The Eken: Benarase Bibheeshika

After Ray penned Joy Baba Felunath and quickly crafted a movie based on the novel, the sacred city of Varanasi turned to a city of mystery for the Bengali readers and the addicts of Bengali films.

So much so that Arindam Sil relocated his adaptation of Bahnni-Patanga to Benaras in Har Har Byomkesh, a marked difference from the original as penned by Saradindu Banyopadhyay. Thus we had both Feluda and Byomkesh solving a case apiece in movies at least here, reaffirming the status of the place as a city where mystery brews.

Following the tradition, Joydip Mukherjee takes Ekenbabu through the city this time to solve mysteries. With a tribute to Ray and his creations and with apparently a subtle Byomkesh touch, the case surrounds a plot that endangers the city.

Based on the story of Sujan Dasgupta and scripted by Padmanava Dasgupta, the thrill starts early with a blast that rings alarm among the police while grips the heart of the audience with suspense. As the blast is traced back to Belal Mallick, the infamous crook, the authorities anticipate further strikes. As his presence is felt in the city, the police and the agents of the Special Task Force start to sieve through each avenue to apprehend Belal, feared for being an explosive expert and famed equally for being a skilled specialist of disguise. 

As the moments gradually turn tense, Ekenbabu and Bapi accompany Pramatha to Benaras on a sudden invitation of Pramatha's friend, Subimal. Subimal eagerly invites the trio to their mansion that he shares with his uncle, Bireshwar but their visit seemed not too cordially accepted by Bireshwar's very young wife, Damini.

A collector of rich antiques, Bireshwar perceives that he is being robbed of his prized possessions and wishes Ekenbabu to look into the matter. But his frequent loss of memory, resulted apparently due to the aggressive treatment of his cancer and a sense of secrecy that he maintains, prevented him to elaborate on his ideas.

Smelling a scent of something fishy and hot on the trail of smuggled artefacts, Ekenbabu curiously gets embroiled in the search for Belal and gets to peek in the case of the bomb blast as well.

The movie blends adventure with mystery and starts at a happy pace but climaxes a bit too abruptly with several ends, let quite loose and very vaguely explained! Joydip Mukherjee directed the movie for the young adult and the age beyond but a little more detailing and critical thinking would be advisable for future projects in the franchise, which will be hopefully continuing! But the best part of the picture is the superbly synchronized acting of the trio Anirban Chakrabarti (Ekenbabu), Suhotro Mukhopadhyay (Bapi) and Somak Ghosh (Pramatha), who keeps the thrill intense while providing ample refreshing snippets with their perfectly tuned timings during comic sequences. Saswata Chatterjee (Belal Mallik) is a surprise disappointment along with Biswanath Basu, both of whom perform well below than what we expect of them! Gaurav Chakraborty (Subimal), with his natural gracefulness, fits in well in a character, which essentially demands just that. However, Sagnik Chatterjee plays another fine support though with a bit sterner look than required, at places, but would like to welcome his appearance that eagerly commits to the character that he portrays. The other person who is equally committed to her role is Ishaa Saha (Damini) with her accent convincing of the lineage meant for her character, a feature that Sagnik slightly lacked and she played a correct support to the suspense that the narrative with so many angles quietly needed.

Thus, in a nutshell, the movie is a pleasant watch for the summer holidays but surely had the potential to perform far better!

Tekka

A kidnapping kaleidoscope with situations escalating to crazier heights, the feature film is sure to entertain with a ride, albeit jerky, of thrill and suspense. I would love to have termed the ride gripping had it not been for the intermittent sequences racing to a peak of tension but followed by a quick release that awkwardly cuts through a rather bland consequence. Whatever may be the nature of the pace though, the thrill is sure to be appreciated.

When Iqlakh, the sacked janitor of a corporate house captures a school girl and holds her hostage at gunpoint right inside the building where he was earlier employed, the matter immediately attracts the attention and concern of the police, the corporate house and the mother of the little girl. While demanding that his job be given back, his demand of the owner being present to confirm his appointment irks the authorities. what complicates matter is the fact that the owner of the firm was a prominent political figure! The negotiating ACP thus faces a frighteningly difficult task of convincing Iqlakh of the situation that develops behind. A media team, accidentally present at the very site, leaks footage of the drama that unfolds inside. As Iqlakh shows no intention to compromise, the adamant owner of the firm, Anubrata Adhikari likewise refuses to dance in the tune of the kidnapper by appearing physically as demanded. The situation worsens as the determined mother takes a drastic step. What happens after this is a breezy ride through a maze of strategies, which needs to be seen to be enjoyed that culminates in a revelation that awes.

With a splendid storyline (Bhaskar Chattopadhyay) having multiple twists, the screenplay (Bhaskar Chattopadhyay), however, will disappoint slightly, thanks to the slurry of slangs that mingles a bit too unnecessarily in the dialogues (Srijit Mukherjee) that again gets carried away, at times, while framing perfectly critical yet irritatingly irrelevant messages. Dev Adhikari, however outshines, as is most often the case, I have noticed, when Srijit Mukherjee directs, with a superb display of emotions that fits accurately with the character that he portrays on screen. Loknath Dey is another actor, who is naturally brilliant, but remains completely under utilized in the imperfectly woven script. But considering these shortcomings too, the movie is a genuine entertainer that will be enjoyed by all if the coarseness at places is ignored in the script and the central theme is assimilated maturely.

The Eken: Ruddhashwas Rajasthan

Ekenbabu is back in the big screen, and this time in the majestic Rajasthan! Rides on camel, visits to palaces, desert tours are there as are tasting the local cuisines, a necessity, according to Ekenbabu, to have a complete feel of a new place. With Bapibabu and Pramathababu as the usual tour mates, the holiday is all set for a joyride. But alas, where there is a detective, there ought to be at least a crime and the audience will be rejoiced, riding the merry wheel of adventure, wrapped in mystery.

The ever fussy Ekenbabu is no exception and Rajasthan, a hunting ground for Feluda, now seeks the chubby detective to look for stolen artefacts, missing persons and solve murder!

With a pace that will never feel unnatural, the movie is a thrilling ride of suspense and fun. Blending humour in just the right amount, the central theme is very much focussed. A museum curator with a queer interest in replica, an alleged professor of archaeology who drops in uninvited and a chemistry professor with an interest in lost antiques, the list of suspects grows equally diverse. Thus it remains to be seen how Ekenbabu handles the confusion and solves the puzzles and fights against a vicious villain, rumoured to gulp his opponents, without leaving a trace of the body anywhere.

Joydip Mukherjee directs the thriller and trims it perfectly for the old and young to enjoy together. The audience packed halls easily indicate the growing popularity of Ekenbabu, much of whose credit must be given to Anirban Chakrabarti in keeping the character consistently lively. Playing the satellites and supporting the irritatingly clever sleuth, Suhotro Mukhopadhyay as Bapibabu and Somak Ghosh as Pramathababu enhances the chemistry between them and Ekenbabu in styles, which are fascinatingly unique for each yet contrastingly comic, completing the package of smart entertainment. Another notable cast is Sudip Mukherjee as the local police chief and a training mate of Ekenbabu in the start of their career, whose appearance and dialect were so astonishingly perfect throughout that I held him as a Rajasthani actor for the initial few introductory sequences, at least.

Echoing a creepily crooked concept from Elementary, the film is a fantastic entertainer but will fall short of critical applause due to the coarse commercial inserts that felt way out of the context and appeared childishly scripted, given the flurry of tributes reserved for Ray and his subtleties in Sonar Kella, Joy Baba Felunath. Thus, the movie will be appreciated for the uncompromised suspense that it gifts but will be appreciated less for the lack of finesse it serves.

After the Funeral

It all happened after a funeral when the sudden remark of one of the attendees gave a new perspective to the apparently normal death of Richard Abbernethie. Added to the mystery was the brutal murder of his sister, Cora, by a hatchet in her own home. This unsettled the mind of Richard's solicitor, Mr Entwhistle, who consulted the self proclaimed best brain in the business, Poirot. The psychological game had been already set afoot and mishap was waiting round the corner. The web of evil had been spun that tried to entangle the others. When the members of the Abernethie clan was shedding doubts on each other, Poirot entered the arena in disguise. But the disguise was shortlived, as was the mist that engulfed the minds of people. What remained was how the evil was trapped in this enjoyable whodunit which might not keep you guessing till the climax but will surely keep its grip on your mind till all is revealed. Presented in the signature Christie style of narrating from various perspectives save a few that includes the sleuth, the investigator is introduced quite near the finale that gave the characters the required space to make impression to make the mystery even more enticing.

Contagion

When a curious series of viral ailments take their toll on a particular hospital, Jack Stapleton seems the only person in the morgue who senses foul play. The viral strains are not only rare in occurrence but some of them dates back to centuries old. Is it a terrorist attack or the ploy of a fanatic? As Jack starts a crusade of his own, starting to investigate matters, he appears to have inadvertently shaken the hornet's nest. Attempts on his life becomes regular while Godsend help comes from unexpected quarters. Some loyal friends pay the price with their life while helping his cause. The mystery will be enjoyed to the core, yet the suspense when revealed, will appear so horrifying that it might seem an unnaturally forced theme. Also it may be also be said in the same breath that the compactness of the novel is a bit diluted as the criminals are unmasked.

Goenda Indranath Rudra Samagra Vol I

Mystery and suspense are the essence of the stories but often the fast pace mars the evolution of the mystery. Consisting of the following exploits of Indranath Rudra, penned mostly by Mriganka and some from a 3^rd person perspective, plots are sometimes dull, sometimes fantastic but with speedy happenings all through.
In Bhanumatir Khel, the sleuth investigates a double murder in a theatre with a jumble weave of characters but the solution seems a jigsaw puzzle fitted in the right way. The credits go to the author for the elegant solution of a clever riddle. In Afim O Indranath Rudra, a smuggling racket operates in the Rajasthan deserts. There is an attempted murder that leaves the sleuth apparently traumatized. The police friend from Calcutta, Jayanta is called. But as the racket is busted by the sleuth in disguise, it seems a bit unrealistic as it seems a superhuman effort on the part of him. But the superhuman status to the sleuth is actually acknowledged in the introduction by the author. The next, Bha Rahasya is basically a riddle to open a treasure trove that when solved will justify the name of the story which seems a printing mistake otherwise. The preamble is drama in itself which borders an unrealistic romance, which is characteristic of the author as some of the other stories depict in this, that continues in the main story as well. The story starts with two prime characters appearing at the same place at the same time which was actually necessary but this puzzling coincidence is never explained. The sleuth also seems a bit too smart. The next is Aamar Moner Moreechika, which is written in the 1st person in the form of communiqué to his friend where the sleuth himself poses a fundamental query. A taxi driver is killed. The clues reveal an elopement but the climax horrifies the conscience of the detective as the truth is unshakeable yet tragic to someone near. Prabanchak Samrat is Indranath’s written letter to an editor where he acknowledges his failure to catch the king of deceivers. The letter essentially narrates one of the latest tales of the deceiver juicing out wealth from the rich in a way that is precarious yet clever. The anecdote of failure continues in Sonar Aata where the search for treasure turns tragic with a murder. So Indranath failed in his primary objective of protecting the client. Two suspects are apprehended where both seems to have equal chance to be the killer. As the mystery is solved but this poetry in motion is too abrupt to be a good one. The title¸ Rudrachakra, itself could have been pointer to the plot which I realized only near the final chapters. It is actually a series of traps set to catch a criminal who is identified quite early. Though it plays with the psychology of the villain but its apparent apathy towards the victim of the hateful crime lowers its civilized quality. Indranath solves a death in Achalgarh Rahasya that hints his similarity with Ghanada to certain extent as the charges are cleared against the accused. The Chh(n)uchor Golae Chandrahar has a Ghanada Swapankumar combo effect where animal skin smugglers are busted with a surprise entry of Geondani Narayani, a vigilante, that lowers the appeal only. The mystery is further diluted by the excessive use of ornamental language in Chemical Detective, which could otherwise be categorized as marvellous. A chemical factory explodes leaving behind a severely mutilated body charred beyond recognition where police smells murder but the trace of the victim could only be found by the sleuth. Beema Rahasya, as the name indicates, is a mystery related to an apparent insurance fraud which Indranath investigates as part of his job for the agency. It is a nice mystery albeit the undue stress on descriptions of emotions strips out the real charm. Another nice mystery is weaved in Photo O Indranath Rudra, which is predictable yet enjoyable. Here, the sleuth exhibits a deep knowhow on the existing national conspiracies. A hateful crime is committed in Pagal Khuni but more stress on description rather than analytics with confiding clues only with the truth seeker makes it tiresome. The thrilling crime is made tasteless by poor choice of perspective. A girl with four wooers suddenly finds one killed and another arrested for the murder in Sonar Kharam. But is he the real killer? The sleuth finds a deep rooted motive lying dormant for years. But this pacy mystery is a bit fast that makes investigation crudely prime without caring for sentiments to be developed for the unfortunate. Sieving thru the complicated autobiography in Stabsha Attahasi, a mystery is to be solved that had aged quite a bit. These become less of a mystery while more of a romantic adventure that hurries downstream. With the use of hypnotism in D(n)aat Thakte, a bit of psychology, the criminal is finally pinned with the use of odontological evidence. Here, the criminal is threatened to agree to terms dictated upon that is justified wonderfully and proves to be the best part here. The 3^rd person perspective in Heerak Bandareer Heerer Kalam starts with the request to rescue some thirteen diamond studded pens that is stolen. Quickly a murder follows. Clue to catch murderer is vague but there is a hint to where stolen items can be placed. The only thing worth mentioning in Kodakar Case is that ghost and mystery go hand in hand. An interesting method of saving a friend while pinning criminals is narrated in Rupor Rekabi. A riddle with a wrong clue is given in Adrish Bardhaner Galpo Nie Goenda Dh(n)adha Gh(n)etu Pujote Dhol Shanai|| Indranath Rudra||. Unfortunately, detection has taken a backseat in Sundaree Tumi Suktara where fiction runs in the extreme. The less said the better. Complicated way to justify the murderer to be human by analyzing a series of eerie happenings in Pretinee Kanyar Kahinee seems a bit too much. A stoneman case is revisited as the sleuth tries to catch Raater Atanka where the author explains in his own style with a disclaimer that is witty yet wise.

Kikira Samagra II

Consisting of six novels, the volume is adventure combined with magic, suspense and mystery. It starts with Mayurganjer Nrisingha Sadan which revolves about a cursed family heirloom. A magical appearance of a fire walking ascetic unnerves the sole witness which is followed by a death in the same place. The eerie magical mystery seems a problem for a wizard sleuth. So came Kikira, self abbreviated Kinkar Kishore Ray. With him are the duo Tarapada (Tara), an accounting clerk and Chandan (Ch(n)adu), the doctor, who is lovingly referred lovingly by Kikira as sandalwood, the literal translation of his name. Next is the Jadukarer Rahasyamoy Mrityu where a magician is killed on stage and his magical harmonium vanishes. Though it mainly revolves around smuggled goods, it is a bit of a disappointment as the fate smuggled items are never revealed. Case closes without a hint to how all clues are obtained by the investigators. In Circus Theke Palie a performing motorcyclist escapes from circus accusing his fellow senior of threats and attempt to murder. As Kikira takes up the case on insistence of Chandan only to find that all concerned are not revealing the truth. It seems mysterious about why the motorist escapes and goes to hiding. Abrupt ending mars the climax in this thriller that is gripping yet satisfyingly slow. The following is Holod Palak B(n)adha Teer where the story reveals the magician turned detective's MO which is to collect as much information as possible so that others understand the solutions without the sleuth requiring to spell it out specifically. A businessman suffers a paralysing stroke while visiting a place to negotiate a deal in Ghatsheela. But two persons think otherwise. So Kikira is called to take the case. Tarapada accompanies him to Ghatsheela. Mystery revolves as the place of murder reveals some curious clues like a glove with a missing place for a finger, yellow feathers. Chandan is present for short crucial chapters. The mystery actually increases the appeal of the volume which somehow was dampened before this. An odd advertisement, sets the tone of Turuper Shesh Tas, hinting foul play to a death startles the business partner of the deceased. Along with that there is a constant blackmail by a supposed relative. The victim is confused and Kikira is consulted in the matter. A slight similarity with a previous adventure is felt in the plot but the finale is pleasantly different. The case of a missing young man is apparently central to Sonar Ghorir Kh(n)oje but Kikira feels that the gold watch, kept as a fond remembrance to his grandfather and also as a family heirloom, which is also missing, holds the key to the mystery.
The stories of the unassuming Kikira are a bit different from others in the genre and adds another dimension to the tradition of detective fictions. Bimal Kar allows the stories to meander easily but they never loose focus on the actual course.

Choyti Rahasya Upanyas

Picked up this book at the bookfair and it proved to be a gem of a choice. This premier collection consists of six mystery stories by Kalyani Basu, sister to Bani Basu, with a signature style of her own though reflecting a similar trait in the plots. Author introduces about her works in a higher octave but seems her expectations are a bit too ambitious. Though there  is thrill and suspense yet the introduction could have been toned down a little for the future.
Featuring police detective Avra Chatterjee in four of the cases, the first one is Golmuktar Bala where a murder follows theft but criminals are unmasked following a set of bad clues. The suspense is weaved at the very beginning but the solution becomes a bit obvious as the story progresses. Actually the absence of a clear motive makes it a bit easy to understand who the perpetrators are. The next case for the detective is in Boomerang where the possessive and suspicious husband contemplated the contract murder of the wife but is killed instead. Here the central theme of the book becomes more  prominent that hypothesizes that crime is the result of circumstances that forces persons to become evil. Infact the fate of the villain being uncertain during the closing seems fitting for the case. Avra remains a bit passive in Shikarakti where a serial killing targetting a set of four friends keeps the suspense high. A depressed girl is about to be married to one of the friends while getting over her psychological trauma but the killing starts suddenly that threatens the dream of a settled life. This fast paced suspense is a real thriller. The detective reappears in Arya Aasche where a long lost step brother is about to return after thirty four years to claim his right over a family heirloom. A mysterious twist of false identities and murder threatens the calm life of the family that seems to feel the ripple of past magnified to a dangerous scale.
There are two other stories, the intensely psychological thriller Sutapa Ekhono Bari Fereni, where a wife goes missing after leaving for home from her school. Clues are cleverly weaved that subtly casts shadows of doubt that fades but persists throughout to keep the thrill focussed. With merely a handful of characters, this is not a professional investigation style narrative yet suspense runs high as the mystery unfolds. The other is titled B(n)ashbon  which might be termed as a mystery with a difference where a hateful crime is committed but nobody finds a clue. The usual suspects rare rounded but are forced to be released due to insufficient evidence. An unsolved mystery seems to await. The surprise comes as justice is served the natural way with a punishment which is violently just.
Mystery lovers may go through the thrill that promises a unique perspective to crime as well as punishment.

Acceptable Risk

Based on the Salem Witch trial and trying to give a rational of the events the story revolves around a mould unearthed in one of the mansions in Salem. The mould seems an apparent anti-depressants and when it promises a billion dollar future for a set of doctors and a businessman with a medical background sky seems the only limit. But things starts a bit awry with mutilated animals turning up in the neighbourhood and the researchers, playing guineapigs among themselves, find themselves dishevelled and sleep walking awakening on their rooms but with dirt and injury on their beings. A fine border that remains between medical ethics and incessant profiteering seems to become blurred by lust and Robin Cook once again proves that the world needs a balance and a rationale approach for its betterment where hurrying may lead to danger that might become uncontrolled becoming irreparable.

Pikur Diary o Onyanya

This book had been among the prohibited few that my parents asked me to keep at bay for the right age. So when that age came, at least when I felt it came, I pounced on it in the bookshop to be introduced to the writings for the adults by Ray, who is more famous for his literary creations for the young. The book consists of Pikur Diary, where the diary of Piku reveals the daily details of his family in the coarse form that is to be expected from a child of his age but which also reveals the genius of Ray as he used the dialect of the child along with the obvious spelling mistakes while revealing the mature details with subtle clues. The next is the script for the movie Piku, which actually is a major deviation from the story and is acknowledged in the introduction by the writer himself. There is also another script of Shakha-Prasakha, but it is again one of the earlier versions for the movie. There are a couple of science fiction, Sabuj Manush and Mayurkanthi Jelly, with the latter more suspenseful than the former. But the most hilarious is Aryashekharer Janma o Mrityu which shows how the intellectual impetus of an unfortunate genius becomes too much for the society as well as for his self. The book with its various hues will be enjoyable for its cohesive diversity.

Chromosome 6

A radical invention, an enterprising materialist, a profiteering organization, a ruthless enforcer, the combination could not have been less perfect for a smooth flow of cash from the wealthiest of clients but for the fact that it showed a blind eye to ethics. So when a mafia chief is killed in the States ripples are felt in the remote base in Africa as a possible postmortem thwarted the entire project. So the body vanished but the trace could not be entirely wiped out. An obstinate team of mortuary doctors seemed to solve the mystery of the vanished body and another headless corpse all at the same time. Joining them was a police detective.  The bad boys were in action but the dice was rolled. So as the trio in States tried to solve some bizarre mysteries, another trio in Africa tried to investigate the ethical doubts. So the suspense heightened as biology unfolded some extreme revelations. A terrific mystery coupled with signature crisp narrative style that makes the story awesome. Surprisingly, reliefs are found in the choicest phrases that does not dries up the thrill but actually spices it up. Robin Cook once more shows his mastery in medical mysteries but some parts remained unexplained as the suspense culminates which might make it short of classic.

Chandragirir Rajkahini

A tremendously exciting novel with a touch of one of the greatest classics of all times but the moment you expect it to turn towards the obvious direction a twisting revelation makes it all the more rivetting.
A petty mercenary is hired by an aquintance of a dwindling kingdom to act as one of the successors of the dead king due to his close resemblance to the king's elder son who is living a life of the hunted after his step brother, the other  claimant of the title, failed in his attempt of killing him. Bargaining for the adventure with his life at stake, little did he know what awaits him as the deeper he delves, the royal secrets smeard with treachery make him shudder. A tale of royal vengeance where the common man is held as pawn in the name of fallen prestige keeps the suspense high. Though some queries remain unanswered still it remains a thrilling anecdote of an adventure with a touch of the romsnce. I had read several stories of the author but this surely is unique in its character

The Uttermost Farthing A Savant's Vendetta

A criminal anthropologist with a fame of comparative anatomist starts on a vengeance of his own to eliminate those whom he considers scums of society after his tragic lost of his beloved in a robbery gone astray. A horrifying yet gripping tale of vendetta that is made yet more horrid by the minute details of the procedures that lead the unsuspecting victims to their last breath keeps the suspense alive. But the most terrifying is not the killings but the fact that each is ingenuously preserved with records to serve as a model to research characteristic anatomy of criminals in general. The nature of the narrative is quite novel where the readers may predict the ultimate but here lies the signature style of Freeman where he keeps the interest from never going dull by the way he describes events after events culminating to what the readers actually hope to reach. An enjoyable fast paced read that will keep readers glued to the pages but never will find themselves on the edge of the seats.

The Singing Bone

Named after one of the chapters in the collection of short stories it actually summarises the concept of the narratives. That the simple clue, which may be easily overlooked sometimes presents the critical solution to the investigator so as to rip the mystery apart, is the fundamental basis of forensic deductions. But the major difference that these mysteries present, is as briefed in the preface, is the inverted way of presenting the cases. Yes, excepting the last, all these are inverted detective fictions. Thus the four, The Case of Oscar Brodski, A Case of Premeditation, The Echo of a Mutiny, A Wastrel's Romance are presented not in the light of who did it but more correctly how they did it. The tiniest clue, the merest coincidence, the microscopic evidence, the chance remark, the curious oddities, all are utilized to the fullest and with seriousness to narrow down the events and pinpoint the perpetrators. It is true that not apprehends the criminal, which frankly speaking will be surprisingly satisfying, but in each case the happenings are completely explained. Infact, the theory put forward by the detective is so close to the actual events that the error is negligibly small. Contrasting to these four The Old Lag is a proper who and how done it where Thorndyke actually takes an interest in unmasking the villain rather than stopping at unravelling the mystery only. Related partly by Jarvis, all the stories presents a humane part where the evil rather than criminals is punished. With proper mix of romance, with Polton assisting as required the anecdotes are charming yet thrilling. The forensic investigations will hold the appeal heightened by the inverted way of relating the events that though makes most of the criminals revealed at the beginning yet keeps the suspense of finding out fashionable enjoyable.

Raater Gaari

The enthusiasm that it brews in the opening chapter quickly turns rather mundane as the mysterious element vanishes fast. This can best be said to be a suspense novel where it remains to be seen how the plot converges. Gupta in his signature style uses his artistic skills to mix suspense clad in the armour of the riches with a touch of the English aristocracy which had found appeal till some times back with its subtle remnants holding still.

A man regains his lost memory of his earlier days that torments him of the injustice he was subjected to. As he returns among his old acquaintances in disguise he plots revenge. But an innocent life is at stake. It forces him to use a curiously ingenious approach. It required lots of  money but which he already had in his new life has presented him with. So it remains to be seen whether he succeeds in his ploy. The story is woven fine but with some Gupta type flaws where it seems the protagonist is miraculously aware of the minds of the evils, coincident help the suspense like some badly directed film. But the best part is the story converges realistically that is melancholy yet satisfying.

Goenda Indranath Rudra Samagra Vol IV

I had read maybe one or two or a few only Indranath Rudra stories in Anandamela and that too at a very young age. But it had something that still aroused the interest as I chanced across a collection among the final few copies left in bookfair this year. True these are old fashioned stories but how now I lament why I didn't bought a few more volumes. The only bad part is these are written with an undue emphasis on drama of the moment though the intellectual part is quite good. Sometimes the sleuth hunts in his own but sometimes he is assisted by Mriganka and his wife. But the quick observation with the analytical reasonings always keeps the detective a class apart from the rest. The stories after a brief author's introduction are arranged as

• Ghori
• Sonar Koroti
• Choti
• Momer Haat
• Nebuchadnezzarer Silmohar
• Atta Jhinuker Botam
• Shunya Kalshi
• Rakter Shaitan
• Paerakuthir Rahasya
• Chidranwesi Indranath
• Neel Chobir Chalanae

The narratives correctly blend nostalgia with the classic. Right from very first readers will be glued to the old world romance that also is used to mask yet prolongthe underlying suspense.

The Krishna Key

Me "Have you read the narrative?"

Myself " Yeah ultimately"

Me "So what do you think about it?"

Myself "You see, there is a book called The Da Vinci Code that takes you thru a journey from Paris and back that tries to uncover a chilling truth guarded for years by a dedicated society. There is yet another story called The Lost Symbol that takes you similarly across DC racing against ruthless killer and the government to prove innocence. Finally there is the film Angels and Demons adapted from its book version that also tries to protect the Vatican from evil. All of these have some historical base with symbols playing a distinct role in unfolding the truth. So this story actually follows the same formula in an Indian perspective but gets lost in the obvious confusion in the later half and does not reach beyond bollywood drama finally."

Me "But it has been a bestseller."

Myself "That's what surprises me. Let's review its basic elements, shall we? The narrative contains stories in parallel. One of them is about Lord Krishna, The Eighth Incarnation Of Vishnu and The Mahabharatha, derived from the Hindi serial but is interestingly told and this part is fantastic. But when the parallel story runs it really becomes quickly boring with too many flashbacks and a supposed mystery that changes its colour too much. Also when friend becomes enemy romance also shifts place. There are hints of Freemason equivalents but are never justified correctly and all it seems that coincidences must have been inaccurately interpreted."

Me "Oh! Then why are we at all summarising like this?"

Myself "Just to show how irritating it can get when dialogues are used for describing events."

For the Defence: Dr. Thorndyke

A classic inverted detective story featuring Dr. John Thorndyke accompanied by Dr. Jervis. The facts of the case is presented in great detail in the first part and it is at a very late stage that the investigator arrives. It is really a revelation how true facts can, under unfortunate circumstances, may present itself looking as improbable as ever. But if the seeker of truth is sincere enough then the bits of convincing evidences will surely be unearthed presenting a near fantastic yet truthful picture. This is what happens in this case where an honest man is convicted twice under different charges but is freed from both thanks to the research of the defence. Infact the second charge of murder seems to be cleared completely if it is proven that the supposed murder is of the man who is actually convicted and thus an impossible situation ia demanded. The final chapter is thus a fast paced gripping scene where though the truth is apprehended yet the thrill remains till the climax. Though several characters seem too much simplified but master storytelling is to be appreciated based on the fact that a suspense is created with all the cards laid on the table. There lies the skill of the author who actually invented this particular genre.

Har Har Byomkesh

Undeniably the best Byomkesh after a very long time. Cool and composed, this Byomkesh is more intellectual than active. His activity is centred around his investigations rather than intuitions and thus a logical course follows along the entire movie making the thriller an exciting entertainment.
Based on Saradindu's Bahni-Patanga, the original story has been relocated from Patna to Benaras. The place, the naming of the story and the final sequence seems to be a tribute to the master director who had made both renowned Bengali fictional detectives appear in cinemas.
Though there are several changes in the story which doesn't make the basic plot different from the original but two instances could have been kept unchanged. The first disappointment is at the climax whose prolonged run has taken away much of the suspense. The second mistake however could have been easily avoided. While solving the plot it is revealed that one person, except those who took part in the actual crime, knew the truth all along. The question therefore remains as to the cause of the silence but it remains unjustified throughout.
The acting of everybody in the film is superb devoid of any loquaciousness which really makes the whodunit  a classic hopefully. Special mention must be made of Ritwick who blends the character of Lalmohanbabu as well as Topshe with the characteristics of Ajit thus giving rise to novel yet pleasurable relief sequences.

The Complete Battles of Hastings Vol 2

Containing four of the gripping mysteries penned by Christie, this volume delves deep inside human psychology. When the wife wants her husband dead and Lord Edgware Dies, it remains upto Hercule Poirot to unravel the truth to save the innocent. Following the chilling revelation that shocks many comes the challenge of The ABC Murders where the villain seems to pick victims following alphabetical sequence. It again remains upto Poirot to find a logic behind the randomness to pinpoint the evil. Next is the case of the victim who appoints Poirot through a letter that arrives after her death. Clues are left for the wise along with a Dumb Witness. This is perhaps the most horrifying of the lot where the coldness of the murderer is terrifyingly sketched. The  finale is the Curtain: Poirot's Last Case which seemed more thrilling as I read it after a long time. Undoubtedly this is my favourite Poirot story with the sleuth confronts the ultimate villain as he sits dying from the ailments of the body. The psychology of murder, the identity of probable murderer, how a murder is designed and how it becomes an obsession has never been better analyzed. Thus as curtain comes down to the life of the master detective Arthur Hastings seems to learn more and more whose own character in the backdrop evolves that though markedly contrasts that of his partner but is so much familiar with the readers that they comfortably inside the events resonating with the mood of each tale.