'Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein' is a deliciously pulpy thriller

The Indian content on Netflix can be divided into two sections – Pre-Covid and Post-Covid.

The pre-Covid content had very little to boast of, it almost seemed as if Netflix may not really be interested in the Indian market (or probably they were just testing it out). But post-Covid Netflix India has got its act together with a string of Original Indian content that are well worth the time for us subscribers.

That said, is their latest offering Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein worth your time?

Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein (title a clever spin-off from the song from the film Baazigar) follows the story of Vikrant who must tackle Purva, a politician’s daughter who aggressively pursues for marriage. Will he be able to reclaim his life?

The story is an interesting cocktail of pulpy humour mixed with loads of thrills. The screenplay is one helluva roller coaster. It wastes almost no time in the setup and gets straight into the mix.

The characters are introduced and the world is built simultaneously. The humour and dollops of it is tactfully inculcated in the sequences. While the humour is dark, it will surely make you laugh hysterically. The twists and turns in the plot with almost every episode ending with a cliffhanger will definitely force you to binge watch this series in a single go.

The situations created and the cat and mouse game that follows is an absolute treat. On the minor blip, the humour dries out in the second half of the series, although the thrilling drama will ensure that you are on your toes throughout. But the drama ends on another cliffhanger, ensuring nice setup for season 2 (or should I say Tu Ru Ru, Tu Ru Ru).

Overall, a brilliantly penned screenplay which is sharp and filled with humour.

The dialogues are filled with expletives but quirky and they will definitely leave a smile on your face. The music here is fabulous and the songs are well integrated in the drama. The BGM is also wonderful and blends well with the drama.

IMDB says that the series is directed by four individuals – Sidharth Sengupta, Rohit Jugraj, Ankkitha Maithy and Varun Badola and the direction is top notch. The directors have been able to keep the thrill element alive which ensures no dull moment throughout its duration. The direction deserves distinction marks!

The performances are top notch. Arunoday Singh shines in a cameo and his character will be very important in the next season.

Anant Joshi as Goldie has an impeccable sense of comic timing and he does a fabulous job. Hetal Gada as Pallavi is good particularly towards the backend of the drama. The veteran Brijendra Kala as Suryakant is absolutely brilliant and his dialogue delivery is to die for.

The other veteran Saurabh Shukla as the wily and ruthless politician is amazing. Surya Sharma as Dharmesh has a towering screen presence and an intimidating personality and he puts it to full use here. Shweta Tripathi Sharma as Shikha is such a natural onscreen and wish she had a slighter longer role but whatever the length she is fabulous to watch.

Anchal Singh as Purva is the surprise package here. Earlier seen in Undekhi (along with Surya), she delivers a very matured performance here. Her cold stares can send a shiver down your spine and her stoic demeanor adds to her character.

And My Man Tahir Raj Bhasin is on a roll. First ’83, then Ranjish Hi Sahi and now this (with Loop Lapeta out in Feb), he is slowly carving a niche and making a name for himself. A very conflicted character here by the name of Vikrant, he is absolutely terrific here and delivers a towering act.

Final Verdict

Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein is a deliciously pulpy thriller which will make you laugh and keep you interested throughout. And it is nicely setup for Season 2 (Tu Ru Ru, Tu Ru Ru)