‘Killer Soup’: A Bizarre Culinary Crime Comedy Dished Out By Manoj Bajpayee and Konkona Sen
- While the series did not leave me laughing out loud, it left a lingering chill that refused to dissipate in the dark confines of my bedroom.
I streamed “Killer Soup” on Netflix out of curiosity, drawn by the cast and the unconventional addition to one of my favorite comfort foods: a warm, brothy, herb-infused soup. However, to my dismay, this dark comedy crime thriller series has soured me on “soup” for the foreseeable future.
Now, whenever a well-intentioned chef offers a liquid concoction, whether it be a cleansing gazpacho or a flavorful pepper “rasam,” I flinch! Images of Konkona Sen Sharma as the amateur chef kneading curries into hoofs or “paya” float into my mind’s eye, far from inducing pleasure akin to the proverbial “field of daffodils.”
Despite my efforts to suppress these disturbing images, I must acknowledge the talent of the duo: Manoj Bajpayee, portraying an “evil twin persona” or an unintentional body double scenario, shines as the talented masseuse the squint-eyed Umesh Pillai, engaging in clandestine amorous romps with the “evil heroine” Swathi Shetty, played by the versatile Konkona Sen (If you remember her award-winning performances in Omkara (2006) and Life in a Metro (2007).
Shetty, a nurse-turned-home chef, is determined to open a successful restaurant in Mainjur, even if it means resorting to any recipe in the book to eliminate anyone obstructing her path, including her husband Prabhakar Shetty, his office crush who excels at making custard tarts, and the hapless private detective, among others.
“Killer Soup” is a criminal-culinary rollercoaster with twisted loops and turns that navigates through the dark alleys and lush hills of the fictional hill station of Mainjur in Tamil Nadu. Created and directed by the talented Abhishek Chaubey of “Dedh Ishqiya” and “The Blue Umbrella” fame, it is worth a watch.
Chaubey spins a tale of deceit, thwarted love, and foul-smelling soup, blending ludicrous and blood-curdling elements. The supporting cast, including Nassar, Sayaji Shinde, and Lal, delivers commendable performances, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The cinematography and editing are dramatic.
While “Killer Soup” left a lingering chill that refused to dissipate in the dark confines of my bedroom, I did not find myself laughing out loud at the bizarre humor. Perhaps, the second season will strike a better balance with more humor and a less macabre narrative.
I hope Umesh Pillai who is posing to be the ‘simpering” husband of Mrs. Shetty in the last scene does not get snuffed out by overindulgence in the “magic” mushroom laced ‘Killer Soup” but surfaces back with alacrity and inimitable style that was so captivating in “Pinjar” (2003), “Bhonsle” (2016) and the unforgettable “Family Man” (2021).
“Killer Soup,” Season 1, is streaming on Netflix.
With one foot in Huntsville, Alabama, the other in her birth home India, and a heart steeped in humanity, writing is a contemplative practice for Monita Soni. She has published hundreds of poems, movie reviews, book critiques, and essays and contributed to combined literary works. Her two books are My Light Reflections and Flow through My Heart. You can hear her commentaries on Sundial Writers Corner WLRH 89.3FM.