Darlings 2022

Hamza, portrayed by Vijay Varma, is a troubled alcoholic who subjects his wife, Badrunissa “Badru” Ansari, played by Alia Bhatt, to a relentless cycle of abuse night after night, enduring three miserable years of marriage. Determined to bring about change, Badru explores various avenues to help Hamza quit drinking, from secretly mixing anti-alcohol pills into his meals to boldly suggesting they have a child—using provocative means to manipulate him into wanting a family. Nonetheless, despite her desperate efforts, Hamza continues to delay starting a family and the abuse wears on Badru severely.

Complicating matters, Hamza becomes embroiled in a conflict with the local community, particularly concerning the renovation of their Chawl. He commits to participating in a crucial meeting with the builders but ultimately fails to show up. Meanwhile, Badru bravely attends in his stead, only to face further violence from Hamza when he learns of her involvement. The builder proposes modern apartments in exchange for the land they inhabit, but Hamza’s obstinacy holds the entire project hostage; he insists on leveraging another builder’s offer to demand double the rent.

The subplot thickens with the character of Zulfi, played by Roshan Mathew, who performs various jobs around the Chawl and becomes acutely aware of Badru’s ongoing suffering. Exhibiting great courage, he files a complaint against Hamza for his abusive behavior. Under Section 498A, the police intervene, and Hamza is arrested, yet he remains manipulative even behind bars, promising Badru that he’ll reform if they have a child. When Badru manages to secure Hamza’s release, the cycle of abuse sadly continues.

As the tension elevates, Hamza uncovers the shocking truth about his deteriorating health; he has cirrhosis of the liver. Upon learning that Badru is pregnant, he feigns a commitment to stop drinking, but it becomes clear that his compliance is rooted in fear for his life rather than genuine concern for Badru. His paranoia spirals as he discovers that Zulfi is the one who reported him, leading to an extreme act of violence against Badru. In a shocking turn of events, he pushes her down the stairs, resulting in a miscarriage—a harrowing moment that reveals the true monster lurking within him, free from the influence of alcohol.

After this tragic incident, Badru resolves to turn the tables on Hamza. In a powerful role reversal, she begins to inflict the same torment upon him, using sleeping pills to subdue him before enacting her vengeance. While Hamza’s work supervisor, Ticket Collector Damle, becomes suspicious of the women’s stories, Badru and her mother, Shamshunissa “Shamshu” Ansari, attempt to cover for Hamza’s absence. They are ultimately confronted when Damle uncovers their deceit.

As a series of events unfolds, Hamza cunningly escapes, manipulating Zulfi into believing his only goal is to protect Badru and Shamshu. This leads to chaotic misunderstandings and a police inquiry that casts suspicion on Zulfi, prompting additional complexities in their lives.

While Hamza attempts to take his story to the police, claiming to be the victim of torture, his intoxicated state leads to disbelief from authorities. Meanwhile, Badru, Shamshu, and Zulfi manage to uncover Hamza’s whereabouts, adding to the chaos. In a climactic twist, as plans to end Hamza’s life unfold, Badru grapples with the gravity of her actions, ultimately choosing to untie him before catastrophe occurs.

Tragedy strikes when Hamza meets his end, run over by a train, leading to a somber realization for Badru. In the aftermath, Shamshu discloses her past with domestic violence, revealing a history of abuse that culminated in murder, compelling Badru to understand her choices and to find solace in her decision to leave Hamza behind. Following Hamza’s funeral, Badru feels a sense of liberation and hope for a brighter future, finally free from the chains of their toxic relationship.