
The teaser of The Eken: Benaras e Bibhishika is out
The Eken: Benaras e Bibhishika
directed by
is out.This latest installment in the iconic detective franchise transports audiences to the heart of India's spiritual capital—Benaras—where ancient rituals and modern crimes entwine in a tale cloaked in colour, culture, and chilling suspense.
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As the city gears up for the fervent celebration of Masaan Holi, with clouds of crimson and marigold swirling over the sacred Ganga, a new enigma brews by the ghats. The revered Ganga Aarti lights up the twilight, sadhus chant by the riverbanks, and somewhere amidst the incense and intrigue—bibhishika quietly lurks.
Returning to reprise their beloved roles are
as the inimitable Eken Babu, with Suhotra Mukhopadhyay and Somak Ghosh as his trusty companions, Bapi and Pramatha.
Their camaraderie remains as sharp and endearing as ever, but this time, the stakes are higher, the setting more evocative, and the mystery darker than before.
Adding a fresh twist to the Ekenverse is none other than Saswata Chatterjee, whose enigmatic presence as a Buddhist monk raises both eyebrows and curiosity. Joining the cast are
Ishaa Saha, Gaurav Chakrabarty,
, Debesh Chattopadhyay, Rishav Basu, and Kaushik Hafizee, among others—each bringing their own depth and nuance to a story layered with twists, suspense, and unexpected revelations.
Eken Babu with his humour, as misplaced as his idioms, still charms and disarms, but behind his eccentricity lies the mind of a master sleuth—ready to unravel what lies beneath the surface.
Anirban reflected on his role in the series said, 'Every time I step into Eken's shoes, I'm reminded of how special this character is. His wit, his charm, and his unique perspective on the world make him an absolute joy to portray. It's not just about solving mysteries; it's about exploring the complexities of human nature, and I'm excited for the audience to join us on this journey.'
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Speaking about the film, director Joydeep shared, 'Benaras is a character in itself—its silence, its chaos, its rituals—all hold stories. In this film, we wanted to explore how the sacred can sometimes become a smokescreen for the sinister. The Eken: Benaras e Bibhishika isn't just a howdunnit; it's about how truth often hides behind tradition, and how humour can be the torch that lights the way.'
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Even earlier, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, one of post-independent India's premier patrons of arts and crafts and a key player in the creation of Natanakairali, had pointed him towards the play. 'I was very close to her and she is responsible for the institution created in the Ammannur tradition,' he says recalling a chance meeting with her at Bombay airport in 1980. It was a 'a turning point' in his life and led him to convince his mentor Guru Ammannur Madhava Chakyar to teach Kuttiyatam to those who did not belong to the Chakyar community, traditional performers of the form. G Venu, who was originally a Kathakali performer and teacher, then added a thatched kalari beside his rented home and began training in the form. It's been a long journey and he states that he finally managed to bring his plans to fruition because of the support of Gayathri Krishna of the Bhoomija Trust, Arundhati Nag of Ranga Shankara and Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. 'Kutiyattam is a most neglected art form. 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Afterwards, the admiring audience streamed out still transfixed at being a part of this traditional spectacle that successfully tapped into the still dynamic spirit of an ancient work of genius. Charumathi Supraja is a writer, poet and journalist based in Bengaluru.


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