Series: Duranga Season 1

‘Duranga’ unfolds the tale of Sammit Patel (Gulshan Devaiah), a stoic psychopath with a sinister past, now seemingly content in marriage to Mumbai Crime Branch detective Ira Jaykar Patel (Drashti Dhami). Their seemingly normal family, including their affectionate daughter Anya (Hera Mishra), conceals the violent nature and extreme measures Sammit took to bury his history. Directed by Pradeep Sarkar and Aijaz Khan, this Indian adaptation combines procedural crime drama with a cat-and-mouse thriller. While initially challenging to grasp, the narrative gains clarity as Sammit's character unfolds.

The nine-part slow-burn thriller seamlessly navigates genres, maintaining focus on its core premise. Episodes deftly traverse between past and present, detailing Ira and Sammit's journey from initial acquaintance to their current idyllic union. Noteworthy is the show's penchant for frequent twists, turns, and cliffhangers, ensuring viewers remain engrossed. Although the initial episodes delve into individual murder cases, they serve as a foundation for the overarching plot, ensuring consistency in the screenplay.

The drama presents a spectrum of life-and-death scenarios, with some scenes creating suspense but occasionally falling into prolonged loops. The pacing, while occasionally uneven, lays groundwork for future seasons. Gulshan Devaiah and Drashti Dhami deliver commendable performances, bringing depth to their characters. Sammit's multi-faceted personality and Ira's crime-solving skills are well-portrayed, with supporting roles by Kiran Srinivas and Sparsh Walia enhancing the ensemble.

Notable contributions come from Barkha Bisht as Sammit's sister Prachi and Abhijeet Khandkekar as crime reporter Vikas Sarode, both presenting unique storylines and challenges. Divya Seth Shah and Rajesh Khattar skillfully depict Sammit's parents' twisted personalities. The series introduces Amit Sadh, hinting at a more significant role in future seasons.

Drawing parallels to Jung Hee Yoo's K-drama 'Flower of Evil,' the series recreates certain scenes, sparking comparisons. The finale unveils some secrets but leaves others to unravel in subsequent seasons.

In summary, ‘Duranga’ adeptly merges romance, drama, and action-packed thriller elements without losing its intricate plot. The engaging narrative, stellar performances, and unpredictable twists make it a compelling watch, inviting viewers to delve into its thought-provoking storyline.

There's little to fault in this web series. I highly recommend watching both seasons of 'Duranga.' It's expertly directed, an exhilarating thriller that promises to be a worthwhile binge-watch, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout.

The season 2 of Duranga is now streaming on Zee5. The review for the season 2 of Duranga will be up on Monday at 9am.

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