Rebel sleuth

 

Detective Jagyaseni Chatterjee is all set to return to expose a maze of secrets in Lady Chatterjee Season 2. The official trailer of the Bengali detective thriller series offers a glimpse into a gripping new investigation, bringing back the unconventional protagonist who has little regard for rules, regulations or playing by the book.

Directed and written by Sagnik Chatterjee, the second season raises the stakes as a metropolis finds itself gripped by fear following a chilling series of unexplained serial killings. Enter Jagyaseni ‘Lady’ Chatterjee, a freelance undercover agent played by Anurima Ghosh, who is drawn into an increasingly complicated investigation. What begins as a search for answers soon takes her through a maze of dark secrets, unexpected twists and unpredictable situations, where danger seems to be lurking around every corner.

(From left) Anurima Ghosh, Aliviaa Sarkar and Director Sagnik Chatterjee

Staying true to the spirit of its protagonist, the trailer establishes that Lady Chatterjee is certainly not your conventional investigator. The tagline describes her as someone who has an allergy to courtrooms and laws and knows neither mercy nor grief. And if the visuals are anything to go by, Jagyaseni continues to operate entirely on her own terms. Unafraid of breaking the rules and taking reckless decisions, she is not particularly interested in upholding societal ideals or delivering justice for the greater good. Instead, her motivations are far more personal, as she takes up assignments to fund her addictions.

. . . . . 

The trailer also hints at several parallel conflicts that add further layers to the narrative. Alongside the serial killings and the suspense surrounding the investigation, viewers get glimpses of intense family confrontations over property disputes. These moments suggest that the mystery extends beyond the crimes themselves, with personal rivalries, hidden motives and complicated relationships potentially playing a significant role in the unfolding drama.

There is also a deeper exploration of Jagyaseni’s complex psyche. Her eccentricities, unpredictable behaviour and unconventional approach to investigations make her an intriguing central character. She is not presented as a straightforward hero but as a flawed individual whose questionable methods are as fascinating as the mysteries she takes on. The dramatic montages and tense sequences in the trailer promise a season packed with suspense, action and psychological intrigue.

Arunima Ghosh returns as Jagyaseni Chatterjee, reprising the character at the centre of this intriguing detective thriller. The cast also features Debasish Mondal, Rohaan Bhattacharjee and Alivia Sarkar in pivotal roles. “Jagyaseni Chatterjee has a very distinct personality, her own way of looking at things and a rather unconventional approach to life. While portraying her, I have to constantly remind myself that I am playing a character who is quite different from who I am in real life. Season 2 takes things a notch higher, with more action, thrill and suspense. The narrative is much faster-paced this time, and audiences can expect plenty of unexpected twists, intense moments and exciting developments. It has been an interesting experience stepping back into her world,” said Arunima.

With Sagnik Chatterjee handling both writing and direction, Lady Chatterjee Season 2 promises another entertaining ride into the mind of a detective who refuses to follow the conventional rulebook. “I wanted to create a protagonist who is just like us – a human being with faults, vices and problems of her own. Lady Chatterjee has her own flaws, and I wanted to explore that grey zone rather than portray an idealised character. That worked well in Season 1, and I hope it continues in Season 2. This time, the narrative is faster-paced and more commercial. Unlike the slow-burn storytelling of the previous season, the new season is more action-oriented and packed with exciting moments,” said Sagnik.

BJP’s Sudhanshu Trivedi takes dig at Sonia Gandhi: “Gave up PM post, became Super PM

 

Sonia Gandhi may have declined the Prime Minister's post after the Congress-led alliance won the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, but she continued to wield influence over the government as chairperson of the National Advisory Council (NAC), BJP MP and spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi alleged on Wednesday. He described her as a “Super PM”, questioning how she could give up the top constitutional office while holding a Cabinet Minister-ranked position in the advisory body during the UPA government.

Addressing a press conference, Trivedi argued that Gandhi's decision to nominate Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister did not mean she had stepped away from the government's power structure. He alleged that her position as NAC chairperson gave her considerable influence despite not being part of the Cabinet.

Trivedi also questioned the circumstances surrounding her appointment, pointing out that the NAC chairperson's position carried Cabinet Minister rank and raising the issue of the Office of Profit provisions.

He argued that the arrangement was unusual because Gandhi had relinquished the Prime Minister's post but continued to occupy a position with Cabinet-level status. Referring to the UPA years, he also questioned the influence exercised by what he described as the “Super PM” and “Super Cabinet”.

Also Read: NSUI's Anas Khan suspended after allegedly offering money to female freshers for Diljit Dosanjh concert trip

Why BJP's Sudhanshu Trivedi called Sonia Gandhi a 'Super PM'

Trivedi's criticism centred on Gandhi's role as NAC chairperson after the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) came to power in 2004.

Gandhi had declined to become Prime Minister and instead nominated Manmohan Singh to lead the government. However, she subsequently headed the National Advisory Council, an advisory body associated with the UPA government.

Trivedi alleged that the Cabinet Minister rank attached to the NAC chairperson's position allowed Gandhi to retain considerable influence over the government despite not holding the Prime Minister's office. He questioned the propriety of the arrangement and its relationship with the Office of Profit provisions.

His remarks were part of a wider BJP criticism of Gandhi's account of the 2004 decision in her newly released memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love.

Also Read: Emergency brakes applied but train not stopping: Video shot by Kolkata-Sairang express driver shot moments before it derails

What Sonia Gandhi wrote about turning down the Prime Minister's post in 2004

. . . . . . . . . . . 

In her memoir, released on Tuesday, Gandhi revisits the events following the Congress-led alliance's victory in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections and explains why she chose not to become Prime Minister.

She writes that she had already discussed the possibility with her children, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, before the election results. Both opposed her taking the position because of the trauma the family had experienced following the assassinations of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

Gandhi recalls that senior alliance leaders later urged her to accept the post. Although she initially indicated that she might agree, she reconsidered after reflecting on the decision and told Rahul that she would stay with her original choice.

She subsequently informed Parliament that she would follow her inner voice and named Manmohan Singh as the Congress Parliamentary Party leader, clearing the way for him to become Prime Minister.

Trivedi's remarks have brought renewed attention to the distinction between Gandhi's decision not to occupy the Prime Minister's office and her subsequent role in the UPA-era advisory structure.

IND vs NZ: Rachin Ravindra returns as New Zealand announce squad for two-match Test series against India

 

Batting all-rounder Rachin Ravindra was on Wednesday named in New Zealand’s 14-member squad for the two-match Test series against India that will get underway from 19 November. Ravindra has not played competitive cricket since August, when he turned up for Welsh Fire in The Hundred.

He injured his right shoulder during a promotional video shoot with broadcaster Sky in Auckland in September and eventually missed both the T20I series and the ongoing ODI series against India.

Devon Conway, who sustained a concussion after colliding with Matt Henry during training, also returns to the squad after having missed the ODI series.

Tom Blundell, meanwhile, is also targeting a return after being sidelined by a quadriceps problem. The wicketkeeper-batter has 48 Test appearances for New Zealand and could reach the milestone of 50 caps during the series if he features in both matches.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Jacob Duffy returns to the squad

New Zealand have also recalled fast bowler Jacob Duffy, who missed the team's tour of England earlier this year. Duffy's inclusion adds another pace option to the squad led by Tom Latham.

The Black Caps have left out Ben Sears, Zak Foulkes and Will O'Rourke, who are unavailable because of their respective fitness and rehabilitation programmes.

The first Test will be played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington from 19 to 23 November, while the second match is scheduled at Hagley Oval in Christchurch from 27 November to 2 December.

The series will be New Zealand's first Test assignment against India since their historic 3-0 victory on Indian soil in 2024. Both teams will also be competing for valuable points in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

While New Zealand currently lead the nine-team WTC standings with a points percentage (PCT) of 72.22, India are in fourth place with a PCT of 51.52.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said that he was looking forward to an exciting Test summer ahead. The Kiwis are scheduled to face Australia in a four-match Test series in Australia after the conclusion of the India series.

“This series marks the start of an exciting summer of Test cricket for the BLACKCAPS,” he said via an official statement. “The squad is largely consistent with the team that competed in England earlier this year, so it’ll be great to be back together to try and recreate some of that success on home soil.

“We’ve experienced great crowds so far during the white-ball series, and we’re really looking forward to having that support during the Tests," he added.