OTT Review: Vikkatakavi – Telugu web series on ZEE5

Telangana’s first detective series, Vikkatakavi, starring Naresh Agastya, Megha Akash, and Raghu Kunche, is now streaming on ZEE5. Read our review to see how it stacks up.

Story:

Set in the 1970s, Ramakrishna, a brilliant student at Osmania University, Hyderabad, is known for his sharp detective skills. When his professor assigns him the mystery of Amaragiri—a village where people mysteriously lose their memory after visiting the eerie Devathala Gutta—Ramakrishna sets out to uncover the truth. What happened to the village? Is it the work of a sinister mind, or is it tied to divine forces, as the villagers believe? Who is Ramakrishna, and what secrets lie in his past? Will he solve the mystery or fall victim to it? The series unravels the mystery.

Plus Points:

Naresh Agastya shines in a well-written role, delivering subtle expressions and immersing himself in the character. His performance allows the audience to experience the unfolding mystery through his perspective.

Tarak Ponnappa, as Mahadeva, is another standout, contributing a solid and commendable performance. Shiju Menon, Raghu Kunche, Raviteja Nannimalla, Amit Tiwari, and others play their parts well, adding to the show’s appeal.

The story is crafted with effective interconnections that captivate the audience. The writers deserve credit for maintaining the serious tone and avoiding unnecessary comedic elements that could have diluted the narrative.

The art and costume teams excel in recreating the 1970s, perfectly capturing the era’s essence through authentic locations and detailed costumes.

Minus Points:

As Telangana’s first detective series, Vikkatakavi is a decent watch but struggles with pacing issues here and there. Certain scenes could have been executed better, with stronger elevations to sustain interest. A few moments feel unnecessary and detract from the overall flow.

Megha Akash’s character lacks depth and purpose, leaving her underutilised. A stronger role for her could have enhanced the narrative.

The storyline is somewhat predictable, with director Pradeep Maddali opting not to challenge the audience too much in uncovering the culprit.

More twists and surprises could have made the series truly gripping, and the lack of these elements makes it feel like a missed opportunity.

Technical Aspects:

Director Pradeep Maddali delivers the story in an engaging manner, with several well-executed scenes that add intrigue to the series. While incorporating more twists could have enhanced the impact, his direction ensures that Vikkatakavi remains an interesting addition to the Telugu detective genre.

Ajay Arasada’s music is adequate, while Shoeb Siddiquie’s cinematography effectively sets the tone. However, the CG work could have been improved. Sai Babu Talari’s editing is okay but has room for improvement, and the production values are commendable.

Verdict:

On the whole, Vikkatakavi is a decent detective series with commendable performances from Naresh Agastya and Tarak Ponnada, supported by an engaging storyline and a short runtime. However, pacing issues, underdeveloped characters, and missed opportunities for impactful twists hold it back. Despite these shortcomings, it remains an entertaining weekend watch from the comfort of home.

123telugu.com Rating: 3/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team