Darlings Story :-
Badru’s (played by Alia Bhatt) unwavering love for her husband Hamza (portrayed by Vijay Varma) blinds her to all the warning signs in their relationship. Even her mother’s (played by Shefali Shah) persistent cautions go unnoticed. Hailing from a humble background, the young wife continues to cling to hope for a better future until things spiral out of control.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 5 August 2022 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Comedy, Drama, Thriller |
| Duration | 2h 14min |
| Cast | Alia Bhatt, Shefali Shah, Vijay Varma, Roshan Mathew, Rajesh Sharma, Vijay Maurya, Kiran Karmarkar, Pooja Swaroop, Santosh Juvekar |
| Director | Jasmeet K. Reen |
| Writer | Parveez Sheikh, Jasmeet K. Reen |
| Cinematography | Anil Mehta |
| Music | Vishal Bhardwaj, Mellow D |
| Producer | Gauri Khan, Alia Bhatt, Gaurav Verma |
| Production | Red Chillies Entertainment, Eternal Sunshine Productions |
| Certificate | 16+ |
The societal narrative dictates that women would rather endure a tumultuous, toxic relationship than face the scrutiny of society. Astonishingly, being trapped in an abusive marriage is still considered more dignified than being single. Debut director Jasmeet K Reen, in collaboration with Parveez Sheikh, delves deep into the themes of patriarchy and domestic violence within the socio-psychological context of the lower middle class. Set in Mumbai, where the affluent and less fortunate coexist amidst resilience, two women—mother and daughter—find solace amidst chaos. They find ways to find joy even in the darkest moments, laughing in the face of adversity and cherishing what little they have.
Despite Hamza’s habitual drunken assaults on Badru or outbursts of rage, she dutifully prepares breakfast for him the next morning. He apologizes, and she forgives, perpetuating a vicious cycle. She rationalizes that such arguments and abuse are commonplace in love marriages. However, a tragic event forces her to reconsider her life choices and her perception of her manipulative husband. Does retaliation break the cycle of violence, or does it merely perpetuate it? Who is the true victim here—the one who fights back using questionable means or the one who normalizes abuse in the name of love?
Contrary to expectations set by the trailer, “Darlings” is not quite a dark comedy or a suspenseful thriller. Presented in a linear, straightforward manner, the film explores the exploitation of a partner by an abuser in a battle of genders. While the subject matter and insights are potent, the storytelling and editing leave room for improvement. Set predominantly in a confined space (a rather spacious chawl room), the film often feels like it’s going in circles, leaning more towards monotony than gripping domestic noir. The climax is morally ambiguous, provoking contemplation. The film skillfully captures nuances like the irony of a beauty parlor attendant adorning a blushing bride with mehendi while being privy to an abusive marriage next door, or a handcuffed Hamza being tasked with peeling vegetables by his suddenly assertive wife.
“Darlings” serves as a compelling case study on domestic violence, owed largely to the stellar performances of Shefali and Alia. Both actresses eloquently convey emotions through their eyes, compensating for occasional sluggish pacing with their remarkable acting and chemistry. The bond between the mother and daughter sets the tone for the film, whether in heart-wrenching emotional scenes or moments infused with subtle humor. They effortlessly inhabit their characters, feeding off each other’s energy as actors and drawing viewers into their story. Despite being let down by the men in their lives, they refuse to see themselves as victims, marking the essence of this bold domestic drama that sheds light on male privilege, physical and emotional abuse, and intimidation. “Darlings” offers many reasons to watch, but it is ultimately Shefali and Alia’s exceptional performances that steal the spotlight.
