Darlings: A Case Study for the Evolution of Hindi Cinema

The landscape of Indian cinema is undergoing a transformative evolution, breaking free from conventional tropes to embrace narratives that intricately mirror the complexities of society. In this new era, filmmakers are increasingly venturing into real-world issues, turning cinema into a potent instrument for social commentary.

At the forefront of this cinematic revolution stands Darlings, directed by Jasmeet K. Reen and set for release in 2022. The film adeptly employs dark humour to delve into intricate family dynamics and feminist ideas, skillfully portrayed by Alia Bhatt and Shefali Shah. Darlings weaves together themes of feminism and socioeconomic struggles, offering a nuanced perspective on the challenges faced by individuals in modern India.

Alia Bhatt's character embodies the essence of the modern, independent woman grappling with societal expectations, abuse, and gender inequality. Through her journey, the film sheds light on the hurdles that women encounter in their pursuit of success in a society that often places limitations on their ambitions.

Adding a socioeconomic dimension, Darlings places its characters in lower-middle-class settings, addressing economic disparities, job insecurity, and financial instability—issues resonating with many individuals in India. By intertwining feminist and socioeconomic themes, the film presents a holistic portrayal of the challenges faced by individuals at the intersection of gender and class. In an interview, with IndieWire explains, “I love how quickly it changes genre: Where [you’re] expecting a basic household story, and you think it’s going to be about something else, but then suddenly, you open up this Pandora’s box [of] different quirks in each and every character and how they’re trying to fix the situation but terribly failing, or how they’re trying to manage a stressful moment but it’s a comedy of errors.”

What sets Darlings apart is its commitment to realism, grounding its narrative in the everyday realities of life. Alia Bhatt's character uses humour as a coping mechanism in an abusive relationship, showcasing the strength to find moments of empowerment even in difficult circumstances. One prominent theme explored in the film is on-screen abuse, where it takes a detailed approach, portraying the cyclical nature of abuse – tension, violence, reconciliation, gaslighting, and calm. The film rejects simplistic portrayals, offering a psychologically complex representation of victims' experiences.

As the narrative progresses, Darlings introduces dark comedy as Badru, supported by her mother Shamshu (Shah) and neighbour Zulfi (Mathew), seeks unconventional means to reclaim agency. Dark humour becomes a tool for the character to grapple with her situation, moving beyond the conventional victim-perpetrator dichotomy.

Shamshu's portrayal in the film breaks new ground by challenging established societal norms, where the mother of a daughter is traditionally expected to persuade her to stay with her husband and persevere in the relationship, regardless of its deteriorating conditions. This perpetuates the idea that a woman alone bears the responsibility for sustaining her marriage, even in the face of continuous mistreatment. In the midst of this problematic mindset, Shamshu's character stands out as a refreshing departure, urging her daughter to assert her self-respect, file a complaint against her physically and mentally abusive spouse, and break free from the toxic relationship.

The relatable nature of the characters and their struggles invites viewers to empathise with the intricacies of their lives. The film refuses to conform to traditional narratives, challenging the tropes available to battered women in cinema. Darlings presents a woman's fight for self-respect and agency without succumbing to revenge or becoming a figure of power. The narrative introduces an innovative feminist perspective in which a woman who has endured persistent abuse rejects it and opts to impart a lesson to her husband.

Beyond its thematic exploration, Darlings serves as a cinematic journey through contemporary India. As the industry continues to embrace this shift towards socially relevant storytelling, one can anticipate more films contributing to a nuanced understanding of the complexities woven into the fabric of Indian society. Through its lens, Darlings becomes a reflection of the times, offering a commentary on the evolving dynamics of Indian society.

Works Cited: 

Ghosh, Devarsi. “Deep Dive into Darlings with Director Jasmeet K Reen.” News9live, 24 Aug. 2022, www.news9live.com/entertainment/deep-dive-into-darlings-with-director-jasmeet-k-reen-alia-bhatt-shefali-shah-vijay-varma-netflix-india-domestic-abuse-191189.

Khosla, Proma. “Netflix Film ‘Darlings’ Threads a Difficult Needle: A Black Comedy about...Domestic Violence.” IndieWire, IndieWire, 6 Aug. 2022, www.indiewire.com/features/general/alia-bhatt-darlings-netflix-1234747544/.

Oreya, Snigdha  Nalini. “‘Darlings’ to ‘Bulbul’, 14 Bollywood Movies That Portrayed Social Issues in a Distinctive Way.” ScoopWhoop, 8 Sep. 2023, www.scoopwhoop.com/entertainment/bollywood-movies-with-distinct-social-messaging/.

Shaikh, Sajeer. “Darlings Dares to Defy Status Quo: The Express Tribune.” International News, Latest News, Breaking News, 21 Aug. 2022, tribune.com.pk/story/2372373/darlings-dares-to-defy-status-quo.