Film: Mrs. Serial Killer

OTT: Netflix

Cast: Manoj Bajpayee, Jacqueline Fernandez, Mohit Raina, Zayn Marie Khan, Darshan Jariwala

Director: Shirish Kunder

Rating: 3.5 Moons

Amid the ongoing nationwide lockdown, Netflix in association with filmmaker Shirish Kunder and Farah Khan is here with the film titled Mrs. Serial Killer. Starring Jacqueline Fernandez, Manoj Bajpayee, Mohit Raina, Darshan Jariwala and newcomer Zayn Marie Khan, the crime-thriller is streaming on the digital giant from today.

Mrs. Serial Killer orbits around Uttarakhand based Dr. Mrityunjoy Mukherjee (Manoj), a gynaecologist and his wife Sona Mukherjee (Jacqueline). The couple is happily married and also expecting their first child together. However, in a sudden twist in the tale, Mrityunjoy is taken into police custody for allegedly kidnapping unmarried pregnant women to abort their foetus and dismantle their bodies post murdering them. Refusing to believe in the accusation of Mrityunjoy being the ‘serial killer’, Sona pledges to prove her husband innocent. Interestingly and conveniently too, her ex-boyfriend Inspector Imran Shahid (Mohit) is handling the case against the doctor.

In Sona’s legal fight, Mrityunjoy’s client Mr. Brij Rastogi (Darshan) a lawyer, is her only support. The bed-ridden lawyer, despite gathering all pieces of evidence in favour of the doctor, fails to get him out on bail during the first court hearing. He then advises a shattered and disappointed Sona to take a drastic step for the sake of her husband. Agreeing to his instruction, ‘Mrs. Serial Killer’ ensnares her neighbour Anushka (Zayn) to mislead the police in believing that the murderer is still on the prowl.

Sona, in the pursuit of seeking justice for her innocent husband, unfolds murky truths and dirty secrets. With each chapter of reality flipping rapidly, Sona’s life turns topsy turvy.

With Mrs. Serial Killer, filmmaker Shirish delivered his finest directorial. After the short film titled Kriti, Shirish is emerging to be a director to look out for on the web platform. The narrative flows smoothly with the perfect amount of thrill. His vision in terms of the story is clear. Given the fact that Shirish has written, edited and directed Mrs. Serial Killer, the three major filmmaking elements are in sync with each other.   

Jacqueline makes her web debut with Mrs. Serial Killer. With the crucial character of Sona, Jacqueline had enough room to paint a beautiful picture with her craft. But she underperforms in segments where more maturity on the acting front was needed. It comes with no doubt that the actress tried giving her best, but somewhere, she ends up becoming the weakest link. Manoj Bajpayee holds the fort brilliantly. Without any spoilers, all we can say is that the actor delivers a magnificent performance with ease. He reminds us of his act in Ram Gopal Varma's Kaun. The calmness on his face instills a sense of foreboding right from the first frame. Be ready to be blown away with his surreal act.

Mohit Raina is likable in the brief role that he gets. Though we wanted to see more of the actor in the film. Darshan Jariwala’s talent is underutilised. Newcomer Zayn Marie Khan, who is Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan’s niece, puts forth a strong act. As Anushka, she stuns you and shows immense potential. She is here to stay.

Director of Photography-Ravi K Chandran and Kiran Deohans do a fabulous job. They play an important role in making the film engaging with sharp camera movement. Kudos to production designer Shashank Tere for allowing ample space for the sleek action moves choreographed by Riyaz Nasir Shaikh and Habib Haji Sayed to be executed beautifully. VFX by Anibrain Studio is splendid.

Mrs. Serial Killer, despite a few loopholes, is an engaging watch. All we can now desire is a brilliant sequel soon.

PeepingMoon.com gives Mrs. Serial Killer 3.5 Moons