The story aspects that are meant to be inspired by real-life events become less compelling as the episodes progress, and the expected shocks and chuckles don’t happen. The lack of urgency and intensity that is necessary for a dark comedy in “Killer Soup” leaves viewers waiting for the much-anticipated sparks to fly between the incredibly gifted Bajpayee and Sensharma, which never quite do.

The show does have some powerful moments despite these flaws, particularly when new characters are introduced. Many characters’ incorporation of Tamil language enhances realism, while Kirtima (Kani Kusruti), a Kalaripayattu expert, provides a novel aspect to the narrative.

But some elements, such as the over-the-top depiction of a Hyderabadi “khansama” and the recurrent motif of poorly prepared “paya” soup, make viewers wonder about its applicability. Over the longer running time, the main mysteries surrounding the missing camera, the enigmatic woman in a burkha, and the unidentified body in a grave seem less compelling.

The ensemble cast gives excellent performances, especially that of Bajpayee and Sensharma, but the dull script does not take full advantage of their potential chemistry. An even distribution of dark humor and a tighter storyline would have improved the series.