36 Days, SonyLiv’s latest crime series, has been receiving mixed reviews from viewers and critics alike. While some have praised its fast-paced narrative and gripping storyline, others have criticized it for being too convoluted and filled with unnecessary tropes. As a fan of crime thrillers, I was excited to watch the show and see what it had to offer. However, after binge-watching all 10 episodes, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed by the direction the series took.
The show follows the story of a serial killer who goes by the name “The Shadow”. As the body count rises, the police are on a race against time to catch the killer before he strikes again. The premise itself is intriguing and has the potential to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. However, as the series progresses, it becomes evident that the makers have fallen prey to the classic mistake of stuffing unnecessary tropes in thrillers, just to add more faces to point the misdirected finger at.
One of the major issues with 36 Days is its lack of focus on the central storyline. A lot happens in each episode – police chases, raids, lavish parties, therapy sessions, marital discord – but none of it feels essential to the main plot. Instead, it feels like the makers are trying to fill the gaps with unnecessary subplots and characters. This not only takes away from the intensity of the show but also makes it difficult for the viewers to keep track of what’s really going on.
Another problem with the series is its pacing. While the initial episodes are fast-paced and keep you hooked, the later ones tend to drag on. The constant introduction of new characters and subplots only adds to the confusion and slows down the narrative. As a result, the climax, which should have been the most thrilling part of the show, falls flat. The lack of a strong build-up and proper character development makes it difficult for the viewers to feel invested in the outcome of the story.
Moreover, the show also fails to elicit the kind of emotional response that one would expect from a crime thriller. The characters are one-dimensional and lack depth, making it difficult for the viewers to empathize with them. The constant focus on unnecessary subplots also takes away from the emotional impact of the show. For instance, the marital discord between the lead characters, played by Madhavan and Gauahar Khan, feels forced and adds nothing to the main plot.
However, it’s not all bad with 36 Days. The show boasts of a talented cast, with actors like Madhavan, Gauahar Khan, and Anjali Patil delivering powerful performances. The chemistry between Madhavan and Gauahar is one of the highlights of the show and their scenes together are a treat to watch. The cinematography and background score also add to the overall mood of the series.
In conclusion, while 36 Days has its moments, it ultimately falls short of being a gripping crime thriller. The unnecessary tropes and subplots take away from the intensity of the show and make it difficult for the viewers to stay engaged. However, the strong performances by the lead actors and the technical aspects of the show make it worth a one-time watch. Hopefully, the makers will learn from their mistakes and deliver a more focused and impactful second season.
