Review: “Inspector Rishi” Tamil Web Series
Cast:
- Starring: Naveen Chandra, Sunainaa, Kanna Ravi, Srikrishna Dayal, Malini Jeevarathnam, Kumaravel, and others
Crew:
- Director: JS Nandhini
- Producer: Shukdev Lahiri
- Music Director: Ashwath
- Cinematographer: Bargav Sridhar
- Editor: Sathish Suriya
Inspector Rishi, a Tamil web series featuring Naveen Chandra and Sunainaa, has made its debut on Amazon Prime Video today, available in multiple Indian languages, including Telugu. Here’s an analysis of the show:
Plot Summary:
Inspector Rishi Nandhan (Naveen Chandra), a crime branch inspector with one eye, arrives in Thaenkaadu village near Coimbatore, engulfed by dense forests, to probe a series of mysterious murders. Accompanied by sub-inspectors Ayyanar (Kanna Ravi) and Chitra (Malini Jeevarathnam), he endeavors to ascertain whether the killings are the handiwork of Vanaratchi, the forest goddess, or not. The series explores the enigma surrounding the murders, unveiling the motives and methods behind them.
Positives:
- Naveen Chandra delivers a compelling performance as the determined inspector, embodying the complexities of his character adeptly.
- Sunainaa impresses as a Forest Beat Officer, infusing her role with innocence and depth.
- Supporting cast members, including Malini Jeevarathnam, Kanna Ravi, Srikrishna Dayal, and Kumaravel, contribute commendable performances, enriching the series’ overall quality.
Negatives:
- The series struggles to blend mystery, horror, and thriller elements, resulting in a poorly developed storyline and a sluggish screenplay.
- Pacing issues plague the initial episodes, testing the audience’s patience. Despite some improvement later on, the climax remains lackluster. Additionally, the lengthy runtime of 10 episodes spanning 8 hours presents a challenge for viewers.
- The horror elements fall short of inducing genuine fear, and the sporadic appearances of Vanaratchi lack impact due to ineffective storytelling and cinematography.
- Inconsistencies in language usage, such as Tamil songs in the Telugu-dubbed version, detract from the regional audience’s viewing experience.
- The series is burdened by numerous characters with minimal contribution to the plot, resulting in a disjointed narrative and limited character development. Overemphasis on subplots further hampers the flow of the series.
Technical Evaluation:
- Director JS Nandhini’s efforts to craft a compelling narrative are hindered by unnecessary scenes and a stretched-out storyline, hampering viewer engagement.
- Sound design and cinematography fail to create a suspenseful atmosphere, while editing falls short of expectations.
- K Kadhirr’s production design stands out positively, enhancing the visual appeal of the series.
Verdict:
Inspector Rishi falls short of expectations due to its weak storyline, sluggish pacing, and technical flaws. While the lead performances are commendable, the series fails to deliver a captivating viewing experience, primarily due to unnecessary scenes, prolonged episodes, and superfluous subplots. Investing time in a series that fails to realize its potential is not recommended.