Badrunissa (Alia Bhatt) is deeply in love with her unemployed boyfriend, Hamza (Vijay Varma). To avoid appearing like a failure in front of her parents, Hamza secures a government job in the Railways. However, three years later, he transforms into an abusive drunkard who mistreats his wife.
Blinded by love, Badrunissa ignores the reality of Hamza’s behaviour and desperately seeks a solution to her problem. Eventually, realizing there’s no way out, she teams up with her single mother, Rukhsar (Shefali Shah), and takes the drastic step of kidnapping Hamza. Now, the fate of Hamza lies in the hands of these women as they decide their next course of action.
“Darlings” presents a script co-written by Jasmeet and Parveez Sheikh, known for their contributions to acclaimed films like “Queen,” “Bajrangi Bhaijaan,” and “Blackmail.” Their skill in blending humour with various genres is evident in this film as well. From thought-provoking moments about domestic violence being overlooked in society to Shefali Shah’s in the movie that offers much to reflect upon throughout its runtime.
Amidst its strengths, “Darlings” suffers from some rough edges, with the second half occasionally feeling monotonous. By the climax, heightened expectations may be challenging for the filmmakers to meet.
The star performances in the film are commendable, with Alia Bhatt impressively portraying Badrunissa, showcasing her versatility and dedication to the character. Vijay Varma stands out with his captivating portrayal of Hamza, eliciting a range of emotions from fear to hatred, displaying his artistic brilliance. Shefali Shah effortlessly portrays Rukhsar, skillfully balancing the character’s emotional depth with her quirky nature.
Jasmeet K. Reen’s directorial debut shines brightly, displaying a remarkable ability to navigate sensitive topics like domestic violence while infusing humour without losing its significance. The sound design, background score by Prashant Pillai, and the songs by Vishal Bhardwaj and Mellow D add to the film’s appeal.
In conclusion, “Darlings” masterfully blends tragedy with comedy, making it a standout film in Bollywood, with Alia Bhatt’s stellar performance at its heart.
Rating: 8/10