Bhog Season 1 Webseries Review - Wox Review

📺 Bhog Season 1 WebSeries Review

Series Details

Name: Bhog SEASON 1

Year: 2024

IMDb Rating: 6.0/10

Director: Parambrata Chattopadhyay

Writer: Shantanu Mitra Neogi

Story: Avik Sarkar

Cast: Anirban Bhattacharya ,Parno Mittra, Rajatava Dutta

Genres: Horror thriller

Episodes: 2

Running Time: 25 -50 minutes per episode

Original Language: Bengali

Streaming On: Hoichoi

Review by Wox Review

There are some stories that stay with you long after they end—and for me, Bhog by Avik Sarkar is one of them. I first heard it through Sunday Suspense on Radio Mirchi, and instantly became a fan. The story’s emotional depth, chilling buildup, and spiritual undertones made it a standout in the world of Bengali horror fiction. It was haunting, heartfelt, and memorable. So naturally, when I learned that Parambrata Chattopadhyay was adapting Bhog for the screen, I had mixed feelings. Don’t get me wrong—I admire Parambrata as an actor. His performance in Baishe Srabon left a lasting impression on me during my teenage years. But as a director, his work hasn’t quite clicked with me. I’ve watched two of his previous directorial ventures—Parnashabarir Shaap and Nikosh Chaya—both also based on Sunday Suspense stories. While Nikosh Chaya was a step up from Parnashabarir Shaap, I still found it hard to connect emotionally with the characters on screen. The charm and intensity that made the audio versions so captivating didn’t carry over to the visual medium. Unfortunately, Bhog follows the same pattern. After watching the newly released series, I can say with a heavy heart that my suspicions were not unfounded. The adaptation falls short on several fronts. Despite having a promising cast who genuinely gave it their all, the screenplay fails to deliver. The pacing is slow and drags in places that should have felt intense or suspenseful. The show also lacks basic horror elements—there are hardly any moments that make you feel uneasy or on edge. What’s most disappointing is the treatment of the lore of the ancient idol, which was one of the most intriguing parts of the original story. In the audio version, the idol’s backstory added depth, mystique, and a sense of dread. In the series, that aspect is barely touched upon, leaving a gaping hole in the narrative. In the end, Bhog had all the right ingredients—an iconic story, a devoted fanbase, and a talented cast. But the execution just didn’t do justice to the source material. It’s a classic example of how powerful storytelling can sometimes get lost in translation.

Story and Narrative Style:

At its core, Bhog is a deeply psychological and emotional horror story that explores obsession, belief, and the thin line between devotion and madness. The original story by Avik Sarkar had a compelling arc, a gradual buildup of tension, and a powerful emotional core that made it both eerie and thought-provoking. However, the series adaptation struggles to maintain that same narrative grip. The storytelling feels disjointed, with uneven pacing and underdeveloped character arcs. The transitions between scenes lack fluidity, and the emotional beats that once hit hard in the audio version now feel watered down. The show doesn’t allow enough time for the audience to truly absorb Atin’s descent into obsession, nor does it explore the idol’s mythology with the depth it deserves. As a result, the narrative fails to evoke the psychological horror and emotional tension that made the original story so memorable .

Acting:

If there’s one aspect where Bhog somewhat redeems itself, it’s in the performances of a few key cast members. Anirban Bhattacharya truly shines in the role of Atin, bringing depth, intensity, and vulnerability to a complex character. His portrayal is easily the highlight of the series. Rajatava Dutta also delivers a heartfelt performance as Bhabesh Kaku, the caring guardian whose presence adds emotional warmth to the story. Sudipta Basu does well in her role as Pushpa Di, maintaining a grounded, believable presence. However, Parno Mittra’s performance left me disappointed. While she was convincing in the brief role of Goddess Matangi, her portrayal of Damri—a character that should have carried significant weight in the narrative—felt flat and underwhelming. Unfortunately, the poor VFX further dragged down her performance, especially in the more supernatural sequences. It’s clear that Anirban and a few others tried their best to carry the series, but without strong support from direction, screenplay, or technical departments, their efforts weren’t enough to elevate the show as a whole . .

Cinematography and Production:

Visually, Bhog had the potential to create a rich, eerie atmosphere, but the cinematography feels underwhelming. While there are moments where the use of dim lighting and tight framing builds a sense of unease, these instances are too few and far between. The overall visual tone leans toward muted and moody, which suits the genre, but there's a lack of stylistic boldness or tension-driven camera work. Scenes that should have felt claustrophobic or visually striking often appear flat. In a story where the supernatural plays such a key role, the visuals needed to do more of the heavy lifting to immerse the audience—and unfortunately, they don’t quite deliver. .

Music and Sound:

In any good horror story, background music plays a vital role in building atmosphere and tension. It enhances the emotional experience, heightens suspense, and often cues the audience into what’s coming. A well-crafted score doesn’t just accompany a scene—it deepens it. Unfortunately, Bhog falls flat in this department. The use of background music is minimal and sporadic, with very few scenes actually utilizing it to elevate the mood. As a result, when the supposed frightening moments arrive, they feel disconnected and underwhelming. The absence of a strong, eerie soundscape robs the scenes of their potential impact and makes it harder for viewers to feel the dread or anticipation that horror thrives on. .

Final Thoughts:

If you're a fan of the original Bhog, you might want to manage your expectations. The series might still be worth a watch for its performances, but don’t expect the same emotional or narrative impact as the Sunday Suspense version .

User Rating:

⭐⭐⭐