Telangana’s first detective series, VikkatakaviStarring Naresh Agastya, Megha Akash and Raghu Kunche in the lead roles, is now available for streaming on ZEE5. Directed by Pradeep Maddali and based in the 1970s, this intriguing thriller unfolds a gripping mystery involving the eerie village of Amargiri.
Story:
Ramakrishna, a brilliant student of Osmania University, is assigned the task of solving strange incidents occurring in Amargiri, where villagers mysteriously lose their memories after visiting Deothala Gutta. Is this incident the work of a malicious mastermind or rooted in divine powers, as the villagers believe? As Ramakrishna delves into the mystery, secrets from his own past begin to emerge.
positive things:
- exceptional performance: Naresh Agastya impresses with his nuanced portrayal of Ramakrishna, delivering a performance that draws the audience into the unfolding mystery. Tarak Ponnada shines as Mahadev, while Shiju Menon, Raghu Kunche and others provide strong support.
- Authentic Settings: The art direction and costume design effectively recreate the 1970s, with authentic backgrounds and period-appropriate costumes enhancing the immersive experience.
- Captivating Story: The tightly written narrative avoids unnecessary comedic elements, maintaining a serious tone that keeps the audience engaged.
Drawbacks:
- Pacing Issues: Some scenes could have been executed with stronger height to maintain the pace.
- Less used characters: Megha Akash’s role lacks depth and impact, missing the opportunity to add more layers to the story.
- Predictability: While engaging, the story sometimes fails to deliver the unexpected twists that could have made it truly entertaining.
technical aspects:
Pradeep Maddali’s direction ensures an engaging viewing experience, although additional twists could have elevated the series. Ajay Arsada’s music complements the tone, and despite some room for improvement in the CG, CG Siddiqui’s cinematography adds to the visual appeal. Sai Babu Talari’s editing and overall production values are solid but could have been further polished.
Decision:
Vikkatakavi As Telangana’s first detective series it is a commendable effort, offering a gripping mystery, remarkable performances and a nostalgic touch of the 1970s. Although the pacing of the issues and missed opportunities for twists hold it back, it still serves as an entertaining weekend watch for mystery lovers.
Now streaming on ZEE5.
