Lara Dutta's 'Hundred' Doesn't Always Add Up

Hundred is about two women, Netra Patil (Rinku Rajguru) and Saumya Shukla (Lara Dutta). Netra, who works in the census department, is given the tragic news that she has a brain tumour. She has 100 days left. Saumya, an Assistant Commissioner of PolicePolicePolice, is struggling to prove there is more to her than just being a woman. One day, their paths cross and thus begins the story of Hundred, a web series on Disney + Hotstar.

Netra and Saumya come from different social backgrounds but grapple with the same problem: a patriarchal society. The theme of the web series is that women can do anything, but are endlessly underestimated and pulled down by men. While Saumya is told to attend a flashmob instead of busting a drug racket by her misogynist boss, a male colleague compares Netra to a curry leaf.

However, Netra and Saumya give wings to each other’s dreams. Saumya inspires a dying Netra to make the most of her remaining days and hires her as an informer. The way Dutta’s character is carved out is impressive. Saumya has various shades. She is neither a hero nor a villain. She has her whims and fancies in life, and she doesn’t pretend to be a ‘tyaag ki murti’.