The recently premiered KLIKK series Devi has already generated a buzz following its screening at SRFTI. Directed by Anirban Chakraborty, the crime thriller explores the intersection of faith, power, gender and justice through the journey of an underestimated woman constable determined to uncover the truth behind a young actress's disappearance. At the heart of the story is Devi, a female police constable who launches her own investigation after official efforts fail to solve the mysterious disappearance of aspiring actress Sneha.
What begins as a missing-person case gradually unravels into a dark web of manipulation involving a godman, hidden agendas and a grieving mother. The series stars Avery Singha Roy, Arindam Ganguly, Amlan Majumder, Sagarika Roy, Debipriya Sarkar and Kaushik Sil. Amlan Majumder has penned the story, screenplay and dialogues.
A Premiere That Struck an Emotional Chord
For director Anirban Chakraborty, the audience reaction at the premiere was a deeply validating experience. "What touched me the most was seeing industry colleagues, friends, family members and members of the media fraternity connect with the series on an emotional level," he says. "Many appreciated the honesty of the storytelling, the performances and the way the subject was handled."
The director describes Devi as a project that challenged him creatively. "Stories rooted in religion and village life come with their own layers of history, culture, emotions and social dynamics. Every character, ritual and relationship had to feel authentic and respectful to the world we were portraying," he explains.
What fascinated him most, he says, was discovering the complexity hidden beneath the apparent simplicity of rural life. "It reaffirmed my belief that stories deeply rooted in a specific culture and community often carry the most universal emotions."
Writer and actor Amlan Majumder reveals that the idea for Devi emerged from his desire to tell stories that challenge perceptions rather than simply entertain. "The word 'Devi' itself carries connotations of divine power, faith and mystery. However, I wanted to bring that idea to a more human level," he says.
"The Devi in this story is not a supernatural figure; she is an ordinary woman from among us, someone who possesses the courage to stand up against wrongdoing and challenge the darkness around her." Majumder believes the rural setting became a character in itself.
"The people, beliefs, relationships and social dynamics of Nadia and its surrounding regions helped shape the emotional texture of the story and gave it an authenticity that was important to me." One of the most moving moments for him came after the premiere, when women in the audience shared how strongly they connected with Devi's journey.
"Several of them said they found the spirit of Devi empowering and inspiring. Hearing that the journey of an ordinary woman standing up against injustice resonated with them on a personal level was perhaps the greatest validation I could receive as a writer."
A Thriller With Something More to Say
For Avery Singha Roy, who plays the title role, the audience's response has been overwhelming. "The poster had set the tone. Many people felt that Devi possessed some kind of superpower. And I would say — yes, she does. Devi's mind is her superpower." The actress says the role challenged her on multiple levels, particularly because it reflects struggles women continue to face in society.
"Officer Bhadra, my superior, is someone who wants to suppress women like Devi. But in the end, he fails. Behind that failure lies a tremendous struggle that every Devi continues to fight." She admits the character had a profound personal impact. "I have drawn courage from Devi. If I get a character like this again in the future, I won't think twice before taking it up." Roy also praises the series' depiction of rural Bengal. "More stories set in rural Bengal should be made. Such a vast and rich canvas is rarely found elsewhere."
The Challenging Act
Actor Arindam Ganguly, who portrays Hemanta Maharaj, describes the series as a memorable departure despite having previously played spiritual figures. "I have had the opportunity to act as a godman several times, but portraying Hemanta Maharaj was very different," he says. The actor fondly recalls the authenticity of the shooting locations and the warm reception from villagers.
"Most of the shooting was done in a village. There may be a lack of amenities in such locations, but the cooperation we received from every corner made the task easy." One particularly memorable aspect was how villagers responded to his appearance as the spiritual leader. "They used to offer their respect to me," he recalls.
A complex role
Among the younger members of the cast, Debipriya Sarkar found herself navigating one of the series' more complex roles. "Playing an alluring young actress within a village-life narrative was challenging. So was portraying a character with such desperation and negative shades." She reveals that observing someone she knew in real life helped her understand the character's motivations. "Honestly, I have a friend who matches some of these traits and observing her helped me process the character's negative arc." Sarkar reserves special praise for Avery's portrayal of Devi. "Devi's determination and resilience are worthy of emulation. To every subjugated woman, especially in villages, she is a role model."
While Devi promises suspense, mystery and gripping investigation, its makers insist that the series is ultimately about human courage and social realities. "We live in a time when conversations around faith and society have become increasingly significant," says Amlan Majumder. "Devi does not seek to provide definitive answers. Instead, it presents questions and invites audiences to reflect and arrive at their own conclusions." Director Anirban Chakraborty echoes that sentiment. "At its heart, it is a human story about faith, relationships, aspirations and the choices that define us. If the series sparks conversations and creates a deeper connection with its characters, then we will have achieved what we set out to do."
With a compelling mystery, a powerful female protagonist and a richly textured rural backdrop, Devi offers viewers far more than a conventional crime thriller, delivering a story where faith, truth and resilience collide in unexpected ways.