DETECTIVE BYOMKESH BAKSHY! (***1/2)

(2015) In war-torn Calcutta circa 1943, a young college student sets out to find young detective Byomkesh Bakshy (Sushant Singh Rajput), giving him his first case when the student asks Byomkesh to help find his missing father, a renowned chemist.  Immediately Byomkesh shows himself highly adept at finding clues to the man's disappearance, but in doing so is pulled into a much bigger conspiracy that - if not solved - may endanger his very country, if not the world, and change the course of WWII.  A very complex plot makes the film easy to become absorbed by, long as you're paying attention and don't lose the thread of what's going on, and as the great detective's net expands to include a smuggling operation, betrayal and peeling back the layers of those who may not be what they seem, it's easy to ride along with the very likable Byomkesh to the very end ... which, for me, was a bit over-the-top but still full of suspense that never lets up.  The setting, characters, action sequences - all are top-notch, and kept me fully entranced in this entertaining mystery thriller that I hope will lead to a sequel or series, thanks to the engaging Bakshy.  (not rated)

DETECTIVE BYOMKESH BAKSHY! trailer