Netflix show Decoupled sees R. Madhavan at his entertaining best in what is a well-written dramedy

Nestled away in the luxurious streets of Gurgaon, amongst sleek, modern bungalows and gaping glass skyscrapers are married - well, sort of - couple Arya and Shruti. Filled with chucklesome, toe-tickling sarcastic banter, their life is far from mundane and nothing short of a dramedy! Decoupled features the evergreen  R. Madhavan as ‘Arya’ and the versatile Surveen Chawla as ‘Shruti’. 

From friends to life partners - Arya and Shruti have been through it all! As the sarcastic, outspoken pulp fiction writer Arya, and his calm, composed corporate suit CEO wife Shruti decide to call it quits on their marriage, all won’t be smooth sailing as what follows will leave you rolling with bouts of laughter. Although they decide it’s time to part ways, the two find unexpected chemistry as they hilariously navigate through their issues, and juggle the constant question of - should they or shouldn’t they be together. Produced by Bombay Fables and Andolan Films, created by Manu Joseph, the show is directed by Hardik Mehta.

Performances

It would have been rather difficult to imagine Madhavan in the kind of role that Arya is, where he is unapologetic, absolutely hilarious, and often, speaks the wrong things at the wrong time. That aside, he is an absolutely loving father, and in parts, this absolutely thoughtful and emotional human being. Seeing these varied sides to the actor is nothing but a visual treat throughout the series. He is witty and sometimes dislikable, but he is quite a vibe in the show all throughout.

Surveen as Shruti is also fun to watch and for anyone who is serious, knows what they want, might related to her character and how. Surveen and Madhavan also manage to put together quite a chemistry together, even during their banter or fights, and you won't realise just how soon the time passes by.

The Good

Through the writing, we see quite the opposite lives that these two lead, however, somehow, it makes sense. And for anyone who has been in a long term relationship, or is currently married, there are so many parts that seem close to home, cause they are. The quirks and writing tropes that have been picked are all absolutely fun to watch and the performances elevate it as a whole.

The show's production quality is also something that is a great plus as it makes it pleasant to watch combined with fine direction and cinematography. There are so many sequences that have your heart, while some have you laughing, and in bits, also leave you emotional. It is that emotional journey that is the highlight after all!

The Not So Good

For a show that is based on a couple and how they decouple, the focus is a little more on individual lives that they lead than the one they have together. Barring that, there's nothing fundamentally off about the show that seems 

Verdict

Decoupled on Netflix is fun to watch, keeps you immersed for the entire 240 plus minutes of the show. If you want a light binge watch worthy show, this is definitely a must must watch. Not to forget, it is going to make you fall in love with R. Madhavan a tad bit more.

Ratings: 4/5