What Is The Story About?
Jagan (VJ Sunny), Karthik (Krishna Burugula), Abhay (Ravi Raj) and Harsha (Roiel Shree) are childhood friends. They live in the slums and blame their parents for their poor fortune. The inequalities since childhood make them decide to be rich by hook or by crook.
The shortcut to becoming rich leads the four friends, led by Jagan, to rob a van carrying crores of cash for ATMs. A ruthless cop Hegde (Subbaraju), with an impeccable track record of solving crimes, is appointed to catch them. Did Hegde succeed in his mission, or did the boys get what they wanted? It is the series’ core plot.
Performances
VJ Sunny puts in a confident act in a rugged avatar. He looks unrecognisable at times and does well according to the character mostly.
Subbaraju gets a substantial role in ATM. His presence is an excellent addition to the series. Subbaraju is perfect for the part, and he does the needful with his act without overdoing anything.
Krishna Burugula, Ravi Raj and Roiel Shree, the members of the hero’s gang, are okay. Roiel shines due to his characterisation, easily.
And last but not the lead, thirty-years-industry Prudhvi gets a role utilising his skills properly. He starts as another actor in the background but gets better as the narrative progresses. He especially shines in the final few episodes, even though we have seen him do all that before.
Analysis?
Popular blockbuster director Harish Shankar creates the series ATM. He provides the story and writing, whereas C Chandra Mohan directs and provides the screenplay.
ATM is a crime thriller with heist, action and comedy elements thrown in in equal measures. However, it takes time for all the different things to come together and deliver.
The series begins on a cacophonious note. A lot of time is taken to establish the world and the characters. It is fine, but the story offers nothing new, and the whole thing moves in circles featuring a different actor each time.
The same tragedies and misfortunes are seen in all the primary characters. While the different characterisations hold some appeal initially, it soon turns tiresome.
The real story commences when the plan for the cash-stashed van’s robbery is put in place. The narrative picks some momentum, and one is interested to see what happens next. Sadly, the proceedings that follow are as flat as it gets.
Real momentum and thrill are missing in the robbery part. The visual quality also adds to the impact. Let’s say they could be shot much better and more excitingly.
It’s when the investigation process by Hegde becomes the core narrative that ATM holds attention. The characterisation and the story create some gripping moments. Also, it’s here that one realises that ATM’s focus is more on the ‘escape’ part than on how it’s done.
Another interesting aspect of note here is that despite being a web series, ATM feels like a movie cut into pieces. So the first few episodes, the setup and the take-off come across as a movie’s first half. The latter episodes are the second half.
The final few episodes manage to engage and entertain simultaneously. It could be of better quality but adequate enough to make one immersed in the proceedings intermittently.
The entire ending stretch is predictable for those who see a lot of thrillers, but for newbies, it works fine. The over-explanation is a little bit clumsy, but otherwise, ATM gets things right mostly in the final act. It also sets up neatly for the sequel.
Overall, ATM, cinematically speaking, has a flat first half and a mildly engaging second one. The final few episodes do the trick in generating interest and engagement. If you like thrillers, give it a try, but have the expectations under check.
Other Artists?
Among the second-level supporting actors, the one playing Subbaraj’s subordinate, the parents etc., are decent. They don’t have much of a role but are satisfactory in what they get.
Music And Other Departments?
Prashant R Vihari provides the background score for the series. He has done a commendable job, even though it is a bit on the louder side. Monic Kumar G’s cinematography is weak. Mane scenes fail to create the desired impact due to the neat short-film-like visuals. Aswin S’s editing, too, should have been better. Many parts have a clumsy feel to them. The writing is alright.
Highlights?
Basic Idea
Casting
Last Few Episodes
Drawbacks?
Unnecessary Muddled In Part
Flat Beginning
Editing
Did I like it?
Yes, In Parts
Do I recommend it?
Yes, With Slight Reservations
ATM Web Series Review by Binged Bureau
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