Vikkatakavi web series Review: A gripping period drama with captivating storytelling

Vikkatakavi web series Review: Pradeep Maddali directs this mystery thriller in a solid manner backed by amazing performance by Naresh Agastya.

Vikkatakavi

Vikkatakavi

Vikkatakavi Story

The series is set in the remote village of Amaragiri, where all those who enter the Nallamala Forest at night begin losing their memory. The villagers believe it is a curse from God and avoid the forest entirely. Enter Vikkatakavi (Naresh Agastya), a Hyderabad-based detective, who arrives to solve the mystery. As he delves deeper, he discovers a personal connection to the entire story and the crime behind it. What is the mystery? Did Vikkatakavi uncover the truth? And how do Megha Akash and Raghu Kunche fit into this intriguing setup? To find out, stream the six-episode series on Zee 5.

Vikkatakavi Review

Vikkatakavi is penned by Saitej Deshraj, who has chosen a period drama set in a small village under a curse. The story follows a small-time detective solving mysteries and unraveling the curse showcased across six gripping episodes.

The basic plot may seem simple, but director Pradeep Maddali’s adaptation on screen is superb. From the very first frame, Vikkatakavi captivates with its intriguing storyline and crisp narration. Each episode, running just 35 minutes, ends on a compelling note. While the pace is slow, it is masterfully maintained through a gripping screenplay.

Director Pradeep Maddali crafts an engaging narrative, skillfully extracting drama from his characters. One of the series' biggest strengths is its production design, which feels realistic and adds an immersive vibe. The mystery of why villagers lose their memory after entering Nallamala Forest is presented in a thrilling and captivating manner.

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The first three episodes are particularly strong, packed with suspense and engaging twists. The connection between the hero’s backstory and the central plot is handled deftly by Maddali. The writing is so strong that there is no need for filler scenes, allowing the narrative to flow naturally.

Even when the major twist revealing the main villain is unveiled in the fifth episode, the story continues to hold interest. The resolution of the mystery and how the dots are connected is impressively executed. The screenplay keeps the audience hooked with its tight narrative. However, the last two episodes feel slightly dragged, and a few scenes in the final episode could have been trimmed for better pacing.

Coming to the performances, Naresh Agastya delivers an excellent performance as the lead, showcasing his evolution as an actor. Vikkatakavi provides him ample scope to shine, and his composed portrayal is one of the show’s highlights. Megha Akash, in a solid supporting role, impresses with her presence and looks stunning in traditional attire.

Shiju Menon’s performance adds depth to the narrative, while Raghu Kunche steals the show as the antagonist. Starting as a TV anchor and music director, Raghu showcases his acting prowess with an intense portrayal of the villain. His ability to convey negative traits through his expressions is a standout element, and he deserves more roles in the future. Mukthar Khan as Azam Khan and Tarak Ponnappa in a key role are also commendable in their performances.

Vikkatakavi excels in technical brilliance. Shoeb Siddique, the Mumbai-based cinematographer, breathes life into the series with stunning visuals. The rustic village setting, night scenes in the forest, and the overall period ambiance are beautifully captured. The production design deserves special mention for its authentic costumes, props, and sets that transport viewers to the bygone era. The background score by Ajay Arasada is also impressive. He sets the mood right with his arresting BGM.  

Director Pradeep Maddali deserves credit for holding the audience’s attention with his organic storytelling and balanced execution. The subplots are concise, and the series features impressive visuals and engaging drama. With Telugu content gaining national prominence, Vikkatakavi stands out as one of the most well-executed series in recent times.

Vikkatakavi Verdict:

On the whole, Vikkatakavi is a gripping mystery thriller that ticks all the boxes right. Be it the visuals, performances, and narration, everything is done in the right manner and makes up for a gripping watch this weekend. Recommended.

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