Darlings, Jasmeet K. Reen’s directorial debut and Alia Bhatt’s first project as a producer, crossed 10 million viewing hours on Netflix in the first three days. The dark comedy pivots around Alia’s hopeless romantic-turned-self-respectful Badrunissa, Shefali Shah’s street-smart mother Shamshunissa, Vijay Varma’s intimidating Hamza, and Roshan Mathew’s Zulfi who reassures us that all men aren’t evil. The film also boasts of a talented supporting cast who have breathed life into a bunch of small but significant roles that make Darlings a must-watch.
Kasim Kasai (Rajesh Sharma)
Kasim Kasai is a man of few words, and is played brilliantly by Rajesh Sharma. There’s a hint at the beginning that Kasim could be a probable love interest of Shamshunissa. Kasim, a butcher, doesn’t seem to have a lot to say but he’s someone Shamshu can turn to whenever she needs help. Kasim never goes out of his way to inquire about her problems nor does he involve himself in the mother-daughter’s life. When the time comes, he quietly helps out the women, but only when he’s asked. In the climax, the expression of relief on his face on finding Shamshu and Badru alive is one of the most heartwarming scenes in Darlings.
Rajesh Sharma as Kasim Kasai YouTube
Inspector Rajaram Tawde (Vijay Maurya)
Police officer Tawde elaborates the harsh realities of domestic violence victims playfully. Played by talented Vijay Maurya, Tawde’s frustration at Badru for not being able to file a report against her abusive husband is so relatable. Darlings never sends out the message that all men are evil, something that is highlighted through characters like Inspector Tawde, who almost urges Badru to take the right step against her husband, who’s a repeat offender. The interactions between Tawde and Shamshu-Badru at the police station add the right blend of humour and pathos in Darlings.
Vijay Maurya as Inspector Rajaram Tawde YouTube
Noor parlour aunty (Puja Sarup)
Perhaps one of the most realistic characters in Darlings, Noor, played by Puja Sarup, is another important addition to the plot. Noor is the parlour aunty who regularly hears the abuse Badru faces in Hamza’s hands, and like every other person she blocks it out with music or chit chat with her clients. The character of Noor is rooted in the harsh reality of the world we live in where a lot of people overlook domestic violence and pretend it doesn not exist simply because they don’t want to stick their necks out. And so, the knowing smile exchanged between Alia and Noor at the end becomes so meaningful.
Puja Sarup as Noor YouTube
Ticket collector Damle (Kiran Karmakar)
We get to see the popular TV show Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki’s household character, Om, in Kiran Karmakar’s Damle, a ticket collector. Damle is Hamza’s frustrated boss. He takes out his frustrations on his subordinate Hamza at the workplace by making him do menial work. The scene where Damle is engrossed watching Kaun Banega Crorepati in between work hours is not to be missed.
Kiran Karmakar as Damle YouTube
