36 Days Indian TV Series Review

36 Days, a gripping Indian TV series on Sony LIV, takes viewers on a suspenseful journey through the secrets and lies hidden within a cluster of villas in Goa. Adapted by Anahata Menon from the Welsh noir crime series 35 Diwrnod, and directed by Vishal Furia (known for Criminal Justice and Chhorri), this eight-part series is a unique whodunit that combines mystery, drama, and psychological intrigue.

36 Days Indian TV Series Review

36 Days Indian TV Series Plot Summary:

36 Days opens with the discovery of a corpse, and then the narrative rewinds 36 days to unravel the events leading up to the murder. Unlike traditional crime dramas, no detective arrives to solve the case. Instead, the series delves into the lives of the residents of Casa de Magnolia, each harboring their secrets and motivations.

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Farah (Neha Sharma), a single and alluring woman, moves into Casa de Magnolia, instantly stirring the pot among the residents. Her flashy red car, provocative stewardess uniform, and bikini-clad poolside lounging make her the subject of male attention and female disdain.

The Neighbors:

Rishikesh (Purab Kohli): A scientist with a sulky wife, Radhika (Shruti Seth), and two teenage children. Their household is fraught with unresolved animosity.
The Machados: Denzil (Kenneth Desai), his wife Binafar (Shernaz Patel), and their disturbed son Riad (Faisal Rashid) are an eccentric family dealing with blackmail.
Lalita (Amruta Khanvilkar): Aspires for a better life, while her disgruntled husband, Vinod (Sharib Hashmi), works as a casino manager. They are connected to the vulgar landlord Tony (Chandan Roy Sanyal), who lords over the property with his wife Sia (Chahat Vig).

Supporting Characters:

Tara (Sushant Digvikar): Sia’s transgender friend.
Bobo (Shivam Patil): Lalita’s criminal-minded brother.
Noel (KC Shankar): A drug kingpin with ties to the residents.

As Farah’s presence disrupts the seemingly tranquil community, the true nature of each character comes to light. The outside world intrudes with threats and temptations, adding layers to the complex relationships within Casa de Magnolia.

36 Days Indian TV Series Cast Performances:

Neha Sharma: Captivates as Farah, delivering a sultry and enigmatic performance.
Purab Kohli: Impresses as Rishikesh, effectively portraying his character’s inner turmoil.
Shruti Seth: Adequately conveys Radhika’s resentment and frustration.
Chandan Roy Sanyal: Stands out as the flamboyant and controlling Tony.
Amruta Khanvilkar: Convincingly portrays Lalita’s aspirations and struggles.
Sharib Hashmi: Delivers a competent performance as the disgruntled Vinod.
Shernaz Patel and Kenneth Desai: Bring a theatrical flair to the eccentric Machados.
Sushant Digvikar: Adds a unique dimension as Tara, Sia’s transgender friend.

What Works for 36 Days:

Strong Performances: The cast delivers standout performances, especially Neha Sharma as the enigmatic Farah, Purab Kohli as the troubled Rishikesh, and Vijay Raaz as the manipulative Tony. Each actor brings depth and authenticity to their roles, enhancing the show’s appeal.

Intriguing Plot: The unconventional narrative structure, which starts with a murder and works backwards, keeps viewers engaged. The suspense builds as each episode peels back another layer of the story.

Stylish Cinematography: Qais Waseeq’s cinematography captures the lush, picturesque villas and their surroundings beautifully. The aerial shots and vibrant visuals add a layer of sophistication to the series.

Psychological Depth: The series explores the psychological and emotional complexities of its characters, delving into themes of mental health, pretence, and the corrosive effects of secrets.

Engaging Subplots: The myriad subplots, from blackmail to criminal dealings, intertwine seamlessly, adding richness to the main narrative.

What Doesn’t Work for 36 Days:

Pacing Issues: The series moves at a leisurely pace, which may not appeal to viewers looking for a fast-paced thriller. Some scenes feel disconnected from the main plot, causing the story to meander at times.

Predictability: While the narrative structure is unique, some of the plot twists and character motivations are predictable, diminishing the overall impact of the suspense.

Underdeveloped Characters: Certain characters and their backstories could have been explored more deeply, adding more depth to the ensemble cast.

Where To Watch 36 Days Indian TV Series:

36 Days is available for streaming on Sony LIV.

36 Days Indian TV Series Rating:

Rating: 3.5/5

Final Verdict of 36 Days:

36 Days is a stylish and intriguing whodunit that stands out for its unique narrative structure and strong performances. Despite pacing issues and some predictability, the series manages to keep viewers engaged with its psychological depth and engaging subplots. The picturesque Goan setting and stylish cinematography further enhance the viewing experience.

FAQs: (Frequently asked Questions)

Where can I watch 36 Days?
You can watch 36 Days on Sony LIV.
Who directed 36 Days?
The series is directed by Vishal Furia.
Who are the main cast members of 36 Days?
The main cast includes Neha Sharma, Purab Kohli, Shruti Seth, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Sharib Hashmi, and Amruta Khanvilkar.
What is the plot of 36 Days?
36 Days follows the events leading up to a murder in a cluster of villas in Goa, focusing on the secrets and lies of the residents.
What is unique about the narrative structure of 36 Days?
The series starts with a murder and then rewinds 36 days to explore the events that led to the crime, without a traditional detective figure.
How are the performances in 36 Days?
The performances are strong, with standout roles by Neha Sharma, Purab Kohli, and Vijay Raaz.
What are some of the main themes explored in 36 Days?
The series delves into themes of mental health, pretence, and the damaging effects of secrets and lies.
Is 36 Days based on another series?
Yes, 36 Days is adapted from the Welsh noir crime series 35 Diwrnod.
How many episodes are in 36 Days?
The series consists of eight episodes.
Is 36 Days worth watching?
Despite some pacing issues, 36 Days is worth watching for its strong performances, intriguing plot, and stylish cinematography.