| Author | Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay |
|---|---|
| Original title | কোহেন কবি কালিদাস |
| Translator | Rajat Chaudhuri (English) |
| Language | Bengali |
| Series | Byomkesh Bakshi |
| Genre | Detective,crime,mystery |
| Publisher | P.C. Sorkar and Sons |
Publication date | 1961 |
| Publication place | India |
| Media type | Print (hardback &paperback) |
| Preceded by | Achin Pakhi |
| Followed by | Adrishyo Trikon |
Kohen Kobi Kalidas (Bengali:কোহেন কবি কালিদাস), translated as "Thus Spoke Kalidasa", is a 1961 Bengali detective novella bySharadindu Bandyopadhyay.[1] It is part of the famousByomkesh Bakshi series and follows the exploits of the detective Byomkesh Bakshi, who, along with his friend and chroniclerAjit Bandyopadhyay, solves mysteries in Kolkata and beyond. The story is notable for its setting in a coal-mining town and its exploration of crime, mystery, and complex human emotions.[1]
Byomkesh Bakshi and Ajit Bandyopadhyay are invited by Manish Chakraborty, the owner of a coal mine, to investigate a series of mysterious accidents and disturbances in his mine.[2] To maintain secrecy, Byomkesh assumes the alias "Gaganbabu," and Ajit becomes "Sujitbabu." They soon discover that the coal mine disturbances are tied to a much deeper and more dangerous plot involving murder and deception.
Phanish Chakraborty, Manish's son, confides in Byomkesh about his involvement in a gambling ring at the Coal Club, which eventually leads to a murder investigation involving a wealthy moneylender, Pranhari Poddar. As Byomkesh unravels the complex web of lies and deception, he discovers that the real culprit is closer than expected.
Kohen Kobi Kalidas was first published in 1961 by P.C. Sorkar and Sons. It has since been included in various collections of Byomkesh Bakshi stories, most notably in the comprehensiveByomkesh Samagra by Ananda Publishers.[1] The story has also been made available in digital format on platforms like Bengali Book.[3]
An English translation titledThus Spoke Kalidasa was published as an e-book in 2020, translated by Rajat Chaudhuri.[4] This translation has made the story accessible to a wider audience unfamiliar with Bengali.
A version by Humayun Ahmed is also available, though it is unclear if this is a translation or an adaptation.[5]
This story was adapted as an episode in theByomkesh Bakshi (1993–1997) television series, starringRajit Kapur as Byomkesh Bakshi. It aired onDoordarshan and was part of the popular series directed byBasu Chatterjee.[6]
Another TV adaptation appeared in theByomkesh (2014) series onETV Bangla, where the story was re-enacted.[citation needed]
The 2015 Bengali filmByomkesh Bakshi, directed byAnjan Dutt, is based on the storyKohen Kobi Kalidas. This was the fourth installment in Dutt's Byomkesh Bakshi series, starringJisshu Sengupta as Byomkesh, replacingAbir Chatterjee from the previous films. The film was released on 10 April 2015 and received critical acclaim.
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