The eagerly anticipated trailer for Hoichoi Studios’ upcoming movie, The Eken: Benaras e Bibhishika, which is helmed by celebrated director Joydeep Mukherjee, has been released, giving viewers an exciting sneak peek at Eken Babu’s most amazing journey to date. The film, which will be released in theatres on May 16, 2025, is full of vivid images of Benaras, an intriguing mystery, and the splendour of Masaan Holi.

With its stunning aerial sweep of Benaras, the ancient city glistening in golden sunlight, with its bustling ghats, majestic temples, and narrow alleys full of stories, the recently released trailer creates a vivid and exciting canvas. Anirban Chakrabarti’s character, Eken Babu, enters amid the city’s spiritual vitality with his trademark charming mix of curiosity and wit. When an unexpected theft sends him into an exciting investigation, he is invited to experience the grandeur of the Masaan Holi, which is depicted on screen with breathtaking images of burning pyres, clouds of colour, and thrumming drums.

But when Belal Mallik, portrayed by Saswata Chatterjee, who appears in several avatars, menacingly suggests that Masaan Holi is the target, a chilling warning pierces the joyous atmosphere. What will transpire during this age-old and potent celebration? Secrets are about to blow up amid flaming rituals and swirling colours, and Eken Babu has to solve the mystery before the festivities descend into mayhem.

As the mystery grows, Eken Babu is seen with his trusted friends Babi Babu (played by Suhotra Mukhopadhyay) and Pramatha (played by Somak Ghosh), who offer support and occasional comedic relief. The ensemble cast of the movie is also strong. Damini, played by Ishaa Saha, is a character who alternates between being sweet and cunning, and her every move is full of intrigue. Subimal, portrayed by Gaurav Chakrabarty, has motivations that seem to be connected to the main idea of the case. Sagnik Chatterjee as Abdul Qadir, Debesh Chattopadhyay as Bireshwar, Rishav Basu as Samiran, Swikriti Majumdar as Radhika, and Biswanath Basu as Sukhdev all make powerful impressions and allude to several levels of the story in which nobody is quite who they seem.

As fans gathered to greet their favourite detective, the atmosphere was electrifying. The happy presence of young children, whose enthusiasm and love for Eken Babu gave the event an additional dimension of warmth and joy, was what made the evening memorable. The young admirers brought Eken Babu hand-drawn posters and sang songs for him.

“Every Eken Babu story is close to my heart, but this one feels special, because Benaras itself becomes part of the mystery. We have attempted to depict the magic that exists in those alleys on screen. With all of the children showing their love for Eken Babu, the trailer launch was extra special,” said Anirban Chakrabarti.

“Damini is a fascinating character. She is emotional yet strong, and the setting of Benaras amplifies her mystery. I’m eager for the public to learn her secrets,” said Ishaa.

“Benaras is not merely a background; it is a living, breathing entity that influences every move of the characters. A classic Eken Babu mystery is explored with a new twist through the ancient rituals, the hidden greed of men, and the explosion of colours in Masaan Holi,” said the director.

Prepare to accompany Eken Babu on his most ambitious and colourful case to date.

Priyanka Dutta