Tanisha Saxena
PLOT: Farah, played by Neha Sharma, is found dead in her home, leading us 36 days back to her arrival at Casa De Magnolia, a housing society in Goa. As we delve into the lives of the residents, we uncover a tangled web of hidden feuds, secret affairs, and simmering marital tensions.
For instance, Dr. Rishikesh Jaykar (played by Purab Kohli) and his wife, Radhika Jaykar (played by Shruti Seth), appear to be the perfect couple, but their marriage is fraught with issues. Similarly, Vinod (played by Sharib Hashmi) and Lalita (played by Amruta Khanvilkar) face their own relationship struggles. Then there’s Tony Walia and Sia (played by Chandan Roy Sanyal and Chahat Vig, respectively), the owners of the society. However, the most mysterious and intriguing residents are Mr. and Mrs. Machados.
THE PLUS : The story kicks off as a classic whodunnit, immediately drawing you into a mystery. As it unfolds, it shifts into a domestic noir, meticulously unraveling each character’s life, exposing their flaws and secrets. The depth of the characters is compelling, and their responses to tragedy and everyday life are portrayed so authentically that you can’t help but get engrossed in their journeys.
For example, Benaifer and Denzie are two of the most intriguing characters in the show. This husband and wife share a uniquely beautiful yet odd relationship. Shernaz Patel brilliantly portrays Benaifer, a woman grappling with loss. From the beginning to the end of the series, Shernaz captures Benaifer’s persona flawlessly, never missing a mark. Her eerily mysterious behavior, as she deals with her grief, adds a touch of spookiness to the show.
Their son, Riyad (played by Faisal Rashid), is equally fantastic. Unlike many contemporary web series that depict anxiety with typical panic attacks, Riyad’s struggles are portrayed with nuance and depth.
The ensemble truly powers this show, with each actor fully embodying their respective characters. Each family has a past, and it’s fascinating to see how their paths continually intersect, driving the narrative forward. The recurring hint that these characters might be somehow involved in the murder adds a compelling layer of intrigue. Special mention goes to Sushant Divgikr, who portrays Tara, a pivotal character in the show. The writers deserve commendation for crafting a well-written non-binary role, contributing significantly to the show’s depth. Divgikr’s performance is outstanding, bringing the character to life with remarkable skill and nuance. 36 Days masterfully encapsulates the essence of domestic noir, drawing viewers into the seemingly tranquil lives of its protagonists, only to unravel their dark secrets and hidden betrayals.
THE MINUS : The allure of having a sprawling ensemble cast brimming with secrets is both a boon and a bane. With so much happening, so many characters to keep track of, and secrets unfolding at every turn, it can leave you gasping for breath. Tony Walia’s character, for instance, feels underdeveloped. At times, his presence feels overwhelming and grating. Technical aspects: Vishal Furia’s direction skillfully maintains suspense, balancing intricate character arcs with the overarching mystery. Quais Waseeq’s cinematography captures picturesque Goa through breathtaking drone shots and clever camera angles that heighten the tension. The sound design amplify the show’s eerie atmosphere. The editing keeps the pacing tight, ensuring episodes flow seamlessly without dragging.
VERDICT : 36 Days is a refreshing high-concept series that feels like a page-turning thriller. Instead of a typical whodunit with cops, investigations and forensics, this web show presents a large ensemble cast, each harboring secrets, and delivers plenty of twists and turns, making it a must-watch for fans of suspenseful storytelling.Directed by : Vishal Furia
WRITER : Anahata Menon, Seneca Mendonsa
Produced by : Prasoon Garg, Deepali Handa, Swati Patnaik,
Cinematography : Quais Waseeq
Cast : Neha Sharma, Purab Kohli, Shruti Seth, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Sharib Hashmi, Amruta Khanvilkar, Sushant Divgikar, Shernaz Patel and Kenneth Desai
Production : Applause Entertainment, BBC Studios
Streaming on : Sonyliv
Rating : 3/5
