Dhootha

Story:

“Dhootha,” a Telugu web series directed by Vikram Kumar and featuring Naga Chaitanya Akkineni, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Priya Bhavani Shankar, and others, falls into the category of captivating and respectful storytelling. The eight-episode series, available on Amazon Prime Video, marks both the director and lead actor’s venture into the digital space.

Set in the post-pandemic era of late 2022, the narrative revolves around Sagar (Naga Chaitanya Akkineni), an investigative journalist aspiring to launch a newspaper. The choice to explore the printed word in an age dominated by digital media unfolds gradually, adding layers to the storyline.

“Dhootha,” which translates to messenger in Telugu, immerses viewers in Sagar’s world, entangling him in mysterious occurrences against the backdrop of rain-soaked Visakhapatnam. Mikolaj Sygula’s cinematography employs moody lighting to amplify the gloom enveloping Sagar, while Varun Venugopal’s sound design and Rajeevan’s production design seamlessly align with the narrative’s demands.
The initial two episodes lay the foundation, introducing the characters and establishing the premise.

Sagar’s wife, Priya (Priya Bhavani Shankar), a journalist on maternity break, defies one-dimensional characterization, adding depth to the narrative. The series intentionally avoids stereotypical portrayals, especially concerning Priya’s role as an expectant mother.

“Dhootha” skillfully portrays diverse facets of journalism and the police force. DCP Kranti Shenoy (Parvathy Thiruvothu) leads with observation skills, Constable Ranga (Chaitanya Garikipati) fulfills his duty, and Ajay Ghosh (Ravindra Vijay) adds a slimy layer to the system.

The newsroom characters exhibit a spectrum of diversity, from Amruta (Prachi Desai), the adaptable personal assistant, to the righteous Chandra Murthy (Nagineedu), contrasting with his son. The eerie undertones begin on a rainy night in an isolated location, employing a crossword in a torn newspaper to foreshadow a fateful event, reminiscent of Vikram’s earlier work, “Yaavarum Nalam.”

“Dhootha” delves deeper into mystery and darkness from the third episode onwards. Naga Chaitanya adeptly portrays the multifaceted Sagar, oscillating between inscrutability to his family and the palpable fear and anxiety stemming from lurking dangers. Chaitanya’s nuanced performance contributes to the character’s evolving complexity.

The introduction of Pasupathy and Tharun Bhascker Dhaassyam adds intrigue as the narrative explores the past. Pasupathy’s veteran portrayal complements Tharun Bhascker’s surefootedness. Supporting characters, played by Jeevan Kumar, Tanikella Bharani, Gowtham Krishna, Raghu Kunche, Gnaneswari Kandregula, Rohini, and Anish Kuruvilla, contribute to painting a comprehensive picture of destiny and karma.

While the narrative adeptly ties up smaller threads, offering closure to various characters, some aspects in the closing episode leave room for debate. The intersection of politics, police, and journalism often ties back to lineage, a point of contention in an otherwise well-crafted storyline.” stands out in the Telugu digital space, thanks to meticulous writing, commendable performances, and a proficient technical team. The series successfully navigates the complexities of its narrative, offering a compelling addition to the digital content landscape.