Harikatha

Harikatha is the latest suspense thriller series released on Disney+ Hotstar. Directed by Maggi and produced by People Media Factory, the web series features Sriram, Megha Akash, Rajendra Prasad, Divi Vadthya and others. Check out the review of the series here.

Plot:

When 'god' unleashes a killing spree in a picturesque village, a police officer with a traumatic history finds themselves caught up in the chilling mystery.

Review:

The makers designed the series in such an interesting manner that the elements like God have been blended nicely to the plot. Some scenes are suspenseful which deliver goosebumps to the audiences. The core theme of the film has been translated well on to the screen.

Performances wise, Rajendra Prasad has delivered the best. As the legendary actor, he outshined the expectations of everyone. He is the connecting point to everything in the series and his presence pays off. Actor Srikanth is seen as a police officer in the series and he handled his traumatic past very well. Poojitha Ponnada is good in her role. Divi has a meaty role. All the other actors have played as per the limitations set. The rest of them made their presence felt.

Despite picking up a unique plot, the execution gives us the feel of a routine revenge drama. The devotional angle has been blended well to the main theme but somewhere, it got sidelined and feels that it should have been developed furthermore to make it more intense and interesting. There are less high moments in the series. For the gripping tale that it is, there should be enough high moments but it is missing.

The characters are designed nicely but there is no proper justification for some arcs. Technically, the film delivers an above average output. The production design, art work and the tone of the series is excellent but somewhere, it feels that the screen is dull. The cinematography and editing should have been tighter. The background score appears routine and lacked novelty.

As we zoom out and see the series, it feels like a regular revenge drama of a girl being raped and murdered. The makers tried to serve the old age tale in a new manner by blending the devotional angle. However, the screenplay goes for a toss in connecting some dots and make us forget that the story is routine.

Overall, this Harikatha banks on the point that God is punishing people while the police is on the chase for the criminal. But, the series has its lows. On the whole, it is a one-time leisure watch.