What Is the Story About?
There is a haunted stretch on a roadside where the legend is that the ghost of a jilted lover awaits to pray on the victims trespassing the place. Savari (Venkatesh Kakumanu) is a YouTuber who wishes to break the myth related to ghost. What did Savari find?
Meanwhile, Ravi Varma (Venu) is a lonely writer living in an old mansion with his paralysed wife. Athidi’s story is what happens when unwanted guests visit the mansion on one dreadful night.
Performances?
Venu Thottempudi is seen in a full-fledged role after a long gap. He looks a bit jaded; otherwise, he is suitable for the writer part. Initially, the intrigue required for the character is carried well through the actor’s voice.
However, another shade doesn’t get the correct depth and justice from Venu. It would have ideally elevated the part, but that doesn’t happen. The end is again clean due to the dialogue delivery, but the punch is still missing.
Avanthika Mishra gets a meaty role initially as it requires different shades from the actress. She looks good with the right amount of oomph and acting mixed. However, as the series proceeds, there is little left for Avanthika. She runs and screams, besides looking scared. Unfortunately, it makes one forget the little good work done during the start.
Analysis
Bharath Y G writes and directs Athidi, which was created and produced by Praveen Sattaru. The latter touches on another genre he hasn’t previously: horror.
Athidi starts on a highly predictable note. They are done to death moments with predictability all over, especially to those following the horror genre films or series. The entire opening episode is dedicated to establishing the routine set-up.
The good thing is that things do turn interesting intermittently during the following three episodes. It is mainly due to the breaking of cliches that we usually see in the series related to the genre. One can even guess some of the ‘breaking moments’ here. But, it still nonetheless manages to engage.
The series, unfortunately, nosedives and enters into an utterly predictable terrain after the revelation of a major twist during the final hour. A couple more follow, but they further take down the decent work done during the initial segment.
The first twist makes Athidi more of a thriller than a horror, whereas the second takes things into an utterly routine space. Both don’t help the cause, which is ultimately the bottom line.
It may work for a few who have little knowledge or watch fewer flicks in the horror genre. They might appear different on the surface. But rest assured, nothing new occurs if one has seen enough of the content on the terrain. Athidi borrows heavily from literally as well as cult movies in horror space.
The ending, therefore, after all that happens, leaves one underwhelmed. There is a good message, but it doesn’t matter that point as one just wishes for the thing to be over.
Overall, Athidi holds a little interest in the middle portions but turns out utterly routine and underwhelming by the time it ends. It is a routine, but okay, watch for those who don’t have much awareness of horror films. For others, there is hardly anything fresh on offer.
Other Artists?
Venkatesh Kakumanu and Ravi Varma are the other two actors with a significant presence in the narrative. The former is perfect for the innocent character, providing intermittent fun in the typical horror tale. The latter has been doing similar parts in web series and movies for a long time, making the part extremely predictable. However, he does put an adequate act going through the chores.
Sia aka Aditi Gautam has a minor role. She is forgettable. Comedian Bhadram is wasted. None registers among the rest of the cast with bits and pieces roles.
Music and Other Departments?
Kapil Kumar’s background score is okay. It treads a predictable path and creates familiar notes that give a heard-before feeling. Manojh Katasani’s cinematography is neat. Given the limited setting, it is one segment which has come out with more than expected work. The editing could have been better during the latter half. The writing could have been better considering Athidi’s backdrop.
Highlights?
Middle Portions
Basic Theme
Frequent Tiwts And Turns
Drawbacks?
The Final Hour
Rotuineness Of Horror Elements
Ending Portions
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Huge Reservations
Athidhi Series Review by Binged Bureau