Eken Babu Returns! hoichoi Studios Announces 'The Eken: Kerala-e Kurukshetra' for Durga Puja 2026

Kolkata: In a grand and highly theatrical event, hoichoi Studios has officially announced the next cinematic chapter of Bengal’s most unconventional and beloved detective, Eken Babu. The upcoming film, titled The Eken: Kerala-e Kurukshetra, promises to bring a perfect blend of mystery, culture, humor, and high-stakes adventure to the big screen. Scheduled for a Durga Puja 2026 release, the announcement has already created a massive wave of excitement among cinephiles and franchise loyalists.

The grand reveal event itself was a masterclass in suspense and showmanship, perfectly mirroring the spirit of the franchise. Instead of a traditional press conference, the makers opted for an immersive, performance-driven launch that brought together the flavors of Bengal and Kerala.

A Dramatic and Cultural Mask Reveal

The highlight of the evening was a unique, mystery-themed cast introduction. Members of the star-studded ensemble walked onto the stage wearing specially crafted face masks inspired by Kerala’s rich classical art forms and cultural heritage, such as Kathakali.

As the music built up tension and the audience waited with bated breath, the actors removed their masks one by one. This dramatic unmasking formally introduced the star cast, giving the media and fans their very first glimpse into the vibrant yet mysterious world of The Eken: Kerala-e Kurukshetra.

An Ensemble Cast: Familiar Faces and Exciting New Additions

The film, produced by hoichoi Studios, will see the powerhouse performer Anirban Chakrabarti reprise his iconic role as the quirky, food-loving, yet sharp-witted Lalmohan Ganguly-esque detective, Eken Babu.

No Eken Babu adventure is complete without his trusted sidekicks. Franchise regulars Suhotra Mukhopadhyay (playing Bapi) and Somak Ghosh (playing Pramatha) are back to support Eken Babu in his chaotic journey.

However, what makes Kerala-e Kurukshetra the grandest Eken film to date is its incredible ensemble cast. Joining the Eken universe for the first time are some of the finest talents of Bengali cinema:

Ritwick Chakraborty

Raima Sen

Kamaleswar Mukherjee

Ambarish Bhattacharya

Arna Mukhopadhyay

Subrat Dutta

The launch event was graced by most of these prominent cast members alongside the director, all of whom shared their excitement about bringing this massive project to life.

The Plot: A High-Stakes Investigation in God's Own Country

Directed by Joydeep Mukherjee, the film’s narrative is based on a story by the late Sujan Dasgupta (the creator of Eken Babu) and has been adapted for the screen by acclaimed writer Padmanabha Dasgupta.

This time, the quirky detective steps out of his comfort zone and travels to the lush, visually stunning landscape of Kerala. But it is not a relaxing holiday for the trio. The tranquil backwaters and dense greenery of South India will serve as the backdrop for a dangerous, high-stakes investigation. According to the makers, the story seamlessly weaves together:

Suspense & Mystery: A deep conspiracy that Eken Babu must untangle.

Action & Adventure: Higher stakes, bigger threats, and faster pacing than previous installments.

Humor & Warmth: The trademark witty banter and comic timing that fans adore.

What the Team Has to Say

Speaking at the grand launch, lead actor Anirban Chakrabarti expressed his deep gratitude to the audience for making Eken Babu a household name.

"The love that audiences have shown Eken Babu over the years has been truly special. Every film has allowed us to explore a new dimension of the character, but this story is bigger, more adventurous, and more ambitious than ever before. I am excited for audiences to join Eken on this journey and discover a completely new world with him."

Director Joydeep Mukherjee emphasized that while the scale of the franchise is expanding, the core essence of Eken Babu remains untouched.

"We wanted the reveal event itself to reflect the spirit of the film-mysterious, engaging, and entertaining. Kerala plays a very important role in the narrative, and today's unveiling was our way of offering audiences a first glimpse into that world. While the film retains the humor and warmth associated with Eken Babu, it also expands the scale of the franchise significantly."

Production Timeline and Release

Fans will not have to wait too long for updates, as the film is scheduled to go on floors in August 2026. The production team has planned an extensive shooting schedule across various breathtaking and remote locations in Kerala to capture its true essence.

As hidden clues emerge, political or historical conspiracies deepen, and danger closes in on our favorite trio, The Eken: Kerala-e Kurukshetra is shaping up to be a cinematic treat.

With hoichoi Studios backing the project and a stellar cast leading the way, this film is set to be one of the biggest blockbusters of Durga Puja 2026. Get ready for a thrilling, laugh-out-loud ride into the heart of Kerala with Eken Babu!