What Is the Story About?
Fakir (Uma Maheshwara Rao) entrusts the responsibility of five crore ‘hawala’ money to Vishnu (Chandrakanth Dutta). He, in turn, gives it to his brother Ayyappa (Posani Krishna Murali).
Meena (Nandini Rai) is a young sexy wife to an aged Ayyappa (Posani Krishna Murali). She has an affair with Justin (Avinash Raghudevan). One day Ayyappa catches them red-handed while taking care of the ‘Hawala’ money.
Aadhi (Priydarshi) is an average joe who does small-time works for a living. He has a goal to open a hotel. He knows Ayyappa well and has hots for his wife, Meena. How is an innocent Aadhi dragged into the murky world of goons and police? Who is responsible for it? What happened to the money is what ING deals with in the series.
Performances?
Priyadarshi looks apt for the part of Aadhi. He is a simple guy minding his own business. Priyadarshi naturally suits it. The actor also puts efforts to get the Godavari accent right. It is commendable.
The character has two shades, and while Priyadarshi delivers on the first count, he isn’t that effective playing an aggressive person. It looks a bit forced and lacks the impact the role demands. It might be a satisfactory work personally, but on the whole, Priyadarshi loses out.
Analysis
Vidyasaagar Muthukumar writes and directs ING, aka In the Name Of God. Well, title aside, the series comprises a straightforward story that is a routine one in crime drama genres. Only here, it further adopts a B-movie approach.
The opening episode puts everything in perspective. The profanity filled dialogues, the raunchy visuals, the making standards set things in motion for a ‘b-movie’ kind of series.
At the end of the first episode, there is an intrigue built even though it is underwhelming. But, it also gives clarity on the core content of the series. It is weak. We understand it further as the show progresses.
The seven-episode series focuses on a single point related to missing money. Several characters are introduced in the process, which takes the narrative in different directions avoiding the focus on the core issue.
When we look at it from the money and its tracking perspective, there is very little happening in the narrative in every episode. The ending, while decent, comes too late in the day. It is here and the many characters that spoil ING.
We feel nothing at the end despite all the troubles faced by the lead character Aadhi. A compelling drama and gripping narrative that is much-needed for the story is missing. It is chiefly due to the multiple subplots, which branch out so much that they dilute the core plot and any little interest surrounding it.
Overall, ING is a failed attempt to give a realistically looking dramatic thriller. The combination of sleaze and language further cheapens it. Give it a try only if you a sucker of the genre and don’t mind the sluggish narrative and making. Otherwise, stay away as it comes with a long run-time.
Other Artists?
Nandini Rai gets a part that utilises her looks well. It works initially, but when it comes to emotions and acting, she never looks convincing. Posani Krishna Murali is in his elements as usual. The language further adds to the appeal in his case, as it builds the fun. It isn’t the case with many others, though. Among the many artists, Mohammad Ali Baig stands out due to his characterisation. His is the only other part that brings some engaging moments to the proceedings.
Music and Other Departments?
The music by Deepak Alexander is poor. The background score has some decent parts, but overall, it offers nothing memorable. The cinematography by Varun DK is a mixed bag. Some portions look fine, but on the whole, it is not good. The editing by Nikhil Sreekumar is patchy and gives a messy account of the tale visually. The dialogues by Pradeep Acharya are poor.
Highlights?
Basic Theme
Ending
Drawbacks?
Length
Needless Titillation
Unnecessary Gore
Did I Enjoy It?
No
Will You Recommend It?
No
In The Name Of God Telugu Web Series Review – by Binged Bureau