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‘Karagar’: An explosive start to a promising new series


Published : 22 Aug 2022 08:45 PM

If you have been following the recent performances of Chanchal Chowdhury, and has had a chance to watch ‘Taqdeer’, where he worked with Syed Ahmed Shawki, then you would probably know the magic they can create together. In Karagar, that magic is amplified by stellar performances from a cast that’s expertly handled by the director to extract some of the finest performances in recent web series history.

With a plot that needs all your attention (because there are little hints and clues you can easily miss if you aren’t paying attention), Karagar finds the perfect pace at which it keeps an aura of mystery, teasing the audience with a little hint here, a little clue there. 

Cinematographer Barkat Hossain Palash’s camera lovingly lingers on patches of light, outlines blurred feet, while the background comes into sharp focus. He uses this especially in scenes where the bluntness of light starkly reveals the red of blood, the paleness of death, with a deftness that’s delightful.

A refreshing and well-drafted plot that connives the audience to scheme with various characters introduced through the course of the series, Niyamtullah Masum’s story is rife with plot twists and subtexts, hinting at tales yet untold. This keeps the audience invested in learning about different life stories. And snatches and bits of these stories start adding up slowly as the plot moves forward.

It is a visual treat to watch Chanchal Chowdhury execute an almost impossible job and perhaps delivering one of the most significant and nuanced performances of his life. FS Nayeem’s gruffness and easy camaraderie with Intekhab Dinar is quite natural and relatable. Dinar as the jailor will leave one with mixed feelings, which was probably the director’s intention. 

In fact, from time to time, he attempts to throw the audience off, where they are made to connect some dots as the clues start pouring in. The sounds enhance the temper of this thriller, from the chirp of crickets to that of plates hitting the bars of many windows. It is used as an additional, important trope that helps keeps the viewers invested to the very end.

The series leaves one confounded and wanting to know more, and there lies the director’s success. He ensured a great start to a very promising series.