Darlings

Darlings, a dark comedy-drama, is a film that explores the complexities of love, relationships, and personal growth. Directed by Jasmeet K. Reen and released on August 5, 2022, the film stars Alia Bhatt, Shefali Shah, and Vijay Varma in pivotal roles. Set against the backdrop of a chaotic yet heartwarming tale, Darlings offers a mix of humor, emotions, and gripping storytelling. The film’s nuanced approach to serious issues, such as domestic abuse, is complemented by a touch of satire and drama. It’s a movie that blends entertainment with a deeper message, making it both thought-provoking and engaging. Let’s dive deeper into the story and its various aspects.

Plot Summary

Darlings follows the lives of two women, Badru (Alia Bhatt) and her mother, Shamshun (Shefali Shah), who are navigating the challenges of life in a tough urban neighborhood. Badru is married to Hamza (Vijay Varma), a man with a violent temper. As the story unfolds, we witness the difficult choices Badru faces in the face of domestic abuse. The plot takes a dark turn when Badru and Shamshun decide to take matters into their own hands, leading to a series of dramatic and darkly comic events. The film takes us on a journey of empowerment, love, and revenge, all while exploring the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The bond between mother and daughter stands at the core of the story, with themes of resilience and survival running throughout.

What’s Good?

There are several aspects of Darlings that make it a standout film. First and foremost, the acting is exceptional. Alia Bhatt, known for her versatility, delivers a performance that’s both tender and fierce. She portrays Badru’s vulnerability and strength with such nuance that it’s hard to look away. Shefali Shah, as her mother Shamshun, complements Bhatt’s performance perfectly. Shah brings depth to her character, making her a powerful presence on screen. The chemistry between the two is undeniable, and their bond forms the emotional backbone of the film.

The direction by Jasmeet K. Reen deserves special mention. Reen navigates the delicate balance between humor and seriousness, making sure the film never feels too heavy or too light. The pacing is just right, allowing the audience to connect with the characters and their struggles while also keeping the tension high. The screenplay is sharp, with witty dialogues that add a touch of humor to the otherwise intense storyline.

The music and cinematography are also worth noting. The background score enhances the mood of the film, while the cinematography captures the gritty, raw atmosphere of the neighborhood. The film’s visual style helps immerse the audience in the world of Badru and Shamshun, making their journey feel real and relatable. The use of colors, framing, and lighting all contribute to the film’s overall tone, drawing the audience into its emotional depth.

Strengths and Weaknesses

One of the key strengths of Darlings is its ability to mix dark humor with a serious social message. The film deals with sensitive topics like domestic violence, but it does so with a touch of wit and satire that keeps it from becoming too preachy or depressing. The performances of Alia Bhatt and Shefali Shah are undoubtedly the highlight of the film. Both actresses bring their characters to life in a way that makes them feel authentic and multi-dimensional.

Another strength is the film’s exploration of the mother-daughter relationship. This is a rare but powerful dynamic that often gets overshadowed by romantic relationships in cinema. The way the film portrays the bond between Badru and Shamshun adds a layer of emotional depth to the story, making it more than just a tale of revenge.

However, Darlings is not without its flaws. Some may find the film’s pacing a bit uneven, especially in the middle portion, where the narrative seems to slow down. The humor, while generally effective, may not resonate with everyone, particularly those who prefer more conventional storytelling. The film’s dark themes, such as abuse and revenge, might also be too heavy for some viewers, despite the comic undertones.

Target Audience

Darlings is a film that will appeal to a wide range of audiences. Fans of dark comedies, character-driven stories, and those who appreciate nuanced performances will find much to enjoy here. It’s also a good pick for viewers who are interested in films that address social issues in a more unconventional manner. However, given its mature themes, the film is not suitable for younger audiences. Those who enjoy films that blend humor with serious undertones, such as Kahaani or Tumhari Sulu, will likely appreciate Darlings.

Box Office Details

Darlings had a modest budget of around ₹30 crore (INR), which is relatively low for a film of its genre. Despite being released on a streaming platform (Netflix), the movie performed well in terms of viewership and reception. While it didn’t have a traditional box office release, its success can be gauged by the global interest it generated on streaming platforms.

The film’s earnings are not available in the traditional box office format since it was released directly on Netflix. However, reports indicate that the movie was among the top-watched films on the platform for several weeks after its release. The strong performances, engaging storyline, and critical acclaim contributed to its popularity, making it a significant success for a direct-to-streaming release.

For the first few days after release, Darlings saw a positive response from audiences, with social media buzzing about the performances and the film’s unique approach. Though it didn’t have the same kind of box office numbers as a theatrical release, it certainly garnered a strong fan base and helped elevate the profile of its cast and crew.

Recommendation

In conclusion, Darlings is a unique and compelling film that strikes a balance between dark humor and serious social commentary. With powerful performances, a gripping story, and a fresh perspective on domestic abuse, it’s a movie worth watching. I would recommend it to those who enjoy films that mix humor with deeper messages.

Genres:

Comedy, Crime, Thriller

Rating:

6.9/10

Cast:

Actor	Character
Alia Bhatt	Badrunissa Shaikh
Shefali Shah	Shamshunissa Ansari
Vijay Varma	Hamza Shaikh
Roshan Mathew	Zulfi
Rajesh Sharma	Kasim Kasai
Vijay Maurya	Inspector Rajaram Tawde
Kiran Karmarkar	Nagraj Rao Damle
Santosh Juvekar	Janardan Jadhav
Puja Sarup	Noor
Ajit Kelkar	Raman Kaka
Sachin Kathuria	Builder
Divya Vinekar	Female Constable

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