Review: “Puli Meka” – A Crime Thriller on ZEE5
Cast: Lavanya Tripathi, Aadi Sai Kumar, Suman, Siri Hanmanth, Raja Chembolu, Mukku Avinash, Sai Srinivas, Goparaju Ramana, Spandana Palli
Director: Chakravarthy Reddy
Producers: Kona Film Corporation (KFC) & ZEE5
Music Director: Praveen Lakkaraju
Cinematography: Ram K Mahesh
Editor: Chota K Prasad
ZEE5’s latest offering, the crime thriller series “Puli Meka,” starring Lavanya Tripathi and Aadi Sai Kumar, has hit the digital platform. Let’s delve into what this series has to offer.
Synopsis:
In the city of Hyderabad, a serial killer is on the loose, targeting police officers. This prompts Kiran Prabha (Lavanya Tripathi), an accomplished IPS officer, to lead the investigation. Assisted by forensic expert Prabhakar Sharma (Aadi Sai Kumar), they delve into unraveling the mystery behind the killings and capturing the elusive culprit.
Highlights:
- Lavanya Tripathi delivers a compelling performance as the IPS officer, showcasing versatility and skill in her action sequences.
- Aadi Sai Kumar shines in a different role, adding depth to his character as the series progresses.
- Siri Hanmanth, known from Bigg Boss, surprises with a pivotal role, injecting momentum into the narrative with her emotive portrayal.
- Seasoned actors like Suman and Raja Chembolu contribute commendable performances, enhancing the plot’s intrigue.
- Twists and flashback sequences serve as the series’ trump cards, adding layers to the storyline.
Drawbacks:
- The series suffers from pacing issues, particularly in the initial episodes, where the plot fails to engage viewers.
- Logical inconsistencies, such as unrealistic portrayals of crime investigation procedures, detract from the overall credibility.
- Superfluous family drama segments detract from the main storyline, diluting the series’ impact.
- Excessive use of profanity may alienate some viewers and hinder the show’s broader appeal.
- The series’ length could have been trimmed to maintain tighter narrative cohesion.
Technical Analysis:
- The series benefits from the contributions of seasoned professionals, evident in its production quality.
- Brahma Kadali’s artwork complements the thematic elements, while Praveen Lakkaraju’s background score enhances pivotal moments.
- Cinematography by Ram K Mahesh provides a visually appealing backdrop, although editing could have been tighter.
- The plot, penned by Kona Venkat and Venkatesh Kilaru, offers a decent narrative foundation, despite some predictable elements.
- Director Chakravarthy’s execution falls short in pacing and fails to deliver consistent intensity throughout the series.
Verdict:
“Puli Meka” is a mystery crime thriller with its share of strengths and weaknesses. While the lead performances and intriguing twists contribute to its appeal, pacing issues and narrative inconsistencies may deter some viewers. Despite its flaws, the series offers enough intrigue to warrant a watch, particularly for fans of the genre.