“Review: ATM Series Offers an Adequate Heist Thriller Experience”
Cast:
Starring: VJ Sunny, Subbaraju, Prudhvi, Krishna Burugula, Ravi Raj, Roiel Shree, Divi Vadthya, Divyavani
Director: C Chandra Mohan
Producers: Harshith Reddy and Hanshitha
Music Director: Prashant R Vihari
Cinematography: Monic Kumar G
Editor: Aswin S
Bigg Boss sensation VJ Sunny leads the ensemble cast in the recently released ZEE5 series “ATM,” featuring a storyline penned by acclaimed director Harish Shankar. Here’s an analysis of the 8-episode series.
Plot:
“ATM” revolves around Jagan (VJ Sunny) and his comrades from Hyderabad’s slums who inadvertently become entangled in a high-stakes heist after stealing a car containing diamonds worth Rs. 10 crores. What ensues is a series of events involving the robbery of an ATM van carrying Rs. 25 crores, attracting the attention of the relentless ACP Hegde (Subbaraju). The narrative unfolds as Jagan and his crew navigate through the complexities of their predicament while contending with political intrigue involving wannabe MLA Gajendra (Prudhvi Raj).
Pros:
Harish Shankar’s well-crafted storyline sets a solid foundation for the series, complimented by director Chandra Mohan’s adept direction in establishing a compelling atmosphere across episodes.
VJ Sunny delivers a noteworthy performance, showcasing commendable versatility and charisma. Particularly, Roiel Shree’s portrayal of Harsha adds depth to the ensemble, with Subbaraju’s portrayal of ACP Hegde standing out as a highlight, injecting the narrative with intensity and wit.
Cons:
Despite a promising premise, “ATM” falters in maintaining consistent engagement, with the initial episodes suffering from a sluggish pace. The inclusion of extraneous characters like Divi and Divyavani detracts from the overall narrative focus.
Prudhvi Raj’s character arc as Gajendra fails to capitalize on its potential, resulting in a lackluster portrayal that diminishes the impact of the political subplot. Additionally, the series’ conclusion leaves several loose ends, contributing to a sense of unresolved narrative threads.
Technical Analysis:
Director Chandra Mohan demonstrates proficiency in visual storytelling, enhanced by Monic Kumar G’s commendable cinematography and Prashant R Vihari’s evocative score. However, inconsistent editing and subpar VFX detract from the series’ visual cohesion.
Verdict:
“ATM” offers a mixed bag of thrills and shortcomings, with commendable performances and a solid premise offset by uneven pacing and unresolved plot elements. While fans of the genre may find moments of enjoyment, the series falls short of delivering a consistently engaging heist thriller experience.