Detective Byomkesh dons a web avatar on OTT platform Hoichoi

Kolkata-headquartered SVF Entertainment has revealed the first look of the central characters of ‘Byomkesh’ web series for its OTT platform, Hoichoi. This soon-to-be-launched series is an adaptation of late writer Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay’s stories about Bengali detective Byomkesh Bakshy. 

Anirban Bhattacharya, recently seen in the critically-acclaimed film ‘Dhananjoy’, will be portraying the lead role of Byomkesh in the web series. Subrat Dutta will be playing the role of Byomkesh’s trusted friend-turned-aide, Ajit, while Ridhima Ghosh will be seen as Satyabati, Byomkesh’s wife. 

Hoichoi will also be launching a social media campaign to promote ‘Byomkesh’ Original Web Series. Under the campaign, users will be asked to guess the stories that have been featured in the series. Winners will be rewarded with the chance to meet Anirban Bhattacharya. 

Sayantan Ghoshal, who debuted this year in Tollywood, has directed ‘Byomkesh’. Speaking on the new web series, Ghoshal said that the emphasis was on offering something distinctly different for the Web. “This is a much cooler version of Byomkesh. We have made a fast-paced thriller web series. After all, a large segment of our viewers are the youth,” he added. 

The costumes have been designed by Sabarni Das and Sanchita Bhattacharjee. The look and styling of the characters were finalised keeping in mind the taste and culture of pre- and post-colonial Bengal. 

Speaking about the challenges of stepping into Byomkesh’s shoes, Anirban Bhattacharya said,“It is a great feeling to be able to play Byomkesh. Since many great actors have donned the Byomkesh hat before, there’s some pressure, but that vanishes once the camera starts rolling. Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay added various layers and abstract qualities to the character, that makes playing Byomkesh a great challenge in itself.” Commenting on Byomkesh being available on world’s biggest Bengali OTT platform Hoichoi, he said, “I am excited that Bengalis all over the world will be able to watch Byomkesh web series on Hoichoi, and the fact that I am one of the protagonists of the show feels great.” 

Subrat Dutta, who plays Ajit, added here, “It feels absolutely brilliant to be able to play Ajit. It is different from the roles I usually portray on-screen. Hoichoi will create new audiences for Bengali entertainment worldwide. Web is the future and I am glad that I am a part of it.” 

“Satyabati is one of my favourite characters in Bengali Literature. I like the different shades present in the character,” said Ridhima Ghosh, who plays Byomkesh’s wife in the web series. “Though I have played Satyabati before, it is like a new challenge for me this time. I have tried to approach the character thinking what my reaction would have been, if I was her,” she added. 

Meanwhile, SVF is currently shooting a string of Original shows for Hoichoi across genres. The OTT platform seeks to be a one-stop online destination for Bengali entertainment with over 500 movies, exclusive Original Web Series and over 800 songs to start with.