Eken Babu Arrives on Sony SAB: Iconic Detective Shows That Changed Hindi TV Forever

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 -

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

FAQs

What is Eken Babu on Sony SAB about?

Eken Babu (Hindi version) follows quirky detective Ekendra Sen (“Eken Babu”) who cracks unusual mysteries with humour and wit—now dubbed for the Hindi audience and set to air on Sony SAB.

When will the Hindi version of Eken Babu premiere on Sony SAB?

Sony SAB announced in early November 2025 that the Hindi-dubbed version of Eken Babu will soon reach national viewers; exact date is to be revealed.

Who plays the detective in the Hindi version of Eken Babu?

The original Bengali actor Anirban Chakrabarti reprises the titular role for the Hindi version too, playing Ekendra “Eken Babu” Sen.

What makes Eken Babu different from typical crime-shows?

Eken Babu mixes murder mysteries with comedic flair, showing an everyday gentleman detective solving unusual cases—less dark brooding, more clever charm.

Will Eken Babu on Sony SAB be entirely dubbed or re-shot?

The format is a Hindi-dubbed version of the successful Bengali franchise—not a full re-shoot—bringing existing seasons and films to the wider Hindi-speaking audience.

How many seasons has the original Eken Babu completed?

The original web series has completed eight seasons plus multiple feature-films by 2025, which form the source material for the Hindi version.

Why is Sony SAB launching Eken Babu now?

Sony SAB aims to diversify its programming with detective comedy, tapping into the popular Bengali franchise to reach audiences beyond the usual family-drama format.

What kind of cases does Eken Babu typically handle?

Cases range from curious murders and hidden treasures to forest-mysteries and conspiracy angles—always sprinkled with food, quirks, and the detective’s unconventional approach.

Where can viewers watch the original Eken Babu web-series?

The original Bengali series is available on streaming platforms such as Hoichoi and others; the Hindi version will be telecast on Sony SAB.

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