India's Biggest Cover-Up

The National Best Seller got me attentive in the recent Boookfair and I bought the book in flipkart after researching a bit about the author and of course about the book itself. Clearly I was justified in the purchase as one of the most mysterious happenings in the life of the greatest Indian hero, Netaji, seemed to be at last given a public audience, thanks to this book. I would definitely defer to agree on all the views shared by the author but the evidences put forward in most of the cases defy any counter logic against the theories. The copies of several documents, the most chilling being the last photograph, proves once and for all that the predominant theory of Netaji's Taiwan air crash just don't stand much chance as an established logic. The excerpts of interviews of Netaji's INA brothers and their later movements as traced by Dhar, Barun Sengupta's investigative journalism, deliberations held in parliament, the precis of the commissions held, all give an entirely new dimension to the mystery. The views of Bose's relatives and near and (most but not all) dear ones also bear insight to the mystery that has kept several of the countrymen guessing for a solution that seemed so neglected at times. Not only the Japan angle but the Russian angle has been considered with a clear rationale that brings forth several new avenues (at least to me) that had been explored while documenting the beliefs in the book. Being an admirer of Netaji, as I don't think I have the audacity to idolize him, I find this endeavour to unmask any cover up a most welcoming one and also the citizens of a democratic country should have right to the truth.

Sherlock Hebo

As with other Sanyal detective stories, extreme loquaciousness is the primary downside of all the narratives. Also there are innumerable printing errors that makes this new get up fare poorly after the reading.

The little sleuth is introduced in Sherlock Hebo Gurubidae Parbo though his first exploit is placed after this in Adi Parbo and finally Palashpur Parbo completes a chapter of his career during his school days. In these several of the side characters are introduced, the most annoying and recurring being Mejda, the person responsible for adding the illustrious title to Hebo's name. The most interesting part is that though in earlier Bengali literature, there had been instances of minors as detectives but never have been a detective is seen making laughable blunders that keeps his ego under control. Sincerely speaking, in the first three episodes Hebo has been a mix of a lesser Holmes and a greater 'Pagla Dashu'. Ocassionally allowing the imagination to run wild, Hebo is found to overdo detection in various cases albeit the primary problem is always solved.

But in the finale Sherlock Hebo Fire Elen the analytical mind is truly revealed as the sleuth matures and his documenter, his Chotokaka pens the most interesting case namely the solution to a aged riddle. The story is not only the best but also the literary talent of Naryanbabu is truly revealed that masks the reader of some of the obvious points that remains hidden in plain view.

So as a whole this will be a good compilation for the collection of detective stories but may not appeal much to the matured mind after a first read. Added attraction to the book is illustrations bu Chandi Lahiri that not only augments the stories but really shows the stark superiority over Sanyal's efforts to parallel the same.

Jugalratna Tiktiki Office

Ashapurna Devi's pickpockets turned investigators, T(n)yapa & Madna (T(n)yapa Charan Pal & Madan Kumar Das) find themselves practically living next door to the victims of a violent crime. Two sets of ornaments from an astrologer's room gets missing and the man was found in a pool of blood but living in the temple inside his residence. The secret chambers, known only to a few, where the valuables were kept was found ransacked and everything missing. The head of the house, the astrologer, was hospitalized and though he recovers his brain seemed to be affected. The members of the huge joint family then seeks help of the local pair of not so well known detectives though several hold them in contempt. Then the story becomes fast paced as the investigators gathers clues and with their near telepathic understanding traps the criminal with damnable evidences. Though some chance happenings help them, as it sometimes happens in detective stories, the best part is that the author acknowledges these in style as she does in all the episodes.

This pair had been introduced during my childhood in one of the magazines but passed into oblivion may be due to the introduction of other private eyes in the fictions. Still I was only fascinated once more going through this piece. The unconventional duo as depicted by Ashapurna Devi is another addition to the class of Bengali detective fictions and as scripted in a dialogue of a character in Anjan Dutta's 'Chalo Let's Go', that every other Bengali writer has his or her series of detectives, Ashapurna Devi's pair though may not be the geniuses but will surely secure the place among the classics.

Pichone Paer Shabda

In the past I had read quite a few stories of Prafulla Ray. So when I saw that he also writes detective novels it seemed quite interesting. Infact the story is quite fast and full of adventurous situations. But with coincidences galore and all so conveniently placed that though the storytelling is interesting but the detection part beocmes quite boring. Also if somebody tells me after reading this that he can find trace of a Byomkesh plot and the final scenes based on the scenes of a Feluda novel, I think it will be not incorrect. Mainak, the detective with his equally wise aunt Hemalata, a widow with a sharp sense of self respect, shares interest in solving crimes. But their detection process seems to be based on direct observations leading to inferences with Mainak missing some obvious clues that his aunt catches staying in the house. The analytical ability of the sleuths are never exploited. Also there are some clear mistakes in the plot where taxi turns to a motorbike. So this may be a good story but not a wise one.

The Case of the Baited Hook

In a stormy and rainy night, Perry Mason gets a call in his private number that takes him out to meet the most mysterious of client couples. The man tries to give a false name while the lady is masked and hooded and not interested to speak to the lawyer so as to prevent her identity slip. The case presented is also strange. The truth seeker is asked to represent the lady in case someting happens in future. The clients remain silent to further prodding though manages to convinve the lawyer to take the case. What happens next is a fast paced crime thriller starting the Perry trailing the probables of the case both for the knowhow of the client and the mystery itself. So it was not a ,surprise that he is really at the crossroads stumbling across a murdered man while ladies throng his office in numbers asking to make cases for various reasons. This adrenaline driven mystery drama crowds up with characters and Perry had a real tough task to solve the unique case with police sniffing up both the right and wrong trails making it more dangerous than ever. But the only unanswered part that remains likewise was how the clients got his private number. Except this the novel is a thrilling adventure where time seems to the only thing that seems precious.

Inspector Brahmer 7 Tadanta

Contrasting to Mustafa Siraj's Colonel stories, Inspector Surapati Brahma is more of a professional detective. But as with the retired colonel he also exhibits a deceiving look that masks his shrewd thinking brain. An ex-professor of the English language, for which he is referred to as Sir by many of his contemporaries, he is a revered figure in the police force. Much to the dissatisfaction of his wife Suranjana, the responsible Brahma feels happy to remain busy even at home too. So the seven investigations that this compilation includes never for once will keep the reader idle. Assisted by the young, enthusiastic and intelligent sub-inspector Satyacharan Pathak he delves deeper into the human minds to unmask criminals and catch them red-handed. But the problem of the seven novels lie in the fact that more often the ambience that is described matches with each other in several of the instances. This repititiveness sheds a disappointment for the readers as do the incompleteness of several of the recurrent characters though it does not compromise the central theme at any time. But apparently the very best, that mixes a bit of science fiction with mystery remains incomplete in the sense that the detective never explains clearly how the clues led to the murderer in Tadanta 7. The investigations invariably starts with a murder and it remains upon the shrewd Brahma to unveil the criminals. Sometimes it is the case of a lecherous businessman in Tadanta 1, sometimes a renowned painter of yester years in Tadanta 4, sometimes an auditor who has stumbled upon a truth in Tadanta 6, sometimes a corporate killed in his flat in Tadanta 3, everytime the investigators catch hold of the truth by analysisng the clues. An intricate network of informers also help the police in several cases. Traps are sprung on the unsuspecting criminals as in Tadanta 2, web is weaved around the evil as in Tadanta 5 that completes the story satisfactorily. The curious point to note is Inspector Brahma considers the fictitious Colonel stories as trash but uses several of the phrases used by him while solving mysteries. Another interesting factor of the stories are these have been conceived during the time cell phones had not been so predominant. This adds an old world romance and the efficient use of technology during mystery solving.

Baby K Parijat

Nabarun Bhattacharya's latest collection of magic realism centre's on Baby K and Parijat (the abbreviation K is better not explained) with a fireman on tow and some other characters that are not recurrent like the rest in

• Aguner Mukh
  
• Parijat o Baby K
• Baby K.
• American Petromax
• Fire-fight
• Baby K and Spiderman Parijat
• Baby K, Parijat, Pangapal o Markin Samrajyabaad

Barring the first one, the others though are loosely related to each other but are not so compact presentation as the Fyatarus were. Mixed with humour the stories are handicapped in the sense that though the characters remain the same but the continuity is not maintained which seems to be the chief drawback. Though the title is alluring but the stories are not so. It begins well but as it proceeds a note of monotony sets in that remains throughout.

Saras Galpo

A pack of hilarious romantic comedies, nothing could have been a better buy than this Bimal Kar collection. Warming up with not so hilarious Chaar Taas and Basanta Bilap which proved to be less comic than the film, the actual pace was set by Kaalidas o Chemistry and the rhythm by PremShashee. Again the spirit seemed a bit dampened to some extent in the couple Hridoe Binimoe and Atmadarshan but it was compensated doubly by the woes and pathoes without which the conjugal life remains incomplete but wrapped up in classic comedy in Bridhasya Bharya. Abhilashee, Bou nie Khela, Chumbak Chikitsa and PhaneeManasa followed the monotonous yet enjoyable style set by the previous few but uniqueness again unfolded with Gorachand, Rasatal and to me, one of the quality stories of the set in Rangalal. But Milonatsab was not so good and seemed to miss the general goal of the book but was followed by, my fabourite of the set, Ratnalabh. The next couple were again romantic, though I will keep Ratkiller a bit lesser in the fun side than Bichitra Prem. The book culminated with the charming Beauty ebong GG filled with old world values but a little less convincing. The striking thing of the narratives is that while exploring the old world values along with the funny side of romance, that sometimes bordered the crude innstincts, it rarely crossed aesthetic limits which proved the command that Kar possessed in Bengali literature.

Outbreak

Another Robin Cook thriller that higlights the horror of an outbreak that mysteriously seem to appear at several places one after the other. The medical investigative teams are baffled by the mystery. The limited information seems to point out to trivial possibilities that nobody cares to validate. But one of them - Marissa Blumenthal seems adamant. And so seems this trait of virus that remains temporarily controlled only after it wrecks havoc. As Dr. Blumenthal tries to collect facts, she falls prey to a horde of sinister forces that tries to eliminate her in any way possible. With nobody to trust and a psycopath trying to compose a game of death, the pace accelerates in just the correct way to keep the suspense growing but never becoming monotonous. With the right mix of mystery and suspense it remains enjoyable till the final pages. The Cook novel like always has an underlying motto that finally points out a horrifying theme. As the terrifying scheme is finally revealed it is upto the reader to judge for themselves whether it is a boon or curse that science and socio-economics of modern civilization ultimately promise.

A Stranger is Watching

A cunning psychopath is on the loose evading the law by pure luck but can't evade his fear. A fear that thrives on obsession drives him to commit murder once more. He has a master plan. But bearing the burden of his crime innocent Ron Thompson waits electrocution. As pleas to the Governor for stay order doesn't stand a chance it remains for coincidences to pile up that saves the day. Yes the most disappointing part of the novel is its tight plot fails to make it a good detective story but remains an action packed suspense narrative. With all the ingredients for an inverted detective story it remains a thrilling race between the psychopath and the police. I went to buy another novel by Mary Higgins Clark but chose thise one instead among the others due to the unavailability of the intended title. I admit that it is not very dissappointing as far as a crime thriller but the mystery part was actually not there in the narrative.

Samagra Kishore-Sahitya Vol. IV

• Ghoramamar Abadan
• Swayam Tinii
• Sada Hasyamukhe Thakbe
• Boltudar Utsaha Labh
• Gajakeshtababur Haasi
• Saheber Upahar
  
• The Great Ch(n)atai
• Anyamanaska Chor
• Lankanatham Kattasundaram
• Ghantadar Kablukaka
• Journey by Car
• Ticket
• Porer Poishae
• Pishemoshaer Mamar Galpo
• Kabitar Janma
• Shayataner S(n)ako
• Ghoramamar Cutlet
• Kh(n)aramoshai
• Naama Rahasya
• Rachanar Rahasya
• Haate Haatei
• Haridas aar Neel Maachi
• Ekdiner Uposh
• Pratidwandee
• Halde Bus
• Laal Ghora
• Sei Cheleta
• Cricket maane Jh(n)ijh(n)i
• Karim Mia
• Doctor Zakeer Hossain (Smritikatha)
• Chotobelar Smriti (Atmajeebanee)
• Pabitra Gangopadhyayke lekha chithi

A glance at the above will reveal that the volume is a mixture of a variety of literatures penned by the creator of Tenida, Pyala, Haub, Kyabla. Another bout of laughter galore, the volume is mostly humorous but blended, I think with just the correct proportion of nostalgic memoirs, letters, articles and some of the author's creations that he wrote during a very early age. Acknowledgement is thus due to Asha Devi and Abhijit Gangopadhyay to compile this volume. Also the majority of the smileys are not again reserved to Teni and his group's activities alone but other interesting characters have found their place suitably in the volume, that shows that if Narayanbabu had wished to start a series with any of the other characters,Bengali readers would not have been dissapointed. Of particular interest is the stories he wrote during his childhood that infact parallels many of the matured writings of the writer. Infact I think readers may find it interesting if they start savouring his stories from this volume only.

The Mystery of the Wandering Caveman

This was the thirty fourth case of the three sleuths. A scientist meets a sudden death right at Jones Salvage Yard which leaves a dormant trail for the three investigators to follow that turns up to be a curious case. Prehistoric creature is reported to come to life and bones of a newly discovered fossil is stolen. An entire town goes to sleep and all seem to have solid alibi. But the lead comes unexpectedly with a twist so like good mystery novels and in between businessmen and scientists figthing for the fossil the investigators faces a challenging riddle. I seem to find the case more intriguing than when I read it first but with that too I found an apparent mistake of the plot. The simplicity of manufacturing of a chemical that required a deal of research seemed to be unconvincing. But except for this it will find a place among the moderately good.

Arjun: Kalimponge Sitaharan

Rating: 7.5/10
Arjun, the young sleuth created decades back by Samaresh Majumder premiers on the silver screen as he is mentored in the quest for truth by the nicely attired and insightful Amol Som and accompanied by Major and Bistu Saheb which promises a thrilling entertainment in the summer holidays not only for the school-goers but the final twist reserves an attraction for the elders as well.
Introducing one of the younger sleuths of Bengali detective fiction Prem Prakash Modi promises more in the line of the Byomkesh-Feluda genre with his Arjun: Kalimponge Sitaharan. Adapted from Majumder’s stories Khunkharapi and Sitaharan Rahasya, the main plot has been modified almost entirely that maintains the thrill and keeps the suspense alive for readers of both the stories due to the novel climax.
Arjun, son to a widowed mother, tries hard to get a job after college just like any other ordinary Bengali youth but cherishes the dream of an adventurous career accompanying his idol, the private investigator Amal Som in solving challenging mysteries. Chance comes almost unexpectedly as Som asks his assistance in a case that apparently seems a simple one. All Arjun had to do was to watch over Sita, daughter to the prosperous Mr. Sen in Kalimpong. It was alleged that Sita got herself involved in bad company during her stay in the US and her father was afraid that she might be kidnapped by them. So he requested assistance of Som and thus Arjun was instructed to guard Sita at Sen’s residence under an appropriate guise. But it seemed that another underlying plot was slowly unfolding. Sita’s grandfather, Taashi Palden, a man of varied qualities, happened to be the chief designer of a vault containing immense riches in a Buddhist monastery. Palden possessed the only imprints of the original blueprints and he hid them in some secret place leaving a trail of riddles, that too planted in veiled locations.  Sen, though not aware of the exact location of the documents, was apprehensive that his daughter’s security may be threatened by the dangerous secret and so sought professional help from Som after employing a governess to look after Sita. But when Arjun turned up in place of Som, Sen was not at all pleased. But supported by the wise and revered Bistu Saheb, Arjun tried to gain his confidence by his sleuthing. Support also came from the jovial Major, a long time friend to Som and relative to Bistu Saheb whose voracious appetite and straightforward attitude immediately cheered up the budding investigator.
But evil struck more than once as Sen’s watchdog was poisoned and one of his long time servants was found dead in the premises. Arjun found himself a suspect to the local police enquiry and felt helpless as Som seemed to disappear from the scenes. As dark sides of several characters came to fore Arjun’s own cover was blown up by none other than Sita. The villains repeatedly struck at this vulnerable junction with a murder and kidnapping Sita.
Will Arjun be able to rescue her and keep the blueprints in safe hands? Where was Amal Som? Why Sen seems afraid of the monks? With whom does Sita’s governess rendezvous at night? Why the psychological patient Wang Di always points to his eyes? And what secret does Major boast of?
To know all these and to share the excitement you have to watch the movie and believe me just the beauty of the landscape will enthrall you and the mystery will seem an added flavor!
Though the story has been extensively modified but credits are due to Prem Prakash Modi for his courageous introduction of a sleuth, who unlike Byomkesh-Feluda begins as an apprentice rather than stealing the centre-stage. Introducing all the major characters of an Arjun novel including his signature motorbike (though my personal disappointment was Habu, Amol Som’s deaf and dumb assistant whose screen time was not enough and portraiture also lacked the intelligence that Arjun stories always depicted), Modi has also prepared the audience for a continuation of Arjun’s adventure. His promise of sequels will thus keep hopes high for enthusiasts of Bengali crime fictions. Also, Modi’s keenness on maintaining chronological sequences - evident as Arjun refers to his first adventure with Amalda at the Khutimari Range - satisfies fans like me to whom it feels unnecessary that certain movie versions of renowned detective literatures seems bend on referring to previous scripts that needlessly points to change in the original sequence. Modi’s direction along with Abhijit Sarkar’s screenplay and dialogue also proves once more that films based on literatures are always a pleasure to watch.
The best point about the movie, as I’ve already hinted at is the choice of locations and Rana Dasgupta’s cinematography. The captivating beauty of North Bengal has been elegantly captured and the greeneries aptly echo the freshness of an honest mind – the fundamental item of a detective story. But one thing clearly disappoints, the music and background score that seems a bit demanding on certain occasions.
Coming to the acting we need to categorize on the seniority. Beginning with the veterans, undoubtedly the lion’s share of the compliments is due for Sabyasachi Chakrabarty who blends into the character of Amal Som just splendidly. Amol Som’s acute observation, sharp intellect, innovative tactics and last but not the least his physical agility has been so correctly presented by him that similar to Soumitra Chatterjee’s Feluda and Rajit Kapur’s Byomkesh, Sabyasachi and Amal Som are bound to become synonymous if the series continues. Portraying the expert in the field Amal Som’s need for a young apprentice, especially where action is concerned, has been just correctly projected by Chakrabarty. With his composed performance Sabyasachi thus is just perfect for each and every scene where he appears. Manoj Mitra as Bistu Saheb balances the mood with the right mix of seriousness and humour and the scripts that he shares with Biswajit Chakrabarty (Major) breath relief to the tense plot. In fact Biswajit Chakrabarty presents the much needed comic angle that never compromises on the character’s intellect and presents the simple and frank Major, reminding ever so slightly of Santosh Dutta’s legendary Lalmohanbabu and making the character intensely lovable. Dipankar Dey plays the distressed Mr. Sen with his characteristic eloquence though his expressions of fright are not so natural. Now coming to the significant female characters, Churni Ganguly in her portraiture of Sita’s governess has been marvelous as she moulds her character and the scenes, swapping her role between the intentionally irritating governess to the lady with her own secret mission. But the find of the movie is Raya Chowdhury whose portraiture of Sita could not have been more fitting. The spoilt but shrewd daughter of the wealthy Sen, frustrated by her arrested movements, doubting each and everyone, seemingly unaware of the dangers looming large and always on the lookout of escape, Sita was gradually turning to a bundle of nerves. Raya not only makes the character fiercely exact but solely her accent makes her the Sita as described in the book. Coming to the debutant Om (Arjun) though he may need to work on his expressions a bit more but his features matched that of Arjun quite well. True that he is not as cool as Feluda or as sharp as Byomkesh and undoubtedly less witty than both of them but the script demands that only! Centering more on his mentor’s activities the film is more about the trainee in Arjun as he turns to a more responsible investigator. Bringing the focus on himself on other scenes, Om correctly plays out of the limelight in presence of Som. His suppressed excitement to be part of Amalda’s team and his contrasting reluctance of a more mundane career makes the character more realistic. Another important character had been played by Anindya Banerjee as the officer investigating the murder in Sen’s premises who makes his short appearance crisp yet enjoyable.
Thus the Mukul Sarkar presentation promises a pleasant summer and the film may well be considered as the first of an enjoyable series.