Verdict: An entertaining and more ambitious outing for the quirky detective that blends mystery, humour and a fresh setting. Worth a watch for fans of the franchise and light thrillers.
Pros:
Anirban Chakrabarti remains engaging and adds new shades to Eken Babu
Ritwick Chakraborty’s controlled villain performance stands out
Kerala locations and the mix of mystery with comedy work well
Cons:
A few supporting characters feel underused
The climax could have been tighter
About The Eken: Kerala-e Kurukshetra 2026
Detail
Information
Title
The Eken: Kerala-e Kurukshetra
Directed by
Joydeep Mukherjee
Written by
Padmanabha Dasgupta (screenplay & dialogue); Story by Sujan Dasgupta
Eken Babu is back on the big screen for Durga Puja, this time far from his usual surroundings. The fourth theatrical outing in the popular franchise takes the eccentric Bengali detective and his two constant companions to Kerala for a high-stakes case. Directed by Joydeep Mukherjee, the film continues the mix of sharp observation, comic timing and mystery that fans have come to expect. The story begins with the disappearance of a scientist that pulls Eken, Bapi and Pramatha into a complicated situation involving a secret mission that goes wrong.
Without giving away key turns, the plot involves coded clues, shifting loyalties and a dangerous figure at the centre of the trouble. The detective’s trademark style of noticing details others miss remains the heart of the investigation, while the unfamiliar Kerala setting adds a fresh backdrop of backwaters, hills and local texture. Early audience chatter and the first wave of reactions on social platforms and review discussions largely describe the film as a solid, entertaining entry.
Many viewers and early writers have praised Anirban Chakrabarti for keeping Eken familiar yet adding a slightly sharper edge this time. Ritwick Chakraborty’s quiet, menacing presence as the main antagonist has also drawn strong comments, with several noting that he avoids loud villain theatrics and feels like a real threat. The chemistry among the core trio continues to land well, and the humour arising from Eken’s quirky proverbs and observations still gets laughs.
Common points of appreciation include the intelligent layering of the mystery, the respectful use of Kerala locations and language instead of turning them into mere scenery or comic props, and the overall balance of suspense and light moments. Some viewers have mentioned that a couple of supporting roles, including Raima Sen’s character, feel less fully developed than the main plot, and a few felt the final stretch could have packed a stronger punch.
Overall sentiment so far leans positive among franchise followers, who see it as a step up in scale without losing the series’ playful spirit. Fans of the Eken universe, people who enjoy detective stories mixed with comedy, and those looking for a festive theatre outing will likely find this satisfying.
It works best on the big screen for the locations and the group experience of the twists and laughs. If you prefer pure high-intensity thrillers or are completely new to the character, the film may feel a little talky in places, but it remains accessible and breezy enough. Waiting for streaming is an option for casual viewers, yet the theatrical atmosphere suits the adventure tone well.
Disclaimer: This review is based on publicly available audience reactions and discussions on X at the time of writing. Individual opinions may vary.
Rebecca Vaiphei is a box office reporter and film analyst at Tenvow.com. She covers theatrical collections across India and the United States day wise figures, weekend holds, and longer run tracking with a focus on clear, data led reporting for readers following how a film performs in each market.
