Indian television, known for its memorable sleuths during its heyday, has seen a revolution with the advent of streaming platforms. These modern shows, while prolific, often lack the quirky charm and meticulous world-building that characterized earlier detective series. However, a standout in recent times is Vishal Bhardwaj’s “Charlie Chopra & The Mystery Of Solang Valley,” an endearing series starring Wamiqa Gabbi. Now, seasoned actor Kay Kay Menon, under the direction of Srijit Mukherji, steps up to embody a beloved classic figure with a unique twist.
Kay Kay Menon takes on the role of a Bengali Sherlock Holmes in Mukherji’s new series, “Shekhar Home,” which is available for streaming on JioCinema. Set in a fictional sleepy town called Lonpur during the early 1990s, the show adapts Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective stories, infusing them with a distinct Bengali essence. Exemplifying this transformation, Shekhar Home, with a dapper drawl and wit, tells a suspect, “Ei to jibon, Kali da (Such is life, Kali brother),” in the opening episode. Even the local cafe is whimsically named ‘Khasha Blanca,’ melding cultural references with local flavor.
“Home is a bona fide surname in Bengal,” asserts Kay Kay Menon, emphasizing the series’ grounding in Indian culture. The storyline’s nostalgic setting, devoid of modern technological conveniences like computers, makes detective work more intricate and hands-on. Kay Kay elucidates that the town’s lazy demeanor and old-world charm echo the days of “Malgudi Days,” transporting viewers back to a simpler, yet intensely intriguing, era.
In preparing for this role, Menon elected to draw inspiration from Jeremy Brett’s iconic portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on British television, although he resolved to internalize and personalize the character genuinely. “I play the person, not the profession,” Menon explains, focusing more on Shekhar’s psychological makeup than the mechanical aspects of detective work. This approach aligns with Menon’s philosophy of connecting with the human elements of a character rather than just their professional identity.
An avid reader in his youth, Menon fondly recalls devouring the works of Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, The Hardy Boys, and Enid Blyton’s “The Famous Five.” These early literary adventures honed his power of visualization, an ability that continues to inform his acting process. Even while on the set of “Shekhar Home,” Menon often found himself juxtaposing his mental imagery of scenes with their actual filmed versions, reflecting this deep-seated practice of vivid narrative visualization.
Previously describing himself as an ‘impressionist’ actor, Kay Kay now also identifies as a ‘simulator,’ akin to advanced flight simulators designed to replicate life-like experiences.
. “In modern flight simulators, the experience of flying a plane is so believable that crash modes have been removed to prevent heart attacks. My job as an actor is similar,” Kay Kay elaborates. “My simulation of a character must be life-like.”
Menon has always respected the intelligence of his audience. Rather than overtly directing emotions, he prefers subtle cues and gestures, trusting viewers’ perceptiveness. This belief in audience intelligence has remained steadfast over his three-decade career. Reflecting on a moment from the film “Sarkar” (2005), Kay Kay recounts how a fan was profoundly impacted by a scene showcasing his character’s predatory gaze, underscoring the power of understated yet potent acting.
While Kay Kay Menon’s prowess has been well-regarded in Bollywood, he’s currently thriving in the streaming world. His recent projects include “The Great Indian Dysfunctional Family,” the acclaimed “Farzi,” two seasons of “Special Ops,” the crime saga “Bambai Meri Jaan,” and the survival drama “The Railway Men.” He even has a ‘glorified cameo’ in the anticipated series “Citadel: Honey Bunny,” alongside Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and another series, “Murshid,” releasing soon.
Despite his growing digital presence, Menon remains pragmatic about social media, using it mainly for promotional activities. With 407k followers on Instagram, his posts remain professional and focused on his work, though he acknowledges the creative effort behind compelling content like one-minute reels, a skill he admits he does not possess.
Menon’s last theatrical release was the sports drama “Love All” (2023). Reflecting on his career, Menon observes that smaller, content-driven cinema has often seemed poised to mainstream success but ultimately remains a niche in the face of blockbuster demand. “Blockbusters are the game in India,” he notes. “Audiences want the buffet, not just one nutritious meal.”
In conclusion, “Shekhar Home,” streaming on JioCinema, represents Menon’s latest venture, blending classic detective tales with Bengali nuances, showcasing his nuanced acting and a commitment to intelligent storytelling in an increasingly digital world.
