Konkona Sensharma’s Return to Mischief
Konkona Sensharma’s return to the thrills of on-screen mischief is marked by her latest role in the show “Killer Soup”. Sensharma, previously bewitched audiences with her mesmerizing portrayal of Emilia in Vishal Bhardwaj’s “Omkara” (2006), a gritty reimagining of Shakespeare’s Othello. Abhishek Chaubey, who was an assistant director on “Omkara,” harnesses Sensharma’s richly dramatic skills again, casting her in a role that plays to her versatile strengths as an actor. Known for her unique ability to navigate the labyrinth of human emotions, Sensharma thrives on screen — her dramatic gaze and soothing entreaties are as entrancing as they are deceptive. In “Killer Soup”, she is the seemingly average homemaker, Swathi Shetty, whose ordinary life conceals the strategic mind of a cunning chess player.
Swathi’s existence revolves around her mediocre culinary skills, particularly a monotonous paya soup that she serves to her husband, Prabhu, portrayed by Manoj Bajpayee. The narrative unfolds in a fictitious southern hill town, backdrop to Prabhu’s faltering real estate business and Swathi’s unfulfilled aspirations of becoming a restaurant owner. The plot thickens with the introduction of Swathi’s secret lover, Umesh, a masseur portrayed by Manoj Bajpayee in a dual role.
From Lover’s Tryst to Criminal Conspiracy
Swathi’s double life spirals into chaos when her affair with Umesh is discovered by her husband, leading to a scenario that turns fatal. In a moment of panic and opportunity, Swathi finds an uncanny solution to her dilemma, by substituting Umesh for her deceased spouse. This twist mirrors a bizarre, real-life incident from 2017 in Hyderabad, which serves as the loose inspiration for the series’ plot.
Chaubey unfolds the complex story by introducing us to a web of subplots that revolve around Prabhu’s scams and his interactions with his thuggish brother—bringing to light typical adult sibling financial entanglements.
Whimsical Details and Shakespearean Echoes
In his directorial debut for the series, Chaubey infuses the script with his flair for whimsical elements and eclectic references. The show pirouettes from secret cooking courses under the alias of a Bollywood star, to literary assists from the likes of Rahman and Robert Frost. Everywhere you look, Shakespeare peeps from around the corner, as if to acknowledge the narrative’s roots in deception and disguise.
But as is often the case with intricately woven tales, there is a risk of the central plot losing its grip on the audience. While “Killer Soup” is rich in texture and flavor, the mosaic of secrets and family discords only manages to engage to a certain extent. The subplot surrounding Prabhu’s niece, who dreams of studying art in Paris, is but a glimmer of the potential depth the series could explore.
Double the Bajpayee, Half the Charm
Amidst the intrigue, Bajpayee’s opportunity to dazzle with a dual role is curtailed early on as one character exits the story prematurely. The endeavor lies in Bajpayee portraying Umesh impersonating Prabhu, however, the characters are not sufficiently delineated to foster awe in the switch. The series sets its ground rules, only to later overlook them, but it’s Sensharma who steadies the ship until the final act, where not even she can save the floundering narrative from losing its momentum.
Despite a stellar cast that includes the poignant M Nasser and the ever-riotous Sayaji Shinde, “Killer Soup” is marred by its discordant quality. It represents a tepid beginning to the streaming year, as platforms like Netflix and Prime Video shift their focus from large-scale, politically-loaded spectacles to quirkier, safer crime dramas.
Abhishek Chaubey’s Streaming Dilemma
Chaubey, celebrated for directing some of the most riveting films of the past decade, such as “Udta Punjab” (2016) and “Sonchiriya” (2019), finds his edge blunted in the streaming milieu. These earlier films, like serpents, struck swiftly and left a lasting impression. With “Killer Soup”, it seems streaming platforms have tamed one of Indian cinema’s most prolific filmmakers.
Despite the shortcomings, “Killer Soup” presents an opportunity to witness the convergence of formidable talents in the realm of streaming entertainment. The series is available for viewing on Netflix, where viewers can indulge in the latest chapter of Abhishek Chaubey’s creative journey, albeit one that may leave audiences yearning for more bite.
