What Is the Story About?
Sammit Patel (Gulshan Devaiah) and Ira (Drashti Dhami) are a happily married couple with a daughter. Professionally they are chalk and cheese as Sammit is a craftsman, whereas Ira is a police officer.
What happens when a murder investigation by Ira brings back the ghost of notorious serial killer Abhishek Banne? How is Summit Patel connected to Abhishek Banne? And finally, how the whole case affects Sammit and Ira is the basic plotline.
Performances?
Gulshan Devaiah is a good casting choice for the role. He convincingly portrays the duality required for the part. The actor neatly does the change from being expressionless, presenting an emotionless person, to an expressive guy trying to build a relationship. It is all subtle and has an intensity to it, as well.
Drashti Dhami, too has a meaty role. She plays a loving and caring wife and simultaneously is a tough cop at work. The contrast has been effectively showcased, and so are the emotions binding both sides.
Another common thing for both the actors is that the roles get progressively emotional and complicated. The growth and the graph are appropriately evolved.
Analysis
Goldie Behl of Rejctxn fame is behind Duranga. It is an Indian adaptation of a popular Korean drama, Flower Of Evil.
The opening of Duranga not only instantly draws one in but also sets the tone clearly for things to come. There is a thriller aspect on one side, and then there is husband-wife drama on the other hand.
One can sense a bit of unevenness, but the thriller elements and the related investigation track cover things up. There is always something happening that keeps one engaged regarding the thriller aspect.
The police office setting, the officers and the dynamics between them could have been better, though. They are straight out of the investigative drama textbooks, but the presentation looks amateurish and silly in places.
The better part of the series is the smooth merging of the drama and thriller narrative after the mid-point. It takes away the initial unevenness. It is what makes the latter half of the series comparatively better. However, the writing progressively becomes weaker. It kind of balances things (not in a good way) and makes the whole look like an average affair.
The ending, however, neatly sets for a sequel. But, the many unanswered threads and questions will surely leave one slightly frustrated due to the length.
Overall, Duranga is a drama cum thriller with an even focus on both narratively. The story is the strength, along with the lead actors’ performances, but it’s meandering. If you are in the mood to watch a slow-paced but decent thriller cum drama, give it a try.
Other Artists?
Abhijeet Khandkekar is the only other actor, apart from the lead, who gets a decent role. He is fine despite the character coming across as inconsistent at times. The layers add depth which is matched by Abhijeet’s natural reactions.
Then there are a host of other supporting parts played by known faces like Rajesh Khatter, Divya Seth Shah, Barkha Sengupta, Srinivas Prasad Kiran, Sparsh Walia etc. Among them, Barkha Sengupta stands out due to her character.
Music and Other Departments?
Ripul Sharma and George Joseph provide the background score. It is competent for a thriller drama. Quais Waseeq’s cinematography is alright. The dark aspects and the simple moments between the lead (before and after the marriage) are neatly captured. Abhijit Deshpande and Hrishikesh Petwe handle the editing. It should have been sharper, considering the near tiresome length. The writing is decent in parts.
Highlights?
Story
Lead Pair Casting
Thriller Aspect
Drawbacks?
Length
Slow Pace At Times
Drama, In Parts
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Duranga Series Review by Binged Bureau
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