Rating: 3 stars
Director Vishal Furia, riding the wave of success from his chilling film “Chhorii,” attempts to capture lightning in a bottle with “36 Days,” an official Indian adaptation of the UK series “35 Diwrnod.” While the series boasts a promising premise and a stellar cast, it ultimately stumbles under the weight of its ambition.
“36 Days” suffers from a classic case of overindulgence. The narrative is stretched to its breaking point, padded with superfluous anecdotes and tangential references that do little to advance the plot. The sheer volume of characters dilutes the impact of the story, leaving viewers grappling with an ensemble cast that ultimately feels wasted. Neha Sharma, Shruti Seth, Sharib Hashmi, Purab Kohli, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Amruta Khanvilkar, and Sushant Divgikar deliver commendable performances, yet their talents are squandered in this muddled attempt at a mystery.
The show’s pacing is its Achilles’ heel. Each episode plods along, offering a superfluity of disconnected clues that never quite coalesce into a coherent narrative. For those with the patience to sift through the disjointed storyline, there might be a semblance of a payoff. Yet, this potential reward feels more like an endurance test than an engaging viewing experience. The series is rife with predictability, undermining any suspense that might have been built. The ending, far from being a satisfying conclusion, lands with a thud, leaving viewers more bewildered than intrigued.
“36 Days” is a study of missed opportunities. With a star-studded cast and the pedigree of its production houses, it had all the ingredients for a compelling thriller. Instead, it delivers a convoluted, tiresome narrative that struggles to maintain interest.
However, it is not entirely devoid of merit. The production values are slick, and the cinematography is occasionally noteworthy. However, the show’s fundamental flaws overshadow these fleeting glimpses of potential. Those seeking a taut, suspenseful thriller would be wise to steer clear of this labyrinthine mess. “36 Days” is a masterclass in squandered opportunities, a frustrating reminder that a good cast and a lengthy runtime are no substitutes for a coherent story.
In the end, “36 Days” earns a middling 3 stars, serving as a cautionary tale of what happens when ambition outstrips execution. You might be better served looking elsewhere if you’re in the mood for a mystery.