Killer Soup Review: flat writing, killed the excitement

In anticipation of the 2024 web series “Killer Soup,” directed by Abhishek Chaubey, featuring the tantalizing combination of Manoj Bajpayee and Konkona Sensharma, the initial excitement was palpable. However, it pains to admit that this concoction, promising an abundance of flavor and freshness, only managed to intermittently captivate.

The story unfolds in the picturesque town of Mainjur, near Madurai, setting the stage for a twisted narrative populated by dubious characters and questionable activities. Swathi (Konkona Sensharma) and Prabhakar, alias Prabhu Shetty (Manoj Bajpayee), a married couple, find themselves amidst a seemingly never-ending argument. Swathi aspires to own her restaurant, while Prabhu navigates a multi-crore financial scandal. The narrative also introduces Prabhu’s older brother, the street-smart Arvind Shetty (Saiyaji Shinde), and his art-loving daughter Apeksha, nicknamed Apu (Anula Navelkar). The characters create a compelling backdrop for a tale filled with surprises.

Trailer

The plot weaves a complex tapestry with elements of a jovial private eye, blackmail, a Prabhu lookalike, and a mysterious woman in a burkha. As bodies pile up and investigators enter the scene, the narrative should theoretically be ripe for the black comedy promised. However, over eight episodes, the plot points, purportedly inspired by a real-life case, unfold in writing that often feels flat.

The quirkiness, a hallmark of Chaubey’s earlier works like ‘Ishqiya’ and ‘Dedh Ishqiya,’ feels forced and detached from the characters and storytelling. The much-anticipated humor and shocking twists, essential components of black comedy, seem elusive, leaving the viewer waiting for laughs and surprises that never quite materialize. The urgency and tension that should accompany the genre are notably absent.

Certain details, such as characters speaking in Tamil and impactful moments with new faces like Kirtima (Kani Kusruti), bring some vibrancy to the narrative. However, the overarching focus on poorly-made ‘paya’ soup and exaggerated elements, like the Hyderabadi ‘khansama,’ remain unresolved and unexplained.

Despite the talent of Bajpayee and Sensharma, their on-screen chemistry falls short of expectations. The anticipated spark between these accomplished actors fails to ignite, leaving the audience wanting more. Nasser’s portrayal of a seasoned cop provides a silver lining, injecting humor and sharpness into an otherwise bland narrative.

In summary, “Killer Soup” falls short of delivering the promised black comedy, leaving viewers with intermittent moments of engagement but ultimately lacking the desired impact.