Directed by Parambrata Chattopadhyay, Hoichoi’s thriller Nikosh Chhaya, the latest series set in the Niren Bhaduri universe, takes viewers on a thrilling, supernatural journey through the heart of urban Kolkata, bringing alive an eerie narrative that feels particularly apt for the Bhoot-Chaturdashi release.
The second instalment, Nikosh Chhaya picks up the threads of the story from last year’s Parnashavarir Shaap. The series explores the tension between the rational and the mystical, digging into the depths of city life where the supernatural may well coexist within the concrete jungle.
The plot begins in a city hospital morgue where dead bodies inexplicably go missing, leading to whispers of a sinister presence. The police, led by Amiya (played by Gaurav Chakrabarty), initially attempt to solve the case but quickly realise the mystery is beyond their conventional grasp. Enter Niren Bhaduri (Chiranjeet Chakrabarti), the enigmatic occult specialist, summoned back to unravel a web of dark rituals, unholy practices, and ominous forces.
Bhaduri discovers that the missing corpses are being used for a series of intense rituals by a fearsome tantric. The narrative takes a gripping twist when the daughter of one of the officers is kidnapped, forcing the police and Bhaduri into a race against time. Their investigation brings them to Bhanu (Kanchan Mullick), an aghori tantric who has set his sights on seeking immortality through dark means.
Parambrata brings an impressive ensemble cast to life, with each character adding depth and dimension to the haunting tale. Chiranjeet reprises his role as Niren Bhaduri with the same grit and enigma that made his character memorable in the previous season. Bhaduri moshai’s distinct look — clad in a blood-red outfit with a pronounced tilak marking his forehead — cements his portrayal as a powerful tantric figure, standing unwavering in the face of paranormal forces.
Kanchan Mallik, known for his comedic roles, surprises as Bhanu the aghori tantric. He showcases his versatility and commitment to embodying a character marked by a foreboding intensity. Surangana Bandyopadhyay as Bhaduri’s assistant Mitul — who was haunted by an evil spirit in the previous season — skilfully balances the surreal with a grounded approach to her role. Gaurav Chakrabarty, as the determined yet rattled cop, brings an earnestness that reflects the tension of navigating uncharted, supernatural waters in his pursuit of justice.
Anujoy Chattopadhyay also impresses with his portrayal of a character grappling with childhood trauma — a subtle yet impactful performance that underscores the series’ eerie atmosphere. Even Anindita Bose and Rahul Dev Bose make their presence felt in effective cameo appearances.
Nikosh Chhaya is efficiently paced across six episodes, with a tight, focused screenplay that ensures there’s hardly a moment of drag. Prosenjit Chowdhury’s cinematography shines, especially in sequences that play with shadows and light. Darkened hallways, mist-laden streets, and the ghastly morgue create a setting that is almost as much a character as the people on screen. Each shot is framed to evoke an unsettling feeling, capturing the essence of a city haunted by forces beyond the ordinary.
One of the show’s most significant achievements is its ability to make the paranormal feel plausible within a contemporary, urban context. Parambrata has managed to conjure a world where ancient occult practices seem not only possible but terrifyingly close to reality. The series concludes with a cliffhanger that suggests a sequel, and we cannot wait to return to the Niren Bhaduri universe Parambrata has crafted.
