Domestic violence has become an integral discussion point in films and TV shows today, many hoping to empower those affected by it. Sadly, domestic violence hasn’t always been addressed properly when it comes to South Asian films, something newer films are really taking a stand on.
Alia Bhatt’s latest Netflix film Darlings is one such contender, one that is really taking a different spin on addressing domestic violence.
And I mean really different.
The film follows Badrunissa ‘Badru’ Sheikh (Alia Bhatt) as she makes pivotal and difficult life choices to adapt to her life and her marriage to Hamza (Vijay Varma), with moral support coming from her mother Shamshunissa (Shefali Shah) and friend Zulfi (Roshan Mathew). Its a story about adversity, self-detrimental optimism and naivety, all packaged and delivered in a dark-comedy satire that will keep you hanging.
I am a big fan of Alia Bhatt, especially after her recent performance in Gangubai Kathiawadi, so it goes as no surprise that this film resonated with me just as well.
(L-R) Alia Bhatt as Badrunissa ‘Badru’ Sheikh and Vijay Varma as Hamza Sheikh in ‘Darlings’. Courtesy of Netflix © 2022.Delicate subject matter, delivered masterfully
Domestic violence is not an easy subject matter to tackle, especially today. Productions need to be sensitive to social constructs, especially now with the #MeToo movement, the needs for justice and social education.
This is even more difficult when you consider the issues with violence against women in places India and other South Asian countries.
Director Jasmeet K Reen – who also serves on the writing team with Parveez Sheikh and Vijay Maurya (dialogue) – has done a brilliant job with her feature film debut.
Satire has played an important role in how audiences experience this film. When characters make jokes about dire circumstances, it almost makes you think more about the situation. This is amplified by the sheer brilliant performances by each of the cast members. While there were some predictable flows to the narrative, there were other times where the narrative goes in a very unexpected direction. I enjoyed that as it kept me engaged from scene to scene.
I also appreciated that violence wasn’t always literally displayed, but assumed in the background. The only violence seen plays a pivotal role in character development, especially as the film concludes. This I think is smart and respectful to the subject matter and the characters.
My only criticism would be that I felt that there was a part of the film, somewhere in the middle, where the pace slowed down quite a bit. I felt like the story was dragging a bit, which was a little disappointing as the film otherwise keeps you engaged from the get-go.
Either way, kudos to Reen on a fine feature film debut with Darlings. Looking forward to seeing more work from her down the road.
Shefali Shah as Shamshunissa in ‘Darlings’. Courtesy of Netflix © 2022.Brilliant and bold cast
I don’t have to write much about this section as the title pretty much addresses how I feel…but I’m going to anyways.
While it has so many big names attached to the project, the film itself has a very independent-film vibe to it. I love these kinds of films that are coming out of Indian cinema as they are exploring topics that I feel many South Asians would love to watch and reflect on.
With this movement, comes the opportunity to really experience a diverse set of talents. I think casting in this production was A+.
Alia Bhatt. I mean, what more do I say? I feel she has come into a world of her own with her recent indie-vibe productions. She is talented and brilliant, and it shows in Darlings. Her character is fragile in so many ways, making her evolution through the film even more uncanny. While every cast member adopted the satire of the production, Bhatt was the satire queen in this film.
The very talented Shefali Shah delivered a remarkable experience as Badru’s mother Shamshunissa. Clever but sincere, loving but full of anger; it was a character you felt had so much to tell but just couldn’t.
Roshan Mathew’s Zulfi is the kind of friend everyone wants. Respecting, honorable, helpful and sincere. I wanted to high-five the character half-way through the production!
Then there’s Vijay Varma’s Hamza. I haven’t met a character I hated more and an actor I was rooting for more, all at the same time. You were convinced of the domestic abuser his character is but couldn’t help but hope that karma would make him change. His character was often the mood-setter in various scenes, and that in itself explains how powerful his performance was.
Roshan Mathew as Zulfi in ‘Darlings’. Courtesy of Netflix © 2022.Bright future for Indian cinema
Darlings is Bhatt’s debut as a producer. She and her sister Shaheen founded Eternal Sunshine Productions back in 2021 with the goal of telling stories “that are warm, meaningful, thought-provoking and timeless”.
This is a new age for Indian cinema, where the next generation of talent and filmmakers are helping define the landscape and the kinds of media the industry produces. Leveraging platforms like Netflix, it is great to see South Asian productions get a more international spotlight and recognition from other film communities and audiences.
Darlings is a great example of a film that is driven by passion, rather than a calculated agenda. You can feel it in the way the film has been crafted and delivered. It doesn’t have the signature staples you see in mainstream Indian films, and does not shy away from subject matter than may be otherwise frowned upon by audiences.
I like it.
It adds to the narrative that Indian cinema has a bright future, and I cannot wait to see more talents shape that with each and every new production that comes in the horizon.
I would highly recommend you watch Darlings for a different Indian cinema experience. It puts performance and gripping narrative ahead of corporate agendas, and tells a story that is meaningful and thought-provoking.
Darlings is now streaming on Netflix globally.
Cover: Alia Bhatt as Badrunissa ‘Badru’ Sheikh in Darlings. Courtesy of Netflix © 2022.
