“Dhootha” marks the much-anticipated OTT debut of Tollywood star Naga Chaitanya. The series, written and directed by Vikram K Kumar, is currently available for streaming in multiple languages.
Plot Summary:
Sagar (Naga Chaitanya), a celebrated journalist, assumes the role of Chief Editor at Samachar newspaper. However, his joy is short-lived as a series of tragic events unfold in his life. Adding to the intrigue, certain newspaper clippings predict these misfortunes in advance. How is this possible? Does Sagar have professional adversaries? The unraveling of these mysteries forms the crux of “Dhootha.”
Highlights:
The essence of a story lies in its narration, and director Vikram K Kumar skillfully showcases his storytelling prowess. While the basic plot of “Dhootha” may not be entirely novel, Vikram infuses freshness into it with a compelling storytelling approach. Taking inspiration from his earlier film, “13B,” the director successfully captivates the audience from the very first episode. The suspense is artfully built through the effective use of background scores, arresting visuals, and impressive production design.
The series is peppered with continuous thrilling moments, particularly the portrayal of certain deaths that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Vikram delivers a powerful societal message without it feeling forced. The multi-layered narrative and well-developed characters contribute to a seamless connection of dots in the end.
Naga Chaitanya makes a remarkable OTT debut, portraying a character with dual shades. His performance is commendable, especially in conveying the character’s commitment to his family’s safety. Parvathy Thiruvothu steals the show with a compelling performance, though her dubbing may take a while to get used to.
Supporting actors, including Priya Bhavani Shankar, Prachi Desai, Pasupathy, Ravindra Vijay, Tharun Bhascker, deliver solid performances. The climax, unfolding amidst a backdrop of rain throughout the series, enhances the overall viewing experience.
Areas for Improvement:
The flashback portions lack impact and could have been executed more effectively, presenting a weak point in the series.
The runtime of “Dhootha” could have been trimmed for a more impactful experience, especially as the pacing drops in the mid-episodes. Additionally, the inclusion of a few cuss words may not resonate well with all audience segments.
Technical Aspects:
Ishaan Chhabra’s eerie background score adds an intriguing dimension, complemented by top-notch cinematography from Mikolaj Sygula. The series, visually solid in every frame, reflects a substantial investment in production. While the technical aspects shine, improvements in editing could have enhanced the overall impact.
Despite a previous disappointment, Vikram K Kumar redeems himself with “Dhootha.” The seemingly simple plot gains depth through layered narration, and the director conveys a meaningful societal message.
Verdict:
In conclusion, “Dhootha” emerges as a captivating mystery thriller, brimming with interesting moments. Despite the familiarity of the plot, the narrative keeps the audience engaged. The standout performances of the cast and the high-quality technical elements elevate the series. However, a shorter runtime and enhanced execution of flashback portions could have further strengthened the impact. Nevertheless, Naga Chaitanya’s venture into the OTT space makes “Dhootha” a worthwhile watch for the weekend.