Dhootha: A Must-See for Fans of the Genre, but Don’t Expect Perfection
Review by Kausalya Suharika R
Why would you watch a series if the expected ‘hero’ himself is a moral-less and emotionless character? Wherefore, you bring a renowned actor for attracting the audience to tap on the series on the OTT. Although these kinds of anti-hero plots are not new on our screens; a complete mass and class hero trying to alter himself redefining his own image is relatively new to Telugu audiences. Naga Chaitanya has done a good job in this complicated role – the complete character arc from low to high.
Naga Chaitanya’s debut on OTT with Dhootha presents a compelling narrative, however, it falls short of captivating the audience entirely. The series lacks a distinct ingredient that could have propelled it to a higher level of engagement.
Dhootha is A Captivating Mystery-Thriller with Nuances
Dhootha, a Telugu-language horror-thriller web series created, written, and directed by Vikram Kumar, has captivated audiences with its intriguing plot, compelling characters, and exploration of ethical dilemmas in the media industry. The series revolves around Sagar Varma, a seasoned journalist who encounters a series of cryptic newspaper clippings that seem to predict the impending deaths of those around him. As Sagar delves deeper into this mystery, he uncovers a sinister connection between the clippings, his own troubled past, and the dark forces that haunt him.
Naga Chaitanya’s Gripping Performance
Naga Chaitanya delivers a powerful performance as Sagar Varma, convincingly portraying the character’s emotional turmoil, desperation, and determination to unravel the truth. His portrayal adds depth and complexity to Sagar, making him a relatable and engaging protagonist. The evolution of his character, starting with zero emotion and gradually experiencing and expressing a range of feelings before undergoing a complete transformation, renders into a compelling role that any dedicated actor would aspire to play.
Another actor to not miss the mention when talking about Dhootha is Ravindra Vijay – you could literally feel sense of disgust towards his character as Ajay Ghosh, a corrupt police officer. Very well portrayed by Ravindra Vijay, it is a reflection of his remarkable talent, undeniable in every character he portrays.
The actresses’ performances are commendable for their scope within the story. There is an exceptional protagonist throughout is none other than the ‘story’ itself and the second is the one and only Parvathy Thiruvothu, an investigating officer with a knack of getting to the bottom of the cases just like peeling the onions.The portrayal of the character as an infallible genius who always catches the correct clue feels somewhat contrived and lacks depth, feels a little bit predictable and lazy writing.
Prachi Desai debuted in Telugu with Dhootha whose acting is just fine. Actress Priya Bhavani Shankar did a splendid job with her role acting as a pregnant wife.
There are Tharun Bhascker Dhaassyam, Pasupathy, Raja Gowtham, Tanikella Bharani, Anish Kuruvilla, and Rohini who have all delivered standout performances in their assigned roles.
Rain, the toofan assumed another character throughout the entire series. Although why did they choose to show the entire series with the rain backdrop is another puzzle.
A special mention for background music. The only “hero” that carries the entire mood of the series is the BGM. Even after watching the series, the BGM still haunts you.
A Thrilling Blend of Horror and Mystery
Dhootha masterfully blends elements of horror and mystery, creating an atmosphere of suspense and dread. The series effectively utilises jump scares, eerie visuals, and a haunting background score to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The series also goes with the new movement of Indian cinema, where you don’t expect that character could be killed, but ultimately gers killed. None of the Telugu movies, in this case series, have this screenplay until now.
Violence Serving as a Character Development Tool
The series also utilizes violence to shape and develop its characters. The protagonist, Sagar Varma, is confronted with violence that challenges his moral compass and forces him to confront his own inner demons. This interplay between violence and character development adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
Exploring the Ethics of Journalism
Dhootha delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists, particularly in the face of sensationalism and political influence. The series raises questions about the responsibility of the media in reporting sensitive information and the potential consequences of sensationalised stories.
A Thought-Provoking Conclusion
Dhootha’s conclusion is both thought-provoking and satisfying, leaving viewers with lingering questions and a sense of unease. The series challenges viewers to consider the nature of reality, the power of belief, and the consequences of our actions.
Overall, Dhootha is a captivating and well-crafted web series that will appeal to fans of horror, mystery, and thought-provoking narratives. The series’ strengths lie in its intriguing plot, strong performances, and exploration of ethical dilemmas in the media industry.
Rating: 3/5
