What Is the Story About?
Geeta and Ajay have loved each other since childhood. However, they are brutally murdered on their honeymoon in a tragic incident. The respective families of Geeta and Ajay, headed by Komarraju (Sai Kumar) and Saraswati (Radhika Sarathkumar), are gutted and shattered knowing the news. They are in a rage to find the killer and murder him. What happens when the culprit accidentally lands on their doorsteps is the series’ basic premise.
Performances?
Radhika Sarathkumar and Sai Kumar are the main pillars of the emotional thriller drama. They bring the much-required intensity and drama to the proceedings with their seasoned acts. While they do their jobs well, there is nothing fresh in the ‘acts’ themselves.
Sai Kumar, for example, plays the character in his usual style with the body language and subtle moments seen many times before. The same is the case with Radhika Sarathkumar as well. It is not a knock on them, and they do their roles with all sincerity, but just a minor quibble.
Chaitanya Krishna and Chandini Chowdary play the other vital supporting parts. The former is the aggressor, whereas the latter is the calm thinker and one who takes the narrative forward during the episodes leading to the end. Both are okay but are bogged down by weak subplots related to them.
Analysis
Sharan Koppisetty of Thimmarusu fame directs Gaalivana. It is the Telugu adaptation of the British series, One Of Us. The basic premise involving a thriller narrative is intriguing, and it comes with an unexpected twist in the tale that is sure to take one by surprise.
The real exciting thing with Gaalivaana is the simple ways in which it diverts predictable moments related to the thriller element. The basic plot itself comes with that unexpected twist. So, it is not the killer and finding him that makes the narrative. Instead, it is about the family and the ‘one’.
The premise, while intriguing, also lends a lot of leeway to red-herrings that are not utilised well. A lot of time is wasted creating a motive and suspicion for different characters. The drama in the subplots, too, adds nothing to the overall plot.
What holds the interest is the investigation part involving the core plot related to Ajay and Geetha and the killer. It is slow but engaging. But, it could have been more gripping, and that’s where another issue with the series crops up.
The direction could have been much better. The weak handling is apparent within the first few minutes itself. The gripping quality is missing and not up to the mark, undoubtedly.
After all the investigation, the narrative slowly but steadily builds to the climax and the big revelation. The actual truth and motive are shocking and unique to Telugu sensibilities. However, post the big reveal, Gaalivaana forgoes all its momentum.
Overall, Gaalivana is a decent thriller cum drama for those who love the genre. It has a neat engaging screenplay but lacks in gripping narrative due to weak direction. Still, give it a try for the central plot and thriller elements.
Other Artists?
There is a vast cast in place for Gaalivaana. Apart from the four (Sai Kumar, Radhika Sarathkumar, Chandini Chowdhary, Chaitanya Krishna) mentioned above, Nandini Rai, Thagubotu Ramesh, Sharanya Pradeep, and Ashrita Vemuganti play other critical roles. Thagubotu Ramesh impresses with his subtle act, whereas Nandini Rai lacks the impact despite a powerful character. Sharanya and Ashrita are alright in the little room given to them. The rest of the actors are okay but don’t have enough of a role to talk about.
Music and Other Departments?
The background score by Hari Gowra is effective. It is particularly good during the thriller portions even though there is a slight heard before feel to them. Sujatha Siddharth’s cinematography is good in parts. Some scenes look very ordinary, bringing down the overall visual quality. Santhosh Kamireddy’s editing is alright. The writing could have been better, especially in all the subplots.
Highlights?
Story
Thriller Parts
Casting
Drawbacks?
Length
Sub Plots
Direction
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Reservation
Gaalivaana Web Series Review by Binged Bureau
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