Indian television has historically provided us with numerous unforgettable detectives. These characters, from their carrot-chomping charm to their brilliant analytical minds, have set a high benchmark. In contrast, recent streaming shows, despite being touted as innovative playgrounds for unique storytelling and world-building, haven’t always hit the mark. An exception to this is Vishal Bhardwaj’s “Charlie Chopra & The Mystery Of Solang Valley,” which stands out with its elementary yet captivating narrative. Featuring Wamiqa Gabbi as a comedic and outspoken Emily Trefusis, the series managed to carve a niche. Now, Kay Kay Menon, teaming up again with his Ray director Srijit Mukherji, is taking on a beloved detective figure with a fresh twist.
In Mukherji’s new series, “Shekhar Home,” Kay Kay Menon takes on the role of a Bengali Sherlock Holmes. The series, which streams on JioCinema, is set in the 1990s in a tranquil, fictional town called Lonpur. This reimagined version of Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary stories is given a distinctive Bengali flavor. In the opening episode, Shekhar remarks to a suspect, “Ei to jibon, Kali da (such is life, Kali brother),” embodying a quintessential Bengali drawl. The show even features a cafe humorously named ‘Khasha Blanca.’
“Home is a bona fide surname in Bengal,” asserts Kay Kay Menon. “Our show is distinctly Indian. Set in the early 1990s, the narrative unfolds in an era without computers or modern gadgets, making detective work more intriguing and physically engaging. The town itself is laid-back, reminiscent of the ambiance of ‘Malgudi Days.'”
Kay Kay Menon, who appreciates Jeremy Brett’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on British television, dons a deerstalker on the promotional poster for the series. However, his acting approach diverges as he aims to capture the essence of the character from the inside out, rather than merely replicating professional quirks.
“I focus on playing the person, not the profession,” Kay Kay explains. “I am not concerned with how quickly Shekhar can use a prop. The intricacies of a job might elude me, but understanding a person is within reach. Acting is a psychological process, an exploration of humanity.”
As a child, Kay Kay was an avid reader of Conan Doyle’s works, along with Agatha Christie, The Hardy Boys, and Enid Blyton’s Famous Five. This early exposure ignited a vivid imagination and inquisitiveness that persists to this day. “When I read a script, I visualize scenes in great detail. Even long after shooting a scene, the image in my mind from reading the script is what lingers,” Kay Kay notes. This tendency was prevalent during the filming of “Shekhar Home.” “The production team would refer to scenes we shot at a market, but my mind would be envisioning something else entirely.
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Kay Kay describes his acting style as ‘impressionist,’ a term borrowed from painting, and supplements it with the term ‘simulator.’
“In modern flight simulators, the flying experience is so realistic that crash mode has been removed due to instances of heart attacks. Similarly, as an actor, my portrayal of a character must be convincingly life-like,” Kay Kay elaborates.
Known for his nuanced performances, Kay Kay Menon respects the intelligence of his audience, especially in Hindi cinema, often opting for subtlety where others might resort to exaggeration. This respect for the viewers’ intellect has been a constant throughout his three-decade acting career. A scene from “Sarkar” (2005), where his character, film financier Vishnu, gazes at a starlet, left a lasting impression on a fan, demonstrating Kay Kay’s impactful, understated approach.
“I firmly believe that audiences are intelligent. They may not be intellectual, but they are undoubtedly smart,” Kay Kay says. “Navigating life’s various circumstances takes considerable intelligence. If they can manage that, understanding a film is a small feat.”
Kay Kay is enjoying a prolific period on streaming platforms. His recent roles include appearances in “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 also has a prominent cameo in the upcoming series “Citadel: Honey Bunny,” featuring Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Another series, “Murshid,” is set for release later this month.
More frequently engaged in the press, Menon recently completed an interview with a ‘youth platform’ before speaking with us. His Instagram, boasting 407k followers and 477 posts, is filled with work announcements, collaborations, and festival greetings, maintaining a professional yet somewhat detached presence.
“Social media is ingrained in our lives today,” Kay Kay acknowledges. “I primarily use it to promote my projects. I have no issue with any technology. Creating a one-minute reel requires immense creativity and skill, which I admire but do not possess.”
Kay Kay’s last theatrical release was the sports drama “Love All” (2023). Once a leading star alongside actors like Irrfan Khan and Manoj Bajpayee in alternate cinema, he notes that this niche space has now largely migrated to streaming platforms.
“Throughout my career, there have been phases where content-driven cinema seemed poised to become mainstream, but it never quite happens,” Kay Kay laughs. He attributes this to the Indian audience’s preference for grand, larger-than-life entertainment. “Blockbusters are what this market thrives on. Audiences prefer a buffet over a single nutritious meal.”
“Shekhar Home” is currently streaming on JioCinema, adding a fresh chapter to Indian cinema and the beloved legacy of Sherlock Holmes.
