After longtime finding good dark comedy in Hindi without remakes is good reason to pickup this movie, as it holds a satisfying climax. The struggle to hold on to abusive relationship is so well crafted in the story and flushed awesomely by Alia. And a manipulative husband, and a lovable mother with her grim past. Make this movie a good one,
304 Reviews
Absolutely loved a Hindi film after a long time.
mobasshirma5 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Darlings is a social dramedy disguised as a dark comedy beautifully captures both the genres with utmost sincerity. The film doesn't try to mock the domestic violence, but deals with the sensitive topic with nice detailing. The performances by the cast were brilliant, Alia Bhatt as a innocent naive housewife married to an sadistic volatile husband played so well by Vijay Varma. Some scenes with the couple felt like ticking time bomb ready to explode. Shefali Shah played a mother who can goes to any extent to save her daughter. She is the most fun character. Roshan Mathew, Vijay Maurya and Rajesh Sharma lent a great support to the cast. The Writers did an compelling job and wrote the screenplay with so much attention to detail without getting information dense. The debut director passed the test with flying colors. Enjoyed the world of darlings. Watch the film on Netflix.
Enjoyable and comic despite the brutal content
Peter_Young26 September 2022
Darlings tackles the sadly ever relevant issue of domestic abuse, and it does so through the main character of a wonderful young lady who seems to have developed a battered wife's syndrome. She accepts her husband's pleas and constant promises to alter his behavior and quit his drinking problem, but he soon goes back to his old abusive ways. One would think this is going to be a particularly difficult watch considering the serious and dark subject matter, but Darlings is very much a light and enjoyable film which cares to incorporate elements of comedy, even of comedy of errors, and the seriousness of the proceedings is consistently infused with nicely etched out black humour.
The film falls into the category of many Indian films made today, which focus on simple middle-class and lower-middle-class families, the common people whose socio-economic status often affects their choices and circumstances. There is growing awareness in recent Hindi film of the importance to give voice to the voiceless and shed light on the lives of those less privileged. And it is always done with love and respect to the Indian culture, and like in many recent films, like Mimi, this film is beautifully shot, and the residence of the couple and the neighbourhood in general looks beautifully authentic, providing a nice cultural glimpse into communities which were often hidden from the screens.
This comes to show how the Indian masses have matured. If mainstream masala was what moviegoers were thought to love more than anything, today we see filmmakers who actually respect their audiences, do not insult their intelligence by spoon-feeding them, and Darlings is one such example. Is it a perfect film? Not really, and it's not a particularly great film either, but it's pure entertainment with educative value and appreciable efforts to ease the uneasy situations. The movie has a wonderful soundtrack too. In many ways, many of the characters in the film could gain some sympathy from the viewers, because everyone is a victim of their circumstances.
The film stars three actors in the lead parts, and all of them do exceedingly well. Alia Bhatt makes some smart choices, and she does a very good job here in this challenging and interesting role. In the role of the mother, you get the extraordinary Shefali Shah, whose recent popularity is another example of the growing maturity of Indian cinema and filmmakers' respect for audiences. Shah gets a role which could hardly be called supporting because she is very much a parallel lead here. This wouldn't have been possible a decade ago, but now that it happens, it's so great especially because she happens to be one of India's finest actresses. She is wonderful here as she is in almost everything she does.
The third angle of the cast is Vijay Varma, and this talented actor gives what I consider the finest performance in the film. His performance is subtle, realistic, professional and multi-dimensional. Sadly, the role itself is actually the film's weakest link because from being very much a real person he turns into this ultra-villainous, almost caricaturish character which takes away both from his impressive acting as well as the film's credibility. Darlings is a highly twisted tale but it ends on a rather predictable note at last since one would expect a more daring outcome which probably wouldn't be very well accepted in a mainstream film. Still, it answers some interesting questions and allows for a well-awaited catharsis.
The film falls into the category of many Indian films made today, which focus on simple middle-class and lower-middle-class families, the common people whose socio-economic status often affects their choices and circumstances. There is growing awareness in recent Hindi film of the importance to give voice to the voiceless and shed light on the lives of those less privileged. And it is always done with love and respect to the Indian culture, and like in many recent films, like Mimi, this film is beautifully shot, and the residence of the couple and the neighbourhood in general looks beautifully authentic, providing a nice cultural glimpse into communities which were often hidden from the screens.
This comes to show how the Indian masses have matured. If mainstream masala was what moviegoers were thought to love more than anything, today we see filmmakers who actually respect their audiences, do not insult their intelligence by spoon-feeding them, and Darlings is one such example. Is it a perfect film? Not really, and it's not a particularly great film either, but it's pure entertainment with educative value and appreciable efforts to ease the uneasy situations. The movie has a wonderful soundtrack too. In many ways, many of the characters in the film could gain some sympathy from the viewers, because everyone is a victim of their circumstances.
The film stars three actors in the lead parts, and all of them do exceedingly well. Alia Bhatt makes some smart choices, and she does a very good job here in this challenging and interesting role. In the role of the mother, you get the extraordinary Shefali Shah, whose recent popularity is another example of the growing maturity of Indian cinema and filmmakers' respect for audiences. Shah gets a role which could hardly be called supporting because she is very much a parallel lead here. This wouldn't have been possible a decade ago, but now that it happens, it's so great especially because she happens to be one of India's finest actresses. She is wonderful here as she is in almost everything she does.
The third angle of the cast is Vijay Varma, and this talented actor gives what I consider the finest performance in the film. His performance is subtle, realistic, professional and multi-dimensional. Sadly, the role itself is actually the film's weakest link because from being very much a real person he turns into this ultra-villainous, almost caricaturish character which takes away both from his impressive acting as well as the film's credibility. Darlings is a highly twisted tale but it ends on a rather predictable note at last since one would expect a more daring outcome which probably wouldn't be very well accepted in a mainstream film. Still, it answers some interesting questions and allows for a well-awaited catharsis.
Dark Comedy without Comedy
sagar-swapna7 August 2022
Kudos to the team for choosing such topic. Vijay Verma was excellent. It was nice to see a built up towards Badru's anger to to the point she wanted to teach Hamza a lesson totally believable not expected from Bollywood but nice surprise. Now to the story it was promoted as dark humor but apart from 1 or 2 scenes i didnt find any comdedy. It was pretty straight forward story. There was nothing extra ordinary to lift the movie. It felt like a TV movie nothing more. Comedy can be best said to be an extinct art in Bollywood. Zulfi and Badru's mom character could have been explored more. Tons of dark comedy could hve been added. Anyways good step forward but needs more polish.
Different Take On a Common Problem
cifarshayar5 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Darlings present a different perspective on domestic violence and shows how the women suffers even after knowing what is happening to her is not right. Alia and Shefali with her performances portrayed their characters beautifully. The movie is entertaining but yet you feel that it could become more interesting. But definitely worth watching.
My mom and I loved the film
ShriArunKumar5 August 2022
Just finished watching Darlings with my mom and we both loved the film.
Jasmeet K Reen is a marvelous director. She has the ability to make her movies in such a manner that it impacts the mind of the audience and makes them think. The humor was quite nicely added with the important issue of the movie. It's a very important movie for Indian society where domestic violence is still prevalent in many households. The dialogues and the screenplay in the movie are of top class.
The best thing in the film is undoubtedly the phenomenal acting from everyone, especially Alia Bhatt and Shefali Shah. Alia keeps on getting better with each and every project of hers and Shefali Shah is a terrific actor.
This movie will make you laugh, cry and angry sometimes and overall it will keep you entertained throughout. Strongly recommended.
Jasmeet K Reen is a marvelous director. She has the ability to make her movies in such a manner that it impacts the mind of the audience and makes them think. The humor was quite nicely added with the important issue of the movie. It's a very important movie for Indian society where domestic violence is still prevalent in many households. The dialogues and the screenplay in the movie are of top class.
The best thing in the film is undoubtedly the phenomenal acting from everyone, especially Alia Bhatt and Shefali Shah. Alia keeps on getting better with each and every project of hers and Shefali Shah is a terrific actor.
This movie will make you laugh, cry and angry sometimes and overall it will keep you entertained throughout. Strongly recommended.
4 the art of acting
KeithGopinath6 August 2022
Good Flick, Credit has to go to the entire team and the director, Alia Bhatt is definitely some actor and can give many Holywood actors a run for their money but I think Shefali shah has nailed it. I enjoyed watching more of her than Alia,
The movie is well executed dark comedy but boring at times when the two main protagonists come together but the presence of Shefali shah kept the movie go along nicely.
Literally A Treat for Movie Lovers
missingabhiashu5 August 2022
For all those who look for different content, here is your turn. This movie is different from any other Indian movie in many ways. It will make you think and analyse. A conserved mind may not understand this movie but if you are open and non judgemental, this movie will force you to fell in love with it. On top of that brilliant performance by Alia and the entire team. Each and every actor seems to justify the character which he/she is playing. Dnt go on negative review, they are just those people who know to spread hatred. If you miss on this movie, you are actually missing a big fish.
Recommended 👍🏼
nitsvirusboyz5 August 2022
Kudos to the makers for choosing a black comedy genre to deal with a serious topic of domestic violence and not making it over-dramatic or a hard-hitting film. Jasmeet K Reen in her directorial debut did an excellent job. The movie is well-written by Jasmeet & Parveez Sheikh and tightly edited by Nitin Baid, the film will keep you hooked till the climax. The background score and songs go well with the film.
Not only direction and writing, but the movie also excels in terms of performance. Alia Bhatt is undoubtedly one of the finest actresses of Indian cinema, she always gets into the skin of her character and plays it with complete conviction. The viewers will witness two very different personalities of her character in the first and the second half of the film.
Vijay Varma also delivered an impressive performance, switching from an abusive husband to a loving husband is exceptionally performed by him. Shefali Shah plays her part brilliantly. With limited dialogue and limited screen time, Rajesh Sharma managed to leave an impact. Roshan Mathew, Vijay Maurya, and other supporting actors were good in their parts.
Direction 3/5 Acting 3.5/5 Music 2.5/5 Story 3/5 Screenplay 3/5.
Not only direction and writing, but the movie also excels in terms of performance. Alia Bhatt is undoubtedly one of the finest actresses of Indian cinema, she always gets into the skin of her character and plays it with complete conviction. The viewers will witness two very different personalities of her character in the first and the second half of the film.
Vijay Varma also delivered an impressive performance, switching from an abusive husband to a loving husband is exceptionally performed by him. Shefali Shah plays her part brilliantly. With limited dialogue and limited screen time, Rajesh Sharma managed to leave an impact. Roshan Mathew, Vijay Maurya, and other supporting actors were good in their parts.
Direction 3/5 Acting 3.5/5 Music 2.5/5 Story 3/5 Screenplay 3/5.
Dragged for too long
irajbhattacharya5 August 2022
There are good movies and there are bad movies. I can't put this movie in to any of those categories. So my rating is also in the middle. Acting of everyone(mostly) is very good but the story is dragged for too long. It could have been a good movie if it was made within 100 minutes.
You can watch it but if you don't you are not missing out on anything.
You can watch it but if you don't you are not missing out on anything.
Draping the evil
sahityabanerjee5 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
At a time when Bollywood is going through a slump this movie, story, and acting is a wave of fresh air.
First of all, the story was really really good. Kudos to the writers. It was gripping and although the trailer revealed the plot a little bit, the movie had a lot more to offer. As the movie progress, it gets darker and darker but at the same time maintains a comic touch to it. The cause of domestic violence can be shown in a non-serious but impactful way, was unknown to me at least.
Coming to the acting part, Alia Bhatt was brilliant as always and Shefali Shah was good too but it was Vijay Verma who stole the show. He was simultaneously playing more than 2 roles and acing all of those.
Overall it's a good watch and it stuns me to see the ratings so low on this one.
First of all, the story was really really good. Kudos to the writers. It was gripping and although the trailer revealed the plot a little bit, the movie had a lot more to offer. As the movie progress, it gets darker and darker but at the same time maintains a comic touch to it. The cause of domestic violence can be shown in a non-serious but impactful way, was unknown to me at least.
Coming to the acting part, Alia Bhatt was brilliant as always and Shefali Shah was good too but it was Vijay Verma who stole the show. He was simultaneously playing more than 2 roles and acing all of those.
Overall it's a good watch and it stuns me to see the ratings so low on this one.
Revenge saga on domestic violence
Rajit_thebingewatcher5 August 2022
Movie starts with a shot where far away the poster of movie "badlaa" is shown. Alia bhatt buys the tickets. Is this some kind of poetic stuff movie wants to portray?must be! Because the movie is twisted revenge saga.the perfect cast with stellar performance makes it more spicy.domestic violence was previously discussed in "Thappad"where the story took the legal court room drama route.this movie however tries to fall under dark comedy genre. A tricky stuff to pull off! Except few glitches it pulls off. Alia and shefali look great as mother daughter."jalsaa" and now "darlings"shefali has certainly crafted the art of being a below average,illiterate woman. Alia shines like a gold. An intriguing movie.
Very slow, very boring.
mandar-613537 August 2022
Apart from the message the movie delivers, nothing, absolutely nothing interesting happens throughout the movie. For first half an hour, you keep waiting for something to happen but you get disappointed and then you start forwarding the movie in search of something interesting and yes, a little bit happens but after half of movie has been over. Truly criminal waste of time. Don't go for it by watching just teasers. Alia has done the same chulbuli, dumb girl this time too.
Please watch something else, don't spoil your good time.
Please watch something else, don't spoil your good time.
Highly Relatable
nairtejas8 August 2022
It's almost funny how relatable Darlings feels to me because I have been witness to domestic abuse. It's so ordinary and routine everywhere that the quality makes it funny when you see the same proceeding unleash on the silver screen with high-profile actors looking ready to get behind the camera portraying such roles. As for the film as a product, I believe the whole cast and crew do a wonderful job at showing the extremes of what domestic abuse can do to people on both sides of the spectrum. The matured take on the morality? It's like the chef's kiss on this darling film. Watch it on a laid-back evening.
Light-hearted watch
guriashades5 August 2022
At least this had a story unlike most Bollywood movies. My expectations for Bollywood has receded so much after seeing mind numbing car explosions and bikini clad women in Rap songs. This movie could have turned more sinister which i would have liked, but overall can enjoy on screen with family without expecting it to play out in reality as the plot has a lot flaws for a homicide to be successful.
A Perfect Blend of Dark Comedy-Crime With Thriller !!!
cs_rahul_prasad5 August 2022
Darlings - the latest Netflix Original film set in a lower middle-class Muslim-dominated neighbourhood in Mumbai wants to break the mould is made clear in the love song that it opens with - Pleaj (with lyrics by Gulzar), which captures the milieu and spirit of the story to absolute perfection. Debutante director Jasmeet K Reen, who has co-written this film along with Parveez Sheikh takes a closer look at patriarchy and domestic violence (DV) amid the social-psychological milieu of the lower middle class.
Set in Mumbai, where the rich and not so privileged co-exist and resilience rides high, two women - mother and daughter, find their own heaven in hell. They find ways to bring their own sunshine even as dark clouds hover around them. They laugh in the face of adversity and make merry with whatever little they have.
Even as Hamza habitually beats up Badru black and blue in a drunken state or driven by uncalled-for rage, she devotedly makes an omelette for him the next morning. He apologises to his 'darlings' and she happily forgives him... the cycle continues. She reminds herself that theirs' is a love marriage after all and these arguments and such abuse must be common across. However, a tragic incident forces her to recalibrate her life decisions and her views on her manipulative husband. Violence begets violence but can revenge set you free ? Who's the real victim here - the one who fights back using questionable methods or the one who normalises abuse in the name of love ?
Contrary to the trailer, Darlings isn't quite a dark comedy or a twisted suspenseful thriller. Told in a linear, simplistic fashion, the film is about an abuser exploiting his partner over a man versus woman battle. While the subject at hand and observations are powerful, the storytelling and editing needed some work. Shot in a confined space throughout (a rather spacious chawl room), the film keeps going in circles, making it more of a monotonous drama than a gripping domestic noir. The climax feels morally conflicted and leaves room for thought. The irony of a beauty parlour lady drawing a mehendi on a blushing bride, while being privy to an abusive marriage next door or a handcuffed Hamza being asked to peel veggies by a suddenly hardened wife... and more such nuances are finely captured.
Alia Bhatt once again has proved why she's not hyped just for the sake of it. She plays her part brilliantly as the gullible wife who believes she can change her husband. Despite a stellar performance by Alia, Vijay Varma remained to be the most intriguing element for me in the film. The artist in him owns the hate he gets for Hamza so much that almost starts feeling like he's feasting on the same to improve his character. The emotions he enrages in you from fear to the urge of killing him is a sign of his artistic brilliance & the magic of this script.
Shefali Shah flows with the story as smooth as the butter. The emotional burden Rukhsar comes in the guise of her quirky nature is highlighted impeccably well by Shefali ma'am. Post Choked, Roshan Mathew chooses yet another interesting character portraying his skills at the best. The way his character is used for comical relief in the second half stands out. Rajesh Sharma doesn't get much dialogue but still, he adds certain substance to his role.
Apart from Prashant Pillai's intriguing background score, it's the sound design of the film that took the cake for me. From the sound of Vijay Varma banging his tiffin on the stairs while climbing up to syncing guitar-riff in a very important 'sandal-hitting' scene, the designer uses all this external noise extremely well to create the tension in the room. Vishal Bhardwaj & Mellow D's songs just land perfectly without creating any obstruction. The rap song Bhasad is to this film exactly what Badla was to Blackmail.
All said and done, Darlings is Bollywood getting as close as it could ever be (to date) to Andhadhun. The 'tragedy mein comedy' treatment gives this a soul as Alia Bhatt ends up being the heart of this film.
Set in Mumbai, where the rich and not so privileged co-exist and resilience rides high, two women - mother and daughter, find their own heaven in hell. They find ways to bring their own sunshine even as dark clouds hover around them. They laugh in the face of adversity and make merry with whatever little they have.
Even as Hamza habitually beats up Badru black and blue in a drunken state or driven by uncalled-for rage, she devotedly makes an omelette for him the next morning. He apologises to his 'darlings' and she happily forgives him... the cycle continues. She reminds herself that theirs' is a love marriage after all and these arguments and such abuse must be common across. However, a tragic incident forces her to recalibrate her life decisions and her views on her manipulative husband. Violence begets violence but can revenge set you free ? Who's the real victim here - the one who fights back using questionable methods or the one who normalises abuse in the name of love ?
Contrary to the trailer, Darlings isn't quite a dark comedy or a twisted suspenseful thriller. Told in a linear, simplistic fashion, the film is about an abuser exploiting his partner over a man versus woman battle. While the subject at hand and observations are powerful, the storytelling and editing needed some work. Shot in a confined space throughout (a rather spacious chawl room), the film keeps going in circles, making it more of a monotonous drama than a gripping domestic noir. The climax feels morally conflicted and leaves room for thought. The irony of a beauty parlour lady drawing a mehendi on a blushing bride, while being privy to an abusive marriage next door or a handcuffed Hamza being asked to peel veggies by a suddenly hardened wife... and more such nuances are finely captured.
Alia Bhatt once again has proved why she's not hyped just for the sake of it. She plays her part brilliantly as the gullible wife who believes she can change her husband. Despite a stellar performance by Alia, Vijay Varma remained to be the most intriguing element for me in the film. The artist in him owns the hate he gets for Hamza so much that almost starts feeling like he's feasting on the same to improve his character. The emotions he enrages in you from fear to the urge of killing him is a sign of his artistic brilliance & the magic of this script.
Shefali Shah flows with the story as smooth as the butter. The emotional burden Rukhsar comes in the guise of her quirky nature is highlighted impeccably well by Shefali ma'am. Post Choked, Roshan Mathew chooses yet another interesting character portraying his skills at the best. The way his character is used for comical relief in the second half stands out. Rajesh Sharma doesn't get much dialogue but still, he adds certain substance to his role.
Apart from Prashant Pillai's intriguing background score, it's the sound design of the film that took the cake for me. From the sound of Vijay Varma banging his tiffin on the stairs while climbing up to syncing guitar-riff in a very important 'sandal-hitting' scene, the designer uses all this external noise extremely well to create the tension in the room. Vishal Bhardwaj & Mellow D's songs just land perfectly without creating any obstruction. The rap song Bhasad is to this film exactly what Badla was to Blackmail.
All said and done, Darlings is Bollywood getting as close as it could ever be (to date) to Andhadhun. The 'tragedy mein comedy' treatment gives this a soul as Alia Bhatt ends up being the heart of this film.
A perfect blend of Dark Comedy & Modern-Day Feminine Revenge Drama with power packed performances by the cast.
SAMTHEBESTEST5 August 2022
Darlings (2022) :
Movie Review -
Just when we think that Bollywood is lacking black comedies, Alia Bhatt has brought Darlings with Shefali Shah, Vijay Varma and Roshan Mathews. The world of Darlings is not at all modern like its title, but the message is suitable for modern-day cinema. Bollywood hasn't got many black comedies that can be remembered. All we remember is those 80s dark comedies made with non A-listers in the cast, and therefore they never got as much hype as they deserved. The box office perspective rests beside, because we know it's nothing sort of commercial stuff. Darlings too falls in the genre and lacks commercial appeal that masses seek for. However, the entertainment never stops. That's some great fun for classes, but I doubt if the masses can really understand it to its core. If only laughter matters, then be assured, there are many.
Darlings is about Badru (Alia Bhatt), who is married to her lover, Hamza (Vijay Varma). Soon after marriage, their love story turns into a hate story as Hamza loses his anger and beats Badru occasionally. Badru always falls for Hamza's fake promises, and despite several warnings and advice from her mother, Shamsu (Shefali Shah). The beating reaches a certain point where Badru loses her patience and takes a stand against a brutal husband, but in a different way. What follows is a fun ride of revenge and blame game where even the police get involved, but remain clueless. Will Badru get her revenge and get away from it? Find out all the answers in Darlings' climax.
The script Written by Parveez Sheikh and Jasmeet K. Reen offers everything that any household story can tell you. These arguments and physical abuses between a husband and a wife do happen in almost every lower and Middle class home. The characters are stable despite wild features, but we do meet such people in chaawls, right? Darlings is about 130 minutes long and never looks streched or boring. It keeps you engaged with its pacy screenplay even though you know all the conflicts are mostly predictable. What lifts the script up the trick planted by the writing duo in the climax which sustains two generations and empowers them to connect with a modern audience.
Talking about actors, Darlings is a top-notch show. Alia Bhatt proves again that why she is one of the finest actresses of her time. She is phenomenal as Badru and you are going to love the transformation from a cow-natured woman to a tigress. Look at her expressions, shivering and quivering, and you'll feel it. Watching it on a big-screen would have helped a bit, but let's just forget that for now. The second lady, Shefali Shah, is equally great. Her experience and calibre is so high that she just can't feel as you assume, and she does exactly that. Most of the dark punches falls at her feet with that impeccable dialgue delivery. Vijay Varma is surely raising the bar with every film, and Darlings is another step of ladder for him. In the supporting roles Roshan Mathew, Santosh Juvekar and Vijay Maurya are fantastic. As a whole, the acting unit had a blast and you're in for a treat.
Darlings has good situational numbers like "La Ilaaj," "Bhasad," and "Pleaj," which carry the momentum quite well. Although none of them has those club beats to make you groove, all three songs make sure you don't use fast forward button during the play. The editing is tight and keeps you hooked with realistic surrounding which is boosted by slum-flavoured dialogues. Jasmeet K. Reen's feature film debut is definitely noteworthy. Being a female herself, she knew how to deal with the feminine angle without making it look forceful. Darlings has no flaws as far as the direction of Reen is concerned, but yes, overall there are a few. The pre-climax portion is predictable and typical, but thankfully the main climax does not make itself a typecast. Overall, Darlings packs a solid punch of dark comedy, romance, drama and feminine revenge in a wholesome entertaining plot. This one is a tough watch for husbands and wives, but a must watch too.
RATING - 6/10*
Just when we think that Bollywood is lacking black comedies, Alia Bhatt has brought Darlings with Shefali Shah, Vijay Varma and Roshan Mathews. The world of Darlings is not at all modern like its title, but the message is suitable for modern-day cinema. Bollywood hasn't got many black comedies that can be remembered. All we remember is those 80s dark comedies made with non A-listers in the cast, and therefore they never got as much hype as they deserved. The box office perspective rests beside, because we know it's nothing sort of commercial stuff. Darlings too falls in the genre and lacks commercial appeal that masses seek for. However, the entertainment never stops. That's some great fun for classes, but I doubt if the masses can really understand it to its core. If only laughter matters, then be assured, there are many.
Darlings is about Badru (Alia Bhatt), who is married to her lover, Hamza (Vijay Varma). Soon after marriage, their love story turns into a hate story as Hamza loses his anger and beats Badru occasionally. Badru always falls for Hamza's fake promises, and despite several warnings and advice from her mother, Shamsu (Shefali Shah). The beating reaches a certain point where Badru loses her patience and takes a stand against a brutal husband, but in a different way. What follows is a fun ride of revenge and blame game where even the police get involved, but remain clueless. Will Badru get her revenge and get away from it? Find out all the answers in Darlings' climax.
The script Written by Parveez Sheikh and Jasmeet K. Reen offers everything that any household story can tell you. These arguments and physical abuses between a husband and a wife do happen in almost every lower and Middle class home. The characters are stable despite wild features, but we do meet such people in chaawls, right? Darlings is about 130 minutes long and never looks streched or boring. It keeps you engaged with its pacy screenplay even though you know all the conflicts are mostly predictable. What lifts the script up the trick planted by the writing duo in the climax which sustains two generations and empowers them to connect with a modern audience.
Talking about actors, Darlings is a top-notch show. Alia Bhatt proves again that why she is one of the finest actresses of her time. She is phenomenal as Badru and you are going to love the transformation from a cow-natured woman to a tigress. Look at her expressions, shivering and quivering, and you'll feel it. Watching it on a big-screen would have helped a bit, but let's just forget that for now. The second lady, Shefali Shah, is equally great. Her experience and calibre is so high that she just can't feel as you assume, and she does exactly that. Most of the dark punches falls at her feet with that impeccable dialgue delivery. Vijay Varma is surely raising the bar with every film, and Darlings is another step of ladder for him. In the supporting roles Roshan Mathew, Santosh Juvekar and Vijay Maurya are fantastic. As a whole, the acting unit had a blast and you're in for a treat.
Darlings has good situational numbers like "La Ilaaj," "Bhasad," and "Pleaj," which carry the momentum quite well. Although none of them has those club beats to make you groove, all three songs make sure you don't use fast forward button during the play. The editing is tight and keeps you hooked with realistic surrounding which is boosted by slum-flavoured dialogues. Jasmeet K. Reen's feature film debut is definitely noteworthy. Being a female herself, she knew how to deal with the feminine angle without making it look forceful. Darlings has no flaws as far as the direction of Reen is concerned, but yes, overall there are a few. The pre-climax portion is predictable and typical, but thankfully the main climax does not make itself a typecast. Overall, Darlings packs a solid punch of dark comedy, romance, drama and feminine revenge in a wholesome entertaining plot. This one is a tough watch for husbands and wives, but a must watch too.
RATING - 6/10*
A smartly crafted comedy!
Carpe_diem_5 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The movie takes a bitter sweet take on the prevalent issue of violence perpetrated by men against women in marriage. Alia Bhatt plays her part to perfection as a wife torn between love for her abusive husband and punishing him. Shefali Shah is a treat to watch as a nosy but caring mother of Alia. One of the hilarious scenes in the movie is when the mother-daughter duo team up to strike a bargain price for a mixer. Vijay Varma plays his role brilliantly as a manipulative and abusive husband.
Darlings' simplistic take on a domestic abuse can be excused because it never pretends to be anything other than a comedy.
Darlings' simplistic take on a domestic abuse can be excused because it never pretends to be anything other than a comedy.
Violence against women is injurious to health.
aadarshstha-9256512 August 2022
The struggle to hold on to an abusive relationship is so well crafted in the story. Darlings is a good dark comedy with good screenplay and which isn't a remake of any source. The performances by the cast were brilliant, Alia Bhatt as an innocent naive housewife married to a sadistic violent husband and her mother, Shefali Shah is very good.
Alia and Shefali makes a great pair as mother-daughter. Also, this film present a perspective on domestic violence without mocking it and taking it seriously and making it as a comedy. The topic is very important and the impotance is shown and proved. The film is so well written and is well executed. Darlings is a nice refreshing take on domestic violence.
Very entertaining and fun film with a good message. However, I felt the film could've been a bit shorter. Some scenes are over the top which could've been wrapped up in 90 - 100 minutes. Overall, it is a very good attempt and proves successful in so many level and is better than lots of recent Bollywood flicks.
7.5/10.
Alia and Shefali makes a great pair as mother-daughter. Also, this film present a perspective on domestic violence without mocking it and taking it seriously and making it as a comedy. The topic is very important and the impotance is shown and proved. The film is so well written and is well executed. Darlings is a nice refreshing take on domestic violence.
Very entertaining and fun film with a good message. However, I felt the film could've been a bit shorter. Some scenes are over the top which could've been wrapped up in 90 - 100 minutes. Overall, it is a very good attempt and proves successful in so many level and is better than lots of recent Bollywood flicks.
7.5/10.
Draaagggggedddd!!!
himistrings10 August 2022
Darlings
puranjanbasak6 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Darlings is a comedy drama thriller film directed by jasmeet k reen.
Oh, where do i start now. First the performances. This film boasts of a stupendous trio at the helms of affair and boy they do justics to it. Alia bhatt is a bonafide performer. She has nailed her performance. She will get the baseless nepo blames throughout her life but nobody can question her acting credentials. She has given an absolute peach performance. Shefali shah is an ageless charisma. Her screen presence is so strong that she literally outclasses everyone in the frames. Even her comic punches are really good here. And the star of this film, hands down vijay varma. He is an absolute majesty. What a performance, he deserves awards for this tbh. The shades that he has portrayed. He had the most interesting character and someone of his calibre only could have pulled it off. You have gained a fan, vijay!! Roshan mathew and rajesh sharma do their bits, they are superb actors but they had less screen time. The rest of the cast is very good.
The cinematography is very good. The claustrophobia that this film manages to bring through the portrayal of the dingy chawls and houses in close proximity is amazing. The colour grading is superb too. There is a top angle shot at the end where two trains pass along each other with four characters between them which reflects their inner proximity to death and self-destruction. And this film has an impressive sound design. In one scene, hamza is having biryani and he crushes a stone between his teeth. The way the sound goes off just at that moment is brilliant. In another scene, zulfi and hamza get off the bike and a truck passes reflecting hamza's inner anger during that moment. This is an example of impressive sound design. And the music, vishal bharadwaj's music is never bad. He has given us gems like khul kabhi toh, do jahaan and many more. Add to that gulzar saab's lyrics. He wrote the lyrics in accordance to the way badru talks. The song 'lailaaj' too encapsulates the state of hamza and badru through the lyrics.
The way in which this film shows the narrative of domestic violence is brilliant. This is a deep film. Not all men are bad as reiterated by shamsu as well in the film. The poke at the twitter peeps is also brilliant. Hamza is a bad man but also this film shows zulfi as compassionate and loving. So the boycott brain**** gang, do take note of this fact as well.
However, it has some flaws too. The screenplay in the first half stretches a bit i would say. It could have been made more compact. But the writing is fabulous. The character writing especially is superb. The way the three leads have been fleshed out is so so good.
This film is a must watch. You just cannot miss this. I rate it 9.5 out of 10.
Oh, where do i start now. First the performances. This film boasts of a stupendous trio at the helms of affair and boy they do justics to it. Alia bhatt is a bonafide performer. She has nailed her performance. She will get the baseless nepo blames throughout her life but nobody can question her acting credentials. She has given an absolute peach performance. Shefali shah is an ageless charisma. Her screen presence is so strong that she literally outclasses everyone in the frames. Even her comic punches are really good here. And the star of this film, hands down vijay varma. He is an absolute majesty. What a performance, he deserves awards for this tbh. The shades that he has portrayed. He had the most interesting character and someone of his calibre only could have pulled it off. You have gained a fan, vijay!! Roshan mathew and rajesh sharma do their bits, they are superb actors but they had less screen time. The rest of the cast is very good.
The cinematography is very good. The claustrophobia that this film manages to bring through the portrayal of the dingy chawls and houses in close proximity is amazing. The colour grading is superb too. There is a top angle shot at the end where two trains pass along each other with four characters between them which reflects their inner proximity to death and self-destruction. And this film has an impressive sound design. In one scene, hamza is having biryani and he crushes a stone between his teeth. The way the sound goes off just at that moment is brilliant. In another scene, zulfi and hamza get off the bike and a truck passes reflecting hamza's inner anger during that moment. This is an example of impressive sound design. And the music, vishal bharadwaj's music is never bad. He has given us gems like khul kabhi toh, do jahaan and many more. Add to that gulzar saab's lyrics. He wrote the lyrics in accordance to the way badru talks. The song 'lailaaj' too encapsulates the state of hamza and badru through the lyrics.
The way in which this film shows the narrative of domestic violence is brilliant. This is a deep film. Not all men are bad as reiterated by shamsu as well in the film. The poke at the twitter peeps is also brilliant. Hamza is a bad man but also this film shows zulfi as compassionate and loving. So the boycott brain**** gang, do take note of this fact as well.
However, it has some flaws too. The screenplay in the first half stretches a bit i would say. It could have been made more compact. But the writing is fabulous. The character writing especially is superb. The way the three leads have been fleshed out is so so good.
This film is a must watch. You just cannot miss this. I rate it 9.5 out of 10.
Missed something here and there but overall was good.
LemmeEatYou6 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
So , like this movie is good. And the acting overall is pretty amazing. We all know alia is a great actor but this movie is all about VIjay. Varma. Everytime he was in the screen, he was terrific and unexpected. I mean his character makes you feel that he will do something or the tension builds up whenever he appears. There was also some problem with the plot and the way it was designed. But overall good , 7/10.
Too boring to sit through
radha-45613-473896 August 2022
I was unable to watch it till the end. It was an ordeal. First they promote violence against a woman who is mixed up with her priorities. Then the revenge was baseless.
The whole movie drags with characters being so directionless.
Cringe worthy movie.
I don't understand why Alia Bhatt's character was shown so submissive that she'd be beaten up and then next morning, all she would want is a house and a baby!
The whole movie drags with characters being so directionless.
Cringe worthy movie.
I don't understand why Alia Bhatt's character was shown so submissive that she'd be beaten up and then next morning, all she would want is a house and a baby!
Average storyline with strong acting
mukherjeesourav-428265 August 2022
The story is simple, revenge against domestic violence.
Was expecting far more from Shefali Shah, she is an amazing actress with powerful eyes! Unfortunately, she doesn't get much space to act.
Alia Bhatt is as usual good. Others are also good to see.
Script is lame, the flow of story doesn't give any thrilling moment. Thats why it is not thriller.
Could have few more dark comedy scenes.
Was expecting far more from Shefali Shah, she is an amazing actress with powerful eyes! Unfortunately, she doesn't get much space to act.
Alia Bhatt is as usual good. Others are also good to see.
Script is lame, the flow of story doesn't give any thrilling moment. Thats why it is not thriller.
Could have few more dark comedy scenes.
No, that's not really "Dark Comedy"
darpantikiya25 January 2023
Ever had a pudding that looked exquisite and smelled delicious but turned out to be a little undercooked as you took the first bite? Almost telling you that the cook had quality ingredients at their disposal but failed to fully satiate your senses. It is akin to how Darlings made me feel.
Looking at the cast and having heard a positive thing or two about the film, I went in to watch with considerable expectations but was rendered feeling underwhelmed at the end of it. While one can point out at the lack of remarkable dialogues and a fairly lackluster climax; at heart, it seems as if the makers weren't manifestly clear about what kind of emotions they wanted the audience to feel through the course of the movie.
The description on Netflix says that the film is a "dark comedy". In essence, it's a story about domestic violence loaded with slapstick elements. Just because the fulcrum of the plot is a sensitive issue, doesn't make it a dark comedy.
Ironically, there's a scene in the movie where Hamza (played by Vijay Varma) asks Zulfi (played by Roshan Mathew) about the film that he's writing. When Zulfi tells he's been working on a horror-comedy, Hamza replies with, "Agar faluda mein whiskey milayega, toh thodi jamega" (If you mix Faluda and Whiskey, it's likely to taste bad). It is funny that you could say something along similar lines about Darlings itself. While the comedy never quite sets you on a laughing spree, it does digress the makers from several opportunities where they could have made the audience feel visceral emotions.
The entire second half shows Badru (played by Alia Bhatt) turning the tables on her husband Hamza and avenging the constant abuse she had borne. It feels as if somebody penned down the intrusive thoughts of revenge that go through the mind of a victim of domestic violence and brought them to life. However, it seems to go a notch too far as she constantly drugs Hamza and thereby severely dilutes the impact of the climax. In fact, as we go through scenes of policemen not even considering the man being a victim of domestic abuse, it is very much possible to feel unempathetic towards Badru when she's eventually set free.
The cast has proven artists. With their high standards, it is hard to see this being Alia's or Vijay's best performance. Shefali Shah outshines everybody. Plotwise, the depth of Hamza's character, along with some obvious 'conflicts' that could be brought to forefront seem like unexplored territories. All in all, the film leaves a fair bit to desire.
Looking at the cast and having heard a positive thing or two about the film, I went in to watch with considerable expectations but was rendered feeling underwhelmed at the end of it. While one can point out at the lack of remarkable dialogues and a fairly lackluster climax; at heart, it seems as if the makers weren't manifestly clear about what kind of emotions they wanted the audience to feel through the course of the movie.
The description on Netflix says that the film is a "dark comedy". In essence, it's a story about domestic violence loaded with slapstick elements. Just because the fulcrum of the plot is a sensitive issue, doesn't make it a dark comedy.
Ironically, there's a scene in the movie where Hamza (played by Vijay Varma) asks Zulfi (played by Roshan Mathew) about the film that he's writing. When Zulfi tells he's been working on a horror-comedy, Hamza replies with, "Agar faluda mein whiskey milayega, toh thodi jamega" (If you mix Faluda and Whiskey, it's likely to taste bad). It is funny that you could say something along similar lines about Darlings itself. While the comedy never quite sets you on a laughing spree, it does digress the makers from several opportunities where they could have made the audience feel visceral emotions.
The entire second half shows Badru (played by Alia Bhatt) turning the tables on her husband Hamza and avenging the constant abuse she had borne. It feels as if somebody penned down the intrusive thoughts of revenge that go through the mind of a victim of domestic violence and brought them to life. However, it seems to go a notch too far as she constantly drugs Hamza and thereby severely dilutes the impact of the climax. In fact, as we go through scenes of policemen not even considering the man being a victim of domestic abuse, it is very much possible to feel unempathetic towards Badru when she's eventually set free.
The cast has proven artists. With their high standards, it is hard to see this being Alia's or Vijay's best performance. Shefali Shah outshines everybody. Plotwise, the depth of Hamza's character, along with some obvious 'conflicts' that could be brought to forefront seem like unexplored territories. All in all, the film leaves a fair bit to desire.
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