Indian Matchmaking 2 (Netflix)

Our favourite matchmaker from Mumbai, Seema aunty is back! And so are some of our more memorable characters from the first season. Seema Aunty has definitely had a ‘glow up’ — you can see the difference between how she was before in season one and now. She’s a bit quick with her comebacks — and very practical marriage advice — as well and we are all here for it.

Not to give spoilers away, but you leave somewhat hating one of last seasons’ most-loved characters, Nadya. The very metrosexual Pradhyuman’s life progresses unexpectedly and happily, Aparna is even more annoying and offensive and single — albeit entertaining.

We’re introduced to newer characters — Viral and Shital are two favourites. Both very strong women that know what they want, but do they find their ‘happily ever after’? Seema aunty certainly tries. You’ll have to watch to find out. Do keep a bag of popcorn for the snarky comments and witty one-liners that this show is full of.

Stumped about what to watch this week? We have just the recommendations for you, whether you’re into the horrors of matchmaking or more visceral horrors

Delhi Crime 2 (Netflix)

The first season of this incredible series dealt with the very difficult Nirbhaya gang rape case that had sent shockwaves across the border (and around the world) back in 2012. It was an impeccably produced series that had you on the edge of your seats, even though it was difficult to watch because of the nature of the crime and how realistically it was portrayed.

Season Two is set years later. Everyone has moved on but the police struggle with the same issues — trying to work in a city plagued by crimes while also facing an incredible amount of political pressure as well. Shefali Shah reprises her role of DCP Vartika Chautervedi and is tasked with solving very difficult crimes, while balancing a difficult relationship with her nearly estranged daughter and unrelenting political pressure as well.

In Season Two, the crime being investigated targets the affluent, especially senior citizens who live in presumably safe, gated communities. They are all educated and privileged and some of them are well-known in their circles for their wealth or professional achievements.

They criminals belong to the ‘kachcha baniyan’ [underwear undershirt] gang that sneak into houses and brutally torture and murder them. They’re unafraid of cameras. In fact, they want to be seen and their modus operandi also includes appearing on the roof to be seen, trashing the house they break into. Their actions are cold, calculated and barbaric.

In the season, the kachcha baniyan gang resurfaces after lying dormant for over a decade. Much like the first season, the kachcha baniyan gang in Delhi Crime is inspired by a real-life kachacha baniyan gang that has terrorised India on and off over the past couple of decades.

Chhorri (Amazon Prime)

This film is a little like a slow burn and takes a little warming up to, but it’s worth the wait. The twist in the end is completely unexpected. The only major critique I have of this is that it’s one hour too long. Much like Netflix’s stunning horror-drama, Bulbul (2020), it could have benefitted from a shorter, one hour and 35 minute running time and tighter editing.

We’re introduced to a young couple, temporarily on the run, from loan sharks. Nushrratt Baruccha plays a very pregnant Sakshi who runs an orphanage and is oblivious to the fact that her husband has taken a loan he cannot return. She is also led to believe he has no family.

Their driver offers them refuge in his remote village and that’s where the horrors begin.

This is a slow burn in the sense that the filmmakers don’t immediately reveal the horrors up front. You get used to the couple’s circumstances and buy into their false sense of security before the ghosts that haunt this place are unleashed. There’s more to the film than just horror. Chhorri has a deeply-rooted social message that is revealed closer to the end.

The film is the official Hindi/Urdu remake of the award-winning and critically acclaimed Marathi film Lapachhapi. Both versions have been directed by Vishal Furia.

Published in Dawn, ICON, September 11th, 2022