Killer Soup: A Darkly Delicious Treat
The Netflix original Series Killer Soup thoroughly revolves around Soup but doesn't significantly focus on Soup. It is an absolute joy-busting comedy mystery ride of 8 episodes for its viewers with a fantastic cast of Manoj Bajpayee, Konkana Sen Sharma, and Sayaji Shinde, Nassar, Anbu Thasan, Anula Navlekar, and many others.
As the name suggests, the narrative starts with Soup and later takes many turns, leaving the episode with new mysteries and revelations. It's a perfect fictional Indian drama that revolves around many characters and their secrets. Remarkable performances by every character in the story and actors, too.
Components in the soup:
"Killer Soup," a 2024 Indian Hindi-language black comedy crime thriller, is co-written by Abhishek Chaubey directed Abhishek Chaubey, Harshad Nalawade, Anant Tripathi, and Unaiza Merchant. It is loosely based on the 2017 case of Swati M of Telangana for her husband's murder, hiding an alarming plan.
"Killer Soup," an eight-course delightful experience served up by Netflix, is a deliciously cooked blend of dark humor and mystery.
The story's strength lies in the leads and the supporting cast, contributing significantly to the film's overall impact. Manoj Bajpayee, in a double role, manages to balance the character so well, but the performance might feel different from what have audiences come to expect from the versatile actor? However, this show undeniably belongs to Konkona Sensharma, who portrays Swathi with calmness and poise, effortlessly navigating through the complexities of her character's motivations.
Nassar, playing the role of senior police inspector Hassan, steals the show with a stellar performance, especially when dealing with the death of a rookie officer, ASI Thupalli, portrayed by Anbuthasan, who showcases remarkable acting skills that deserve recognition.
Sayaji Shinde, as Arvind Shetty, Prabhakar's elder brother, delivers another memorable performance, reaffirming his status as a go-to choice for characters with Marathi/South Indian don shades. Anula Navlekar, as Apeksha "Appu" Shetty, surprises with her acting prowess, adding a delightful twist to the movie.
I liked how the title "Killer Soup" appears differently in each episode and appropriately uses some Western Classic songs. But joining threads would be complex for some of the viewers.
About Cinematography, Anuj Rakesh Dhawan:
The cinematography in the Netflix series Killer Soup is excellent, with close-up views that add depth to the story. The series also features surreal elements and visual language, such as fireflies leading cops to something.
For example, the frames almost feel like paintings, and the camera work complements Chubby's vision beautifully. The constant vision of the ASI Thupalli also sometimes gives goosebumps, as his appearance is shown in the film. I feel, it was more than comprehensive.
Dark Comedy with a Murderous Recipe :
This black comedy mixes humor with suspense. Swathi, a lousy cook with big dreams, plots with her husband's lookalike lover to replace him... permanently. Their wacky plan creates a hilarious yet thrilling situation. Her hunger for the restaurant makes her wild for hunting.
Stellar Performances:
The show's strength is in its cast. Konkona Sensharma shines as the calm and collected Swathi, while Manoj Bajpayee delivers a unique double role. Supporting actors like Nassar and Sayaji Shinde add depth and humor. The powerful appearance of the character holds the story that carries forward till the end.
A Deliciously Chaotic Story:
The plot keeps you guessing, but it could be better. Some plot points feel rushed, and the ghost of a dead cop gets annoying. Still, the creative use of a different title card in each episode and classic Western songs keeps things interesting.
Binge-Watching Recommended:
Overall, "Killer Soup" is a worthwhile mix of thrill, dark humor, and mystery. It does become a slow simmer several times, but you will be satiated in the end. It may not be everybody's cup of tea, but it will delight dark humor enthusiasts. Dark humor and crime thriller enthusiasts will find the movie particularly noteworthy as it makes them wonder why more stories like this aren't explored in the larger cinematic canon.