Darlings Movie Review: A Humorous Depiction of Love and Abuse in Marriage

The much-awaited movie Darlings starring the talented Alia Bhatt, Vijay Varma, and Shefali Shah, was released on the OTT platform on August 5, 2022. Jasmeet K. Reen directs the movie, and the script has been spun around the ages-old societal demon of domestic violence.

The movie is an idiosyncratic social thriller that has been excellently made as an eye-opener for the people. The movie has clearly been made through a patron’s contemplation which shows that the women of today are no longer willing to tolerate the abuse; instead, give them a taste of their own.

Darlings is not the movie that allows the abusive husband to be safeguarded by society or his drinking habits. His thoughts of being privileged, because he is a man are stifled when he is afflicted by his wife, whom he considers the weaker sex.

Story of Darlings

The story is set in Mumbai’s Byculla, where Badrunnisa or Badru, played by Alia Bhatt, is madly in love with Hamza, played by Vijay Varma. The latter takes up a government job in the Railways to get married to Badru. The story jumps to 3 years later when the two are seen in a married life, which seems to be quite contented to others. Instead, there is a harsh reality to it within the four walls. Hamza drinks after he comes back home from work and beats his wife. He considers violence to be a part of their married life. He apologizes to Badru and blames the liquor for his acts.

Hamza is a ticket collector who is always bullied by his boss; he doesn’t seem to lose his calm when he is at work. He seems to drag this grudge back home and takes it out on Badru.

Badru, along with her single mother Shamsu, played by Shefali Shah, wants to take revenge on Hamza. Shamsu has an eccentric approach to things in life, and she is determined to help her daughter get back on Hamza.

Darlings Streaming on Netflix

The writers try to keep the audience entertained, but the twists lose their charm in several parts, especially in the second half, where it was supposed to impart an educational message. The performance of all the actors was praiseworthy. The lyrics of Gulzar and music from Vishal Bhardwaj were beautiful.

Despite the excellent delivery of dialogues and shining actors, the execution seems somewhat experimental and the ending a bit deprived.