Breathe Review

Danny Mascarenhas (Madhavan) is a football coach in Mumbai, A widower, he is facing another impending tragedy: his son’s possible demise to cystic fibrosis, a critical pulmonary condition that can only be corrected with an urgent lung transplant. The list of recipients is long, and Josh, Danny’s son, does not have the time. So, Danny comes up with the diabolic plan to kill those who have signed up as donors to move Josh up the list. Amazon Prime Video has released eight episodes of the series and most of these are devoted to Danny figuring out ingenious methods to kill his targets without arousing suspicion. The show has a tall premise, one that becomes especially untenable given Danny’s other character traits. He is a much-admired football coach, having earned the respect of generations of aspirants and their parents. He is a devout Catholic who offers flowers at his wife’s grave regularly. To have him turn into an insensate murderer, even to save his son’s life, takes some getting used to.

At the other end is inspector Kabir Sawant (Sadh), battling his own demons. He has lost his little daughter to a gunshot wound (the gun was his) and his wife has swiftly moved on to a new life. He drowns his days in drink but retains the keenness of perception that will help him put together the pieces of the puzzle orchestrated by Danny’s actions.

Both Madhavan and Sadh inhabit their roles consummately. Sadh is particularly good as the depressive who passes his days in a blur. Viewers may have trouble accepting Madhavan as a cold-blooded killer – his soft features do not help – but to the actor’s credit, he is able to walk the contrast between tender and merciless with admirable finesse.

It is important to breathe so don't forget to watch breathe!