An engaging murder mystery captivates its audience with a compelling whodunnit narrative while delivering surprising twists at each turn. The most successful series heighten the thrill with a mix of suspense and anticipation about the unfolding events. Unfortunately, SonyLiv’s latest crime offering, 36 Days, does not quite meet these standards.
On paper, the series is equipped with the essential elements for an intriguing thriller, including a rich array of suspects, haunting music, and cinematography that aligns with its themes. However, these components culminate in a disorganized presentation that lacks the sophistication required for a truly gripping narrative.
The storyline kicks off with the murder of air hostess Farah, who is discovered dead in a pool of her own blood. From this shocking opening, the narrative rewinds to 36 days prior, gradually revealing the events leading up to her tragic fate, one episode at a time. This format is reminiscent of the Welsh miniseries 35 Diwrnod on which it is based.
Viewers are introduced to an upscale suburban housing complex in Goa, where Farah has recently settled. She encounters a cast of residents, each harboring their own twisted secrets. The ensemble includes a womanizer, a drug dealer, a domineering baker, a transgender artist, a prosperous businesswoman, and a distinguished microbiologist, all of whom are depicted with moral ambiguity, sparking curiosity about potential motives behind Farah’s demise.
However, the series stumbles into the familiar trap of cluttering the plot with extraneous tropes, diluting the core mystery with too many side stories. Numerous events unfold—police pursuits, extravagant parties, therapy sessions, and family conflicts—but they contribute little to the main narrative and fail to resonate emotionally with viewers. It appears the creators became so engrossed in adding distractions that they neglected to ensure each subplot had purpose and depth.
For example, a subplot involving a young couple fleeing from beach security remains unexplained. Likewise, a character suffering from mental illness experiences hallucinations involving a rat, the significance of which is never clarified.
The series also leans heavily on sexual themes, with nearly every character appearing to pursue romantic interests. The opening moments showcase an elderly man engaging in an intimate video call with a camgirl, only to be followed by awkward dream sequences and suggestive glances throughout.
Despite efforts to weave these tangents into a cohesive whole, the connections feel contrived. Farhana, introduced as an enigmatic newcomer, fails to establish any sense of mystery. As the central plot meanders, the likelihood of viewers losing interest increases. While later episodes show slight improvement, many may have already switched off by then. What had the potential to be an enthralling series is hindered by a lackluster screenplay, inconsistent pacing, and clumsy editing that undermines suspense. Distracting camera angles and an overused soundtrack further detract from the viewing experience.
Some talented actors, such as Sharib Hashmi and Neha Sharma, are underutilized. For much of the series, Sharma is relegated to a mere sexualized figure, and even when she finally speaks, the material doesn’t allow her to shine. On the brighter side, Purab Kohli delivers a commendable performance, and Shernaz Patel and Faisal Rashid create a deeply affecting dynamic as a troubled mother-son pair, leaving a lasting impact despite limited screen time.
The cast includes Sushant Divgikar, a well-known model and drag queen known as Rani Ko-HE-Nur. While their musical performances are enjoyable, their acting does not achieve the same level of success.
The narrative also misses an opportunity to delve into the dark reality of transphobia and its profound effects on its victims. Although the show features instances of transphobic abuse and judgment, it only scratches the surface of this critical issue.
On a brighter note, Divgikar’s wardrobe is visually striking, showcasing a range of stylish dresses and gowns with flair and poise. Yet, these fashion choices are insufficient to uplift the series from its mediocrity.
36 Days ultimately exemplifies how a murder mystery can falter in engaging its audience. Fans of the genre may wish to give this series a miss, as it lacks the elements that typically create nail-biting suspense. However, for those seeking a light viewing option for a casual weekend or to have something on in the background, it may serve as a mildly entertaining, if forgettable, choice.
All eight episodes of 36 Days are now streaming on SonyLiv
