CAST: Konkana Sensharma, Manoj Bajpayee, Sayaji Shinde, Anbuthasan

DIRECTOR: Abhishek Chaubey

Abhishek Chaubey’s “Killer Soup,” featuring Manoj Bajpayee and Konkona Sensharma, masterfully blends dark comedy with the thrills of an investigative drama. In the series, Konkona Sensharma portrays Swathi, an aspiring restaurateur with a peculiar obsession: she is determined to perfect her paya soup recipe for her husband Prabhakar ‘Prabhu’ Shetty, played by Manoj Bajpayee. However, their seemingly normal life is rife with deception, as both Swathi and Prabhu are entangled in their own web of shocking cons, pushing their relationship to its limits.

Set in the fictional town of Mainjur, the series commences with a seemingly ordinary day in the life of the couple. Prabhu, with his vibrant collection of printed shirts, and Swathi, engrossed in her soup preparation, appear typical, but their lives are about to spiral out of control. The plot thickens when Prabhu discovers Swathi’s affair with her masseuse Umesh, who bears a striking resemblance to him but has a squint eye. Meanwhile, Prabhu’s own web of lies, involving a shady hotel deal, infidelity, and a side job as a detective, starts to unravel.

“Killer Soup” rapidly escalates as layers of deceit accumulate. The plot thickens with Swathi’s manipulation, police involvement, and a variety of characters drawn into their deceptive world. The narrative, spanning eight episodes, initially captivates with its blend of magical realism and pop culture nods. However, as the story progresses, it risks becoming an overladen concoction, with numerous characters and plotlines vying for resolution.

One of the standout features of the series is the performance by Konkona Sensharma, who brings depth and nuance to her role. Her portrayal is often cited as a saving grace for the show, offering a compelling and grounded presence amidst the swirling dark humor and intrigue.

From a technical standpoint, “Killer Soup” showcases solid filmmaking skills. The cinematography and direction work together to maintain a balance between the darkly comedic elements and the building of suspense. This balance is crucial in ensuring that the humor does not undermine the tension but rather complements it, creating a uniquely entertaining viewing experience.

The script of “Killer Soup” is another highlight, weaving together the absurdity of the situation with sharp dialogue and well-timed comedic beats. The show doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker aspects of its narrative, which adds layers to its storytelling.

The series, while occasionally stumbling under the weight of its ambition, remains engaging throughout. Particularly notable are the first four episodes, which skillfully maintain the suspense. But as the series progresses towards its climax, it starts to lose some of its initial intensity. The script, a collaborative effort by Unaiza Merchant, Anant Tripathi, and Harshad Nalawade, strives to stay ahead of the audience, sometimes at the expense of depth and intrigue.

Anuj Rakesh Dhawan’s cinematography is a highlight, offering unique perspectives that enrich the storytelling. Despite some narrative excesses, Chaubey’s direction keeps the viewer hooked, making “Killer Soup” a rich and entertaining series, albeit with a few hiccups along the way.