Introduction –

It is simply difficult to categorize Decoupled because at times it tilts towards dark comedy, and at times reminds us of social and relationship satire. If that was not enough the web series frequently changes its hue to ordinary, low level comedy which is kind of distracting for genre conscious cinema lovers. Although the story revolves around a high profile couple about to get divorced, it quickly becomes evident that the series is more about the protagonist’s satirical, at times lewd take on society and people than his marital woes.

Synopsis –

Arya Iyer ( R Madhavan ) is a celebrity author and Shruti Sharma Iyer ( Surveen Chawla ) is an entrepreneur / startup owner. The couple decides to live under the same roof not as husband and wife but as two understanding individuals waiting for the right opportunity and the right time to call off their marriage. The reason for postponing their divorce is because their daughter Rohini ( Arista Mehta ) is sensitive to this subject. Frankly, this is just a skeleton around which Arya, Shruti and several characters weave a web of comic narrative.

Right from the word go Arya’s eccentric interpretations and maddening analogies is served with a sprinkle of innocence, to make it socially pleasing. No, Arya doesn’t walk on the street with a lobster on leash ( Like Oscar Wilde ) or dress up in full suit, ride down in the elevator and to the basement and then strip down to just his underwear to write ( Like John Cheever ). What he does is ridicule, expose, and criticize society and humans with his self-developed and self-attested candid humor, wit and irony, at times with a heavy dose of exaggeration.

Decoupled is full of ludicrous and fantastical sub-plots

Arya’s observations, his perspectives and reactions to various events are also not in sync with his character. While he is unable to tell his driver that he stinks, he has no qualms in picking up unnecessary fight with the airport security personnel, or for that matter ridiculing the same driver at an art exhibition. Body shaming appears absolutely casual while phobias such as not shaking hands with young boys are a tad too serious to be called comical. Decoupled is full of ludicrous and fantastical sub-plots which like male sperms run around directionless to say the least. Go on and try the first few episodes to know if you are made for this kind of sarcasm and wittiness.

Most of the episodes are filled with sexist remarks which on any normal day and in normal circumstances wouldn’t be considered humor. For God’s sake who comments or observes whether his separated wife has not worn panties but has the bra in place before heading for an important professional meeting? Who uses some fancy app that tells men when his wife, girl friend or ex-wife is feeling horny based on her menstrual cycle. Madhavan, a celebrity author is nothing but a frustrated, insufferable and candid male personality who keeps flaunting his fancy English, idioms and kickass replies that border male chauvinism. Of course all this is done with panache and therefore socially acceptable.

Decoupled Episodes & Timing –

Total – 248 Minutes

Cast – In no particular order

Analysis –

We believe the maker/s set out with the right script treatment but lost trajectory quickly. As mentioned above, Decoupled doesn’t stick to one genre, and because of this shuffle between various styles, viewers are left with mixed emotions. In spite of the toxic language and insensitive pokes targeted towards all and sundry the actors have done a fine job.

Madhavan leads the pack with a scintillating performance. We believe he is tailor-made for the role. Surveen too impressed us with her skills, her facial expressions, especially her eyes which at times conveyed so much. Atul Kumar as Agni rocks while Aseem Hattangadi as a documentary film maker and a friend, and Dilnaz Irani as Netflix representative shine in their respective roles. Chetan Bhagat is one big surprise. We fail to understand why he agreed to this web series which openly tags him as a bestselling author and not the best author. However, his silly game of one-upmanship with Madhavan is amusing and a bright spot.

Direction and cinematography is refreshing, locations inspiring and shot compositions top notch. In short, from a technical perspective, Decoupled seem to tick all the right boxes.

2021 Hardik Mehta Manu Joseph 248 Minutes Netflix

Our Rating

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