'Panchatantra Kathalu', an anthology feature, is currently streaming on Aha. In this section, we are going to review the latest Telugu-language OTT release.

As the title of the anthology denotes, the show comprises five stories, each having a different set of characters and themes. The one featuring Noel Sean and Nandini Rai is the only segment that makes sense. It tells the story of a married woman who gets in touch with her Ex, much to the latter's surprise and puzzlement. The duo bond once again and what ensues is a coming-of-age drama. RJ Hemanth's cartoonish character is the only minus in this segment, which otherwise brims with a fine arc and a hard-hitting finale.

Praneeta Patnaik is seen in a hilariously dull stretch where the 'Care Of Kancharapalem' actress plays a prostitute who behaves as though she has zero agency in a world supposedly dominated by sex-crazy men. Her character's tryst with a traveller-cum-painter (played by Ajay Kathurwar, who acts as if he has been commanded to look like a hipster itching to transform lives) is replete with contrived ideas and artificial lines. Her little son behaves as though he has been asked to not be mindful of any other character; they never look like a mother-son duo.

Sai Ronak features in a story that has him running a dance training institute. A mystery caller gets in touch with him and they both become phone friends. Soon enough, the male protagonist falls in love with the caller, only to be stumped by a shocking reveal. The narration is strewn with lame staging, so much so, you can see the twist coming right after a character is introduced a few moments into the show.

Nihal Kodhaty headlines a segment that attempts to show caste equations and hierarchy in a small village in a light a Pa.Ranjith or a Vetrimaaran won't like. The choice made by the director may be debatable but it is not entirely unrealistic. The segment is convincing in the last 10 minutes, but the rest of the show, which constructs a cliched love track between a barber and a young girl from an upper caste community, is bland.

Geetha Bhascker of 'Fidaa' fame forms part of the last story, which is hurried and somewhat generic, too.

Syed Kamran's background score and songs are derivative. The cinematography by Ganganamoni Shekar and Vijay Bhaskar Saddala is usual. Azhar Sheikh's dialogues are uninventive. Srinivas Varaganti's editing is flawed.

Verdict:

'Panchatantra Kathalu' lacks the quality to move the viewer. The Ganganamoni Shekar directorial is fraught with uninteresting ideas for the most part. Only one story works.