Venu Thottempudi, who recently marked his return to the silver screen, is now making his OTT debut with the series “Athidhi,” written and directed by Bharath Y.G. The show features Avanthika Mishra, Venkatesh Kakumanu, and Aditi Gautam in significant roles and is currently available for streaming on Disney Plus Hotstar in multiple Indian languages. Let’s delve into the series.
Plot Summary:
The narrative revolves around Ravi Varma (Venu Thottempudi), a writer residing in a mansion with his paralyzed wife, Sandhya (Aditi Gautam). One rainy night, a mysterious woman named Maaya (Avanthika Mishra) seeks shelter in Ravi’s house, followed by a YouTuber named Savari (Venkatesh Kakamanu), who believes he has encountered a ghost. As the story unfolds, the characters grapple with the mystery surrounding Maaya and the eerie events that follow.
Highlights:
The series kicks off promptly, introducing key characters and weaving in a horror element that adds intrigue. Venu Thottempudi’s subtle and compelling performance stands out, proving his prowess in the horror-thriller genre. Avanthika Mishra shines in her role, conveying a meaningful message through her character. Venkatesh Kakamanu’s portrayal of the YouTuber is both charming and effective. Aditi Gautam, Ravi Varma, and Bhadram deliver as expected, and the background score complements the horror theme. Additionally, the inclusion of impactful short stories within the series adds depth.
Areas of Improvement:
While the series boasts a strong storyline, the execution on screen falls short of delivering the anticipated thrills. The spooky effects, intended to create jump scares and horror moments, often resort to clichéd scenes. The revelation of twists lacks impact due to predictable presentation, detracting from the overall suspense. The concluding episodes disappoint with rushed scenes and a lack of detail in certain aspects, leaving the audience wanting more.
Technical Evaluation:
Kapil Kumar’s background score enhances the viewing experience, contributing to the effectiveness of key scenes. Manojh Katasani’s cinematography is commendable, maintaining a good pace throughout the series. However, the rushed feeling in the final episodes affects the overall flow. The production values meet the expected standards.
As for Bharath Y.G., the writer-director, while the story exhibits potential, the presentation falls short of fully utilizing the subject matter. Despite a promising premise, “Athidhi” struggles to deliver the expected thrills and chills.
Verdict:
In conclusion, “Athidhi” emerges as a partially realized horror thriller with moments of brilliance. Strong performances from Venu Thottempudi, Avanthika Mishra, and Venkatesh Kakamanu elevate the series. However, the overall execution, especially in delivering thrills, leaves room for improvement. Despite its interesting premise, “Athidhi” falls short, particularly in handling key twists, resulting in an overall underwhelming experience.