MUMBAI: From the carrot-crunching sleuths of the ‘80s to the sharp, emotionally layered detectives of modern-day dramas, Indian television has produced some unforgettable crime solvers over the decades. Each decade redefined how mysteries were told on screen. And now, carrying this legacy forward, the leading Hindi GEC Sony SAB, is set to bring audiences a fresh twist in the genre with its upcoming detective comedy Eken Babu. The show spotlights a quirky, razor-sharp Bengali sleuth, Eken, whose unassuming personality hides a brilliant mind. With the original Bengali series having made waves in Bengal, fans await the dubbed Hindi television debut on Sony SAB and here’s a look back at five iconic detective shows that set the benchmark for investigative storytelling in India -
1. Karamchand (1985)
Before slick, tech-savvy investigators took over our screens, there was Karamchand, India’s first cult detective show. Premiering in 1985, the show introduced viewers to Pankaj Kapur’s unforgettable portrayal of the sharp yet eccentric detective who always had a carrot in hand and a clue up his sleeve. With his loyal but clueless assistant Kitty (Sushmita Mukherjee) by his side, Karamchand’s clever one-liners and comic timing turned routine investigations into engaging puzzles. The show not only popularised the detective genre on Indian TV but also introduced Indian audiences to witty, quirky detective storytelling that stood apart from the usual crime drama format.
2. Byomkesh Bakshi (1993)
No list of Indian detective shows is complete without Byomkesh Bakshi. Portrayed brilliantly by Rajit Kapur, this 90s classic brought Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay’s literary detective to life with remarkable intelligence and subtlety. The show’s setting, storytelling, sharp dialogue, and old-world Kolkata charm made it a cult favorite that still enjoys a dedicated following.
3. CID (1998)
Long before “binge-watching” became a trend, CID had India glued to their TV screens. A cult favourite that has been running for over two decades, CID gave us iconic characters like ACP Pradyuman, Daya, and Abhijeet and countless catchphrases (Daya, darwaza tod do!) that became part of pop culture. With its blend of suspense, larger-than-life investigations, CID shaped an entire generation’s fascination with crime-solving and teamwork and became one of Indian TV’s most-loved detective franchises.
4. Special Squad (2004)
Before today’s sleek crime shows became the norm, Special Squad introduced viewers to a stylish, modern investigative team led by Aryan Khanna (Bhanu Uday). It brought a realistic, emotionally complex edge to Indian detective storytelling, blending forensics, intelligence, and psychology in ways rarely seen on TV back then. The show’s narrative depth and visual tone gave Indian crime dramas a new language.
5. Eken Babu (launching this November)
Carrying the baton forward is Eken Babu, soon to debut on Sony SAB, the channel known for its light-hearted, family-friendly storytelling. After eight successful web seasons and three hit films in Bengali, the unconventional detective is all set to charm Hindi audiences across India. Eken Babu follows Ekendra Sen (played by celebrated Bengali actor Anirban Chakrabarti), a quirky, food-loving, and sharp-witted detective whose simple nature hides a razor-sharp mind. His peculiar habits, and delightful humour make him a refreshing departure from the brooding detectives we’re used to. With its clever mysteries wrapped in warmth and wit, Eken Babu promises to bring a new dimension to the detective genre proving that you don’t need to wear a trench coat to crack the toughest cases.
As the genre continues to evolve, Eken Babu on Sony SAB promises to bring a refreshing dose of intellect, and humour to Hindi television’s detective universe, a reminder that even in a world full of clues, it’s the quirkiest minds that often find the truth first.
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