A Murder Mystery That Goes Wrong: A Review of "36 Days" on SonyLiv
The thrill of a good murder mystery lies in its ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, constantly guessing "whodunnit?" while each revelation throws a new curveball. Sadly, SonyLiv’s latest crime series, "36 Days," fails to deliver on the promise of a gripping thriller. Despite a promising premise and a cast of talented actors, the series falls victim to a jumbled narrative, unnecessary subplots, and a lack of depth.
H2: A Familiar Premise, But Flawed Execution
"36 Days" starts with the discovery of a slain air hostess, Farah, and then takes us back 36 days before her murder, chronicling the events that led to her tragic demise. The series draws inspiration from the Welsh miniseries "35 Diwrnod," and attempts to create a captivating mystery within the confines of a luxurious Goa housing complex. The residents, all with their own twisted tales, are presented as potential suspects: a chauvinistic womanizer, a drug lord, an overbearing baker, a trans artist, a successful businesswoman, and a celebrated microbiologist, among others. While this diverse group of characters promises intriguing dynamics, the show fails to capitalize on their potential, instead opting for predictable tropes and clichés.
H2: Unnecessary Subplots and Poor Pacing
The series is riddled with subplots that feel forced and ultimately distract from the main story. The appearance of a teenage couple running away from security officials serves no clear purpose, while the recurring hallucinations of a mentally ill character are left unexplained. These subplots, instead of adding layers of intrigue, feel like filler, hindering the pacing and diminishing the overall impact of the series.
H2: Missed Opportunities and Problematic Portrayals
"36 Days" also makes an attempt to delve into the complexities of sex and exploitation, but unfortunately, this exploration feels shallow and exploitative. Several scenes, featuring gratuitous sexual content, seem to be included for shock value rather than contributing meaningfully to the narrative.
In addition, the series attempts to tackle the issue of transphobia but ultimately falls short. While the portrayal of transphobic abuse and judgment is present, it remains superficial and fails to explore the real-world impact of these experiences. The character of Rani Ko-HE-Nur, played by Sushant Divgikar, is sadly underused and their storyline feels incomplete.
H2: A Cast Underutilized
"36 Days" features a stellar cast of talented actors, including Sharib Hashmi, Neha Sharma, Purab Kohli, Shernaz Patel, and Faisal Rashid. Despite their individual talents, the series fails to utilize them to their full potential. Neha Sharma, in particular, is reduced to a sexualized prop in the first half of the series. While she is given more dialogue later, the script doesn’t allow her to truly showcase her acting capabilities.
However, there are some noteworthy performances: Shernaz Patel and Faisal Rashid deliver compelling portrayals of a troubled mother-son duo, bringing depth and a sense of unease to their roles.
H2: A Missed Opportunity for a Gripping Thriller
With its predictable twists, poorly paced narrative, and clunky editing, "36 Days" ultimately fails to deliver on its promise of a thrilling mystery. It’s a reminder that a strong premise and a talented cast aren’t enough to compensate for a weak script and a lack of focus. If you’re looking for a captivating and thought-provoking thriller, "36 Days" is not the series for you. While it may be a watch for a casual weekend, it is unlikely to leave a lasting impression or keep you guessing until the very end.
