Decoupled
On: Netflix
Dir: Hardik Mehta
Cast: Surveen Chawla, R Madhavan
Rating: 2/5

It’s not a Christmas special — unlike Netflix’s other releases this month — if you are looking for a cozy romance with a tinge of humour, you are watching the wrong show. R Madhavan and Surveen Chawla’s Decoupled is definitely new-age and tells the truth about the ever-changing dynamics of marriage in the 21st century. However, sometimes it is important to look at the big picture.

Like typical warring couples, Arya and Shruti (Madhavan and Chawla’s characters) are always trying to upstage each other as they co-exist in the same house with their teenage daughter. This gives the viewers plenty to guffaw about, but you cannot ignore the obvious sexism and stereotypes the show harps about. Until episode two, we rolled with the storyline about a separated couple and their constant, hilarious comebacks, but post that, the series just doesn’t sit right. Yes, Arya is a bitter writer constantly worried about being upstaged by the other “best-selling author”, Chetan Bhagat, who keeps making appearances. But, Arya often comes across as a rebel without a cause.