What Is the Story About?
Gayatri (Niharika Konidela), Bhargav (Akshay Lagusani), and Anand (Harsha Chemudu) are introverts obsessed with online video games. They live a dual life, one in reality and the other online. How the two worlds collide and they slowly come of age, is the series’ basic premise.
Performances?
Niharika Konidela, who is frequently seen doing active roles, goes for a different than routine part here. She still has those high outburst moments, but they are mostly in between as a regular character trait. She is alright, but somehow one gets the feeling that she is trying hard to play it. The naturality is missing, especially when those outbursts come.
Akshay Lagusani looks right for the part but, again, doesn’t give the feel of it organically. The natural geekiness is missing, and he, too, seems trying hard to get into the character. The awkward chemistry with Niharika is on the spot, though, and that helps carry the narrative.
Harsha Chemudu looks more in the zone compared to the rest two of the trio. He does his part with ease and pulls off the punches in his style. But we have seen him do the same many times before.
Sai Ronak is the on-and-off fourth member of the group. He is suitable for the part of a good-looking but geek action-wise. Some of the series’ relatable moments come through his part when he tries to fit in, and the others are trying to avoid. He does those scenes well.
Analysis
Aditya Mandala directs Dead Pixels. It is a remake of a British sitcom of the same name and is about four geeks obsessed with online games and ignoring reality.
First of all, the basic setup and setting are targeted at a small minority within the Telugu landscape. The overall introvert characterisation and realisation may be relatable, but the gaming background isn’t on the same line. It is why the whole thing looks like an acquired taste.
The comedy has generous doses of potty humour. Either one likes it or doesn’t, there is no middle ground. The enjoyment (or the lack off) depends on how well one takes to it.
However, more than the setting and background, it is the superficiality of the whole thing that doesn’t let one engage in the proceedings. The writing is alright, but the actors fail to bring depth to them and further develop a bond that makes the quirkiness work and takes things to the next level. The bite, awkward energy associated with these settings is missing.
Similarly, during the series’ later half, the emotional arc giving the characters a well-roundedness is also not well done. They feel rushed. So are the parts which involve the blurring of online and real-life events or the online protesting etc. They are all relevant points but lack the depth in execution to have the necessary effect.
Overall, Dead Pixels offers a fresh setup from what we see regularly. But, it misses the desired impact due to the superficial execution and emotions driving the narrative. Give it a try if you want to see something different, but have the expectation low.
Other Artists?
Bhavana Sagi, as one of the roommate cum friends of Niharika and Akshay, is okay. She is the normal person in the flat and among the three. The contrast is easily brought out, but the chemistry is missing. Rajeev Kanakala appearing in a cameo is good. The rest have hardly anything notable and are easily forgettable.
Music and Other Departments?
Siddharth Sadasivuni’s background score is fabulous. More than the setting and the actors or the writing, it is the music which gives the feeling of the world the series tries hard to portray. It is consistent throughout in getting the mood right.
Technically, Dead Pixels looks more than decent for a small-scale web series. The cinematography enhances the production design well. The colours and editing are also fine. The writing is okay, but it takes time to get the humour right.
Highlights?
Fresh Premise Background Score Short Run Time
Drawbacks?
Missing The Emotional Punches Repetitive Rushed Towrads End
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Reservations
Dead Pixels Series Review by Binged Bureau
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