if he is shown as a little bit fallible as was the case with Soumitra. After Soumitra, all Feluda's are too perfect. Fallibility will increase the humanity in the character. (Yes I know, this Feluda is more honest to the one described in the books. That is why I deferred to Soumitra's iteration)
f. Kalpan was an adequate Topshe at best. He needs a bit more enunciation. His interpretation of Topshe feels like the Topshe as was written in the initial stories. He could have been a little more assertive. (Definitely NOT like Parambrata as Topshe - he was unbearable). However, definitely enjoyable.
g. I loves how Srijit put some layers on the supporting characters. The way he weaved the characters and their actions increased the overall suspense. It was refreshing.
h. My only gripe is that he spoiled the character of Din Dayal to allow an easier redemption of Mahesh Babu. It to my mind, was unnecessary. The personality flaw of Mahesh Babu should not have been dampened.
i. In some places, Tota's dialogues were a little too long. Making it a little more succinct and pointed will make it more pleasing. I think the dialogue writer attempted to idiot-proof every pun and snide. The extra exposition took away the sharpness of the delivery.
I look forward to seeing the series again. And look forward to season 2.
