SonyLIV is at the top of the mountain when it comes to providing top-quality regional content. The last two years have gone exceptionally well for the streaming service. And it has received a stable, but not strong, start for the year 2023. In January, the platform released two direct-to-OTT shows, Story of Things and 3Cs, for the viewers. It also offered licensed titles like Fantasy Island Season 2, Saudi Vellakka, and Accused.
Fantasy Island Season 2 (Series/Licensed) – Miss
Saudi Vellaka (Film/Licensed) – Hit
Story of Things (Series/Direct-to-OTT) – Hit
3Cs – Choices, Chances, and Changes (Series/Direct-to-OTT) – Miss
Accused (Series/Licensed) – Hit
As the data above shows, SonyLIV knows how to deliver expertly crafted originals to the viewers. Yes, 3Cs was a bit of a letdown. But ‘Saudi Vellakka’ and ‘Story of Things’ were top-notch materials. Howard Gordon’s Accused turned out to be a surprise package. But we can’t say the same about Fantasy Island Season 2.
Fantasy Island Season 2: The second season is as disappointing as the first one. Serving as a sequel to the original 1977 series, the show focuses on a group of people who visit ‘Fantasy Island’ in hopes of living their fantasies or desires for real. But everything comes with a price.
Season 1 received strong hate from the fans because many believed the show did no justice to the original series. Also, fans did not like how the male characters got treated. Makers only focused on the development of female characters. Season 2 suffers from all these dilemmas as well. Wait, we forgot to mention the acting performances here! Well, they are horrible too.
Saudi Vellakka: Courtroom dramas can become dull if not treated well. Thank God! That’s not the case with this Tharun Moorthy directional. Strong performances and heartwarming moments make this film a must-watch. Additionally, it brilliantly showcases the black marks of the Indian Constitution. The cast deserves praise too. Easily one of the best additions to the Mollywood industry.
Story of Things: The latest project from George K Antoney is a masterful blend of five stories that take us on an emotional rollercoaster ride. All the performers looked in fine form. Yes, viewers may experience some tonal inconsistency in some episodes. But the series’ performances, direction, camera angles, music, and emotional tone will win your hearts.
This anthology series proves that SonyLIV wants to establish itself as a giant in the Tamil market. Back when people had to stay inside their houses due to the COVID pandemic, the streaming platform had many ‘small’ but fascinating projects for its viewers. Then came Scam 1992 out of nowhere. That one show aided SonyLIV worthy of competing in the big leagues. It seems like the streaming platform is doing pretty much the same with the Tamil market.
3Cs – Choices. Chances, and Changes: This one is another unfunny and amateurish comedy, highly derived from popular comedies or gangster projects. It fails at taking full advantage of an intriguing and bonkers premise. The makers had an incredible opportunity to create something out-of-the-box with this one. Also, the stereotypical and unoriginal characters of the leading ladies, not to mention their unimpressive performances, make the most of this show a cringe watch. The rest of the cast disappoints too.
Accused: Homeland creator Howard Gordon delivers another gripping crime drama in the form of Accused. The show perfectly tackles controversial matters. Additionally, it finds a good balance between its backstory foreshadowing and current courtroom proceedings. Although, its 40-45 minute timeslot doesn’t do the show full justice. All the episodes needed more runtime to allow viewers to absorb the stories and the characters. Still, it is an entertaining watch.
SonyLIV bestowed two originals last month and 3Cs turned out to be an disappointment. Accused was a pretty good and entertaining watch. But Fantasy Island Season 2 was just pathetic.
SonyLIV January Success Score: 60%
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