Karagar Part 2 review: Chanchal Chowdhury’s show continues to impress but does not expand beyond a personal saga

4/5

Story: Karagar Part 2 starts from where Part 1 ends – the arrival of David Taylor (Chanchal Choudhury), who has been searching for his mother. Meanwhile, agitation brews among the inmates of the correctional home where the mystery man has emerged from Cell No 145. Amid the agitation, the rumour of a possible attack on the mystery man by jail authorities intensifies among the inmates. On the other hand, the Jailer (Intekhab Dinar) begins his search for Ataur – who has to get back to the jail to release Jailer’s son.

Review: Karagar Part 2 will not disappoint you and it culminates with the same thrill that Part 1 offers. Many experts anticipated that Part 2 may not touch the same level and intensity as Part 1. This anticipation came from the out-of-the-world making of Part 1. After that unworldly experience of the first chapter, it becomes practically impossible for the maker to match the general expectation, especially with an open mystery in front of you. Despite that, part 2 offers a beautiful story that is elevated to another level because of an able making. Is Part 2 as good as Part one? No. But this will be a sweeping generalisation. Together Part 1 and 2, Karagar is undoubtedly the best Bengali web series so far.

The forte of the entire series is its making. From acting to the background score to its lights and camera, sound, and every little thing that is needed to elevate a regular show to a much higher level is present in Karagar Part 2. Almost every ingredient is balanced and as a result, the show is nothing less than delectable.

Chanchal Chowdhury, unsurprisingly, is outstanding. Despite his constant visit to Kolkata with his theatre group, it is the first part of Karagar that gave him a never-seen-before popularity among the Kolkata audience. It was then rightly paired with Hawa that finally made him a superstar in this part of Bengal. In the first part, he is outstanding as a mystery man. In the second chapter, he emerges as David and wins hearts. And then there is Alfred. We have elaborately focussed on the performance of Intekhab Dinar as the Jailer. He continues to impress. The same applies to Tasnia Farin and others. Along with the technical sides like sounds and lights, acting becomes an important aspect to build the thrill.

Also read: Karagar part 1 review: Chanchal Chowdhury’s thriller is riveting and jaw-droppingly good 

The series also teaches how to use editing, pace, and camera to build the thrill. When you see the numerous names of women on the wall of cell number 145 it will be engraved in your mind. Similarly, using a cat in a scene of suicide is outstanding. The scuffle between the cops and inmates looks weak. Also, it ends two minutes too quickly without explaining one or two things.

However, there are certain disappointments too. The story of the series, especially in the second part, could have been a tad more intense. The theme that involves the evolution of a race becomes weak and trivial when it turns into the journey of an individual. At the very outset, the premise of the story is world-class but it falls flat once it becomes an individual’s crisis.

Also, a number of sub-plots are not in sync with the main plot. The search for Ataur looks a little imposed. There is no explanation for why Diya is always seen behind the burqa. Meanwhile, the character of the man antagonist, for whom the journey began, is not well-established. That is perhaps because he enters late. Another problem is there is a lack of credibility in the plot. The enormity of the plan appears to be a little trivial vis-a-vis its aim. All these mountains are moved for a personal journey that is slightly overwhelming. Perhaps, there are easier ways to bring someone out of prison.

Verdict: Karagar in an impressive web series – one that is not often seen in the Bengali language. There is no doubt that it is an absolute must-watch for its making, acting, and treatment. The OTT platforms are inundated with thrillers and sometimes it is tiring to track the content that follows similar tracks and tastes. Karagar is a bright exception. It engages, thrills, and leaves a satisfying aftertaste.