After becoming one of Bengal’s most popular fictional detectives through the immensely popular The Eken franchise, Eken Babu has steadily transcended regional boundaries, earning recognition beyond Bengal. With audiences across geographies embracing his eccentric charm and unconventional brilliance, Eken Babu continues to spread his wings further than ever before. Following the love and appreciation received by the Eken films over the years, the detective is now set to return with his most ambitious cinematic outing yet — The Eken: Kerala-e Kurukshetra, produced by hoichoi Studios.
Set for a theatrical release during Durga Puja, the film marks Eken Babu’s return to cinemas with a larger canvas and a mystery that promises to push him into uncharted territory. Directed by Joydeep Mukherjee, based on a story by the late Sujan Dasgupta and written by Padmanabha Dasgupta, the film features an ensemble cast including Anirban Chakrabarti, Suhotra Mukhopadhyay, Somak Ghosh, Ritwick Chakraborty, Raima Sen, Kamaleswar Mukherjee, Ambarish Bhattacharya, Arna Mukhopadhyay, Subrat Dutta and others.
Anirban Chakrabarti
Set against the lush and visually striking backdrop of Kerala, the story promises an intriguing blend of mystery, adventure and unexpected twists. Reprising his much-loved role, Anirban Chakrabarti returns as Eken Babu, the seemingly absent-minded yet extraordinarily perceptive detective whose unconventional methods often succeed where traditional investigation fails. Accompanying him once again are his trusted companions Bapi, played by Suhotra Mukhopadhyay, and Pramatha, played by Somak Ghosh, whose contrasting personalities and constant exasperation with Eken continue to provide both humour and heart to the narrative.
Kamaleswar Mukherjee essays the role of Mihir Sen, a character whose disappearance sets several events into motion, while Ritwick Chakraborty plays Irfan Fazil, a man whose quiet confidence and sharp intellect make him one of the most intriguing figures in the story. Raima Sen appears as Dipa, an enigmatic presence whose true intentions remain difficult to decipher. Ambarish Bhattacharya’s Debesh finds himself at the centre of a puzzle that gradually unfolds through the course of the narrative. Arna Mukhopadhyay portrays Ibrahim, a character caught in circumstances far bigger than himself, while Subrat Dutta appears as Sumanta, a seasoned professional whose involvement adds another dimension to the unfolding mystery. As alliances shift and secrets surface, each character plays a vital role in a larger story where nothing is quite what it seems.
Ritwick Chakraborty, Ambarish Bhattacharya, Raima Sen
Speaking about returning as Eken Babu, Anirban Chakrabarti said, “The love that audiences have shown Eken Babu over the years, be it for series or films, has been truly special. What started as a web series gradually became a character that people welcomed into their homes and hearts. Seeing Eken make the successful transition from the digital space to the big screen has been incredibly rewarding. After the response to The Eken: Benaras e Bibhishika, I am excited to return with a story that is bigger, more adventurous, and unlike anything Eken has encountered before. While the stakes are higher this time, the essence of the character remains unchanged, and I think audiences will enjoy watching him navigate this thrilling new world in his own unique way.”
Director Joydeep Mukherjee added, “The Eken: Kerala-e Kurukshetra is one of the most ambitious stories in the Eken universe. While it will retain the humour, warmth, and eccentricity that audiences associate with Eken Babu, it will also explore a much larger conflict with national implications. Kerala offers a spectacular backdrop to a story filled with mystery, suspense, action, and adventure. Our aim is to create an entertaining theatrical experience that stays true to the spirit of the franchise while taking it to a whole new level.”
Speaking about joining the franchise, Raima Sen said, “The Eken franchise has built a very special connection with audiences over the years, and I am delighted to be joining this universe with The Eken: Kerala-e Kurukshetra. What excited me most was the opportunity to be part of a story that combines mystery, suspense, and entertainment on such a large scale. I am looking forward to beginning this journey and collaborating with such a talented cast and team.”
Ritwick Chakraborty, who joins the franchise as Irfan Fazil, said, “What attracted me to the film was the complexity of Irfan Fazil. He is intelligent, composed, and extremely dangerous, making him a fascinating character to portray. The Eken films have a unique identity and a loyal audience, so stepping into this world as a new addition is particularly exciting.”
The film is slated to go on floors in August 2026, with shooting scheduled extensively across Kerala. The Eken: Kerala-e Kurukshetra promises to take audiences on Eken Babu’s biggest adventure yet.