Cast: Abir Chatterjee, Sourav Das, Paran Bandyopadhyay, Rajatava Dutta, Deepankar De, Biswajit Chakraborty
Director: Sandip Ray
It is not easy to fill in to Satyajit Ray's shoes. In fact, no one really attempts to do it either, not even his son, filmmaker Sandip Ray. But how does one keep his legacy alive? Sandip Ray adapts the first book from his father's popular 'Feluda' series for his latest big screen outing. Starring actor Abir Chatterjee as the popular detective, 'Badshahi Angti' makes the viewer travel through Lucknow, Haridwar and Rishikesh in search of a bejeweled ring dating back to the Mughal period.
The story, originally written by Satyajit Ray, is adapted to modern times by Sandip Ray where Feluda (Abir Chatterjee), his cousin Topshe (Sourav Das) and Topshe's father (Deepankar De) go to Lucknow for a vacation. They stay over at family friend Dhiren Sanyal's house where they meet Dr Srivastav on the first day itself. Dr Srivastav is the owner of an ancient ring belonging to Emperor Aurangzeb which is worth crores. Due to a recent robbery attempt made at his place, Dr Srivastav hands over the ring to Sanyal to keep it safely. Soon after the ring goes missing and Feluda and Topshe start investigating on the case.
Almost everyone falls in their radar of suspicion. From the over curious, animal loving Bonobihari Sircar to his creepy aide Ganesh to even the Doctor himself, there are several mysteries that Feluda and Topshe need to unravel to find the ring.
The popular detective's character has been in the past played by veteran actor Soumitra Chatterjee successfully in Satyajit Ray's film. His son also made a few films based on the series in the 1990s with actor Sabyasachi Chatterjee. Both actors took the legacy forward with their respective films and played the part quite convincingly. But with changing times, there was a need for a new, younger Feluda and actor Abir Chatterjee suits the character perfectly in the recent film.
Knowing that he has to fill in to huge shoes and match up to the expectation of almost two generations of Bengalis, who grew up reading Feluda stories and watching and admiring Soumitra Chatterjee, surely would not have been easy for the actor but Abir Chatterjee brings in his perspective to the character. Sure, he adapts the similar mannerisms which are typical to the detective but our modern day Feluda also chills at CCD over a hot cup of coffee while smoking a cigarette. Interestingly, among the three actors who have played the character, Abir bears the closest resemblance to Ray's illustrations of Feluda, which used to be part of his books.
While Abir Chatterjee delivers a convincing performance, it is actor Sourav Das who disappoints. Playing Topshe, Das neither has the sharpness of the young sleuth who is eager to learn from his older cousin neither does he look excited and curious as the mystery unfolds. Das completely looks out of place marring some of the crucial scenes and the narrative with his presence.
The film has mostly been shot in real locations. Bengalis are known to love food and traveling to new places both of which are highlighted very beautifully in 'Badshahi Angti'. Historical background of the various locations in Lucknow and Rishikesh are well infused into the narrative. So is the love for local cuisine and the actors are seen discussing where to make a pit stop for local delicacies while traveling to Haridwar or discussing the case over a plate of 'luchi-kosha mangsho'.
The film though has certain glaring glitches. Special effects in the film are not well done. One can easily make out the VFX generated rattle snake that forms an important part of the film's climax. Even the portions where the group takes a tour around Lucknow's famous 'Bhool Bhulaiya' have glaring errors as it is apparent that the characters have not shot on location with a hazy image of 'Bara Imambara' forming the backdrop.
But more importantly, does Abir Chatterjee and the film overall work? Yes, to a great extent. The actor is mostly convincing as the popular sleuth and barring Topshe, he is ably supported by a credible group of actors. If you keep aside Satyajit Ray and Soumitra Chatterjee's chemistry and the classics they churned out years back, Sandip Ray offers a genuine film which creates the same magic of Feluda in modern times.
Ratings: 3/5
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