“Duranga” is a crime drama series helmed by directors Aijaz Khan and Pradeep Sarkar. The show presents a mixed bag of captivating performances, technical flaws and an engaging plot that’ll keep you engrossed.
Gulshan Devaiah delivers an impeccable performance, effortlessly immersing himself in his character and flawlessly transitioning between emotions. His portrayal of a broken man haunted by his past is truly commendable. Drashti Dhami provides strong support as his wife, portraying a character that is both resilient and vulnerable. Abhijeet Khandkekar initially goes over the top with his portrayal but manages to find his footing as the series progresses. While the remaining cast performs adequately, special mention must be given to Hera Mishra, whose portrayal of Anya is adorable and endearing.
The casting is impressive
The cinematography lacks standout moments or shots and the chase sequences come across as amateurish. The excessive use of multiple camera angles fails to create the desired impact. The dialogue, while not entirely ineffective, falls short of evoking the necessary emotions in certain scenes. Although the background score initially adds depth to the series, it eventually becomes repetitive. These technical shortcomings hinder the overall engagement of the show.
With occasional surprising twists, some of which catch viewers off guard, the well-paced screenplay succeeds in captivating and entertaining the audience. Initially, you may find yourself bewildered as the show intentionally keeps them guessing about the events unfolding.
Strength of the plot ultimately drives the series forward
While “Duranga” has its moments, it also suffers from logical loopholes that detract from the overall experience. Nevertheless, the series manages to deliver heartfelt moments that tug at the heartstrings. In the final episodes, a particularly powerful sequence features a character whose scene enhanced by background music and a Marathi song.
“Duranga” manages to capture the essence of its source material, the South Korean series “Flower of Evil,” but falls short in fully realizing its potential. It presents a familiar psychological thriller narrative, exploring the duality of good and evil, but is hindered by slow pacing and characters that lack depth. Nevertheless, if you enjoy crime thrillers and are willing to overlook its flaws, “Duranga” can provide an intriguing and engaging watch.
