Killbill Society has finally emerged as the unexpected sequel to Hemlock Society after 13 years, adding a darker comedic twist to Bengali cinema. The story revolves around an unusual scenario - a professional killer reluctantly takes on the role of a life coach. This bizarre tale unfolds in Kolkata's neon-lit streets, where death and dark humor intertwine naturally. A social-first influencer's life takes a dramatic turn after a scandal, and their path intersects with a bureaucratic entity representing death itself. This philosophical dark comedy challenges viewers to question the thin line between tragedy and humor, while attempting to match its predecessor's powerful legacy.
Killbill Society Srijit Mukherji: Story, Setup, and Sequel Context
Srijit Mukherji's Killbill Society stands as a spiritual successor to his 2012 cult film Hemlock Society, coming to life after 13 years. The story follows social media influencer-turned-actress Poorna (Koushani Mukherjee). Her life takes a dark turn when an intimate video surfaces online. A brutal public shaming campaign pushes her toward thoughts of suicide. She can't bring herself to end her life, so she hires someone she believes is a contract killer.
The story's basic idea comes from something that happened in real life. Mukherji found out that 19-year-old Angelina Jolie once hired a hitman to end her life. She wanted it to look like a shootout so her family wouldn't suffer. The hitman turned out to be a fan who asked her to sleep on the decision. She ended up changing her mind the next day. This amazing true story gave Mukherji the perfect foundation for his long-awaited sequel.
Parambrata Chattopadhyay returns as Ananda Kar, but with a striking new look. He's no longer the kind guide from Hemlock Society. His character now sports a bald head and shows a colder, sharper edge – going by the name Mrityunjoy Kar. His work has shifted from running an organization teaching painless suicide methods to managing the mysterious Killbill Society, where "the purpose has also changed" from "saving suicide aspirants" to "killing and then raising a bill".
The story weaves an unexpected romance between the client and service provider while tackling deep questions about existence. The film might sound dark, but Mukherji calls it a "romantic satire" that "deals with the issue without being preachy or didactic". The supporting cast shines with Biswanath Basu playing underworld don Petkata Shaw. Mukherji believes Basu gave "a performance of a lifetime".
Killbill Society dives into themes of life, death, lost love, and second chances – just like its predecessor. The film takes a hard look at today's problems of internet infamy and public shaming.
Dark Comedy Done Right? Genre Execution and Style
Mukherji's approach to Killbill Society channels Tarantino's signature genre-bending style and creates a film that defies easy categorization. Similar to Tarantino's Kill Bill, which masterfully blended martial arts, blaxploitation, anime, and spaghetti westerns, Mukherji crafts a cinematic experience that flows between philosophical drama and gallows humor.
The narrative flows "between the poetic and the pedantic," yet sometimes gets lost in its own wordplay. Characters deliver lines "as if auditioning for a Tagore adaptation." The first half shows this self-indulgence clearly as it seems "burdened by one-liners and puns that masquerade as dialog." The film's Tollywood industry references add amusement at times but become tiresome at others.
Indranath Marick's cinematography captures the essence "between the neon-soaked underbelly of Kolkata to the monsoon-heavy melancholy of North Bengal," creating visuals that complement the film's tonal shifts. Biswanath Basu brings the dark comedy elements to life through his character Petkata Shaw, "the dhuti-panjabi clad Bangali gang lord with a fondness for Bengali family films," who proves to be "a riot" and "the comic masterstroke."
The film's humor isn't "laugh-out-loud funny" but resonates as "the kind of laughter that escapes when you realize the punchline was your life all along." This style mirrors Tarantino's knack for finding humor in uncomfortable situations while keeping a moral foundation intact.
The outstanding soundtrack emerges as the film's strongest asset. Indraadip Dasgupta's score shows restraint by "never hijacking the moment but underlining it." Songs by Ranajoy Bhattacharjee, Tamalika Golder, and Anupam Roy provide "a much-needed breather during emotionally intense moments." Critics unanimously praise the music as "the vehicle on which this ship sails."
Cast Performances: Who Stood Out and Why
The cast of Killbill Society takes the movie to new heights with performances that range from eye-opening to delightfully funny, which helps overcome the script's occasional self-indulgence. Koushani Mukherjee stands out as the film's biggest revelation through her portrayal of Poorna with incredible depth and control. Her performance is "layered and lived-in, free from the theatrics one might expect of a starlet character". She skillfully balances glamor and grief while switching between vulnerability, confidence, and inner strength that makes audiences connect with her instantly.
Parambrata Chattopadhyay grabs attention as the transformed Ananda Kar (now Mrityunjoy). His character's rise from the animated figure in Hemlock Society to a more grounded, emotionally complex character turns out "believable and touching". He convincingly pulls off the role of a hired gunman with his bald head and "intellectual middle-class Kolkatan persona" - drawing comparisons to "Saswata Chatterjee's unforgettable Bob Biswas in Kahaani".
Biswanath Basu steals every scene as Petkata Shaw. Critics unanimously praise his portrayal of the "dhuti-panjabi clad Bangali gang lord with a fondness for Bengali family films" as "the comic masterstroke" of the film. Basu brings "lip-smacking relish" to this character and creates a "riot" whenever he appears on screen with his "commendable comic timing".
The supporting cast shines too. Sandipta Sen adds "freshness" as Poorna's older sister Sunayana. Her character's sacrifices for her sister create "a strong plot point in interpersonal dynamics", and their bond feels "fragile yet firm" despite limited scenes together. Tulika Basu leaves her mark as Poorna's "unforgiving mother", earning praise as "excellent" in her brief but powerful role.
The cast gives stellar performances throughout, yet they sometimes struggle against the "bland script". Critics point out that Koushani and Parambrata's efforts "yielded minimal impact" in some scenes.
Final Rating
Tolly Talkies Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Killbill Society is a bold experiment that succeeds despite a few missteps. This spiritual successor charts its own path, different from its predecessor, through sharp performances and darker themes. Koushani Mukherjee lights up the screen as Poorna, while Biswanath Basu's Petkata Shaw captivates viewers with magnetic charm in every scene.
Of course, some dialog feels heavy-handed in the first half. The film's visual poetry and masterful soundtrack create an immersive experience that carries viewers through its more indulgent moments. Parambrata Chattopadhyay's shift from his Hemlock Society character is both jarring and intriguing, which adds depth to this complex narrative.
The sort of thing I love about this unconventional sequel is Mukherji's bold approach to break traditional rules while addressing modern problems like internet shaming and viral infamy. Killbill Society may not be perfect, but it offers a unique cinematic experience that justifies the 13-year wait by skillfully mixing dark humor with genuine emotional depth.
