What Is the Story About?
When a shootout happens in a pub in Goa, the government tries to shut it down as a terrorist attack and blames it entirely on one person, Faisal. However, Aadhira (Vimala Raman) who is in charge of the case has another angle to it. What is it? Where does it lead and how it ends is what the series all about?
Performances?
Vimala Raman plays a serious cop with an emotional past. Not much is explored concerning the latter, but it leaves, Aadhira with a pain- Vimala Raman showcases it well. Also, the consistent grit and determination to crack the case are well put forward in her intense-looking act. There is nothing more to it.
Analysis
Lakshmi Narayana directs PubGoa. The plot of the series is simple, but the way it unfolds is what makes it look complicated and confusing. But, it is engaging?
The series opener begins at different points and then moves forward using the back and forth technique from the ‘key incident’ point, which can be construed as the zero-point or the origin of the story.
The multiple characters and setups – the police, politician, fake Baba, drugs, friend’s gang, and so on make the whole thing look chaotic. The director deserves kudos for bringing the entire thing under a single angle of terrorism. It gives a thread for the various pieces to hang on.
What follows next is an unveiling of various pieces one by one revealing the true nature of the crime and the characters of different players in the process. The narrative continues to be chaotic even though the investigation gradually gets on a predictable lane.
One of the critical subplots is boringly executed for a long time. The other which is a proper thriller leads to a routine outcome. A couple of different setting seems so needless (also goes off track abruptly) once these things are revealed, though.
As is usual with a thriller, unless the screenplay is taut and the audience cares about the individual moments and characters, it immediately becomes all about the ending after a point. One has to wait for it to arrive patiently. In the process, it becomes clear where it is headed and why? It leads to disappointment as a result.
Luckily, the other subplot throws a surprise. The merging of both into a single incident is one of the best aspects of the series, story-wise. The way it ends is taken as an extension of real-life obsession and offers some freshness. The predictability is shared between the two (subplots), and one can foreguess it if they are cued with the proceedings of a particular track.
Overall, PubGoa is a passable thriller. The convoluted narrative and predictable end make it weaker. Give it a try if you love the genre and have lots of patience.
Other Artists?
Among the various actors that are part of the cast, Dev and Leo Sivadass stand out due to their character arcs. They are better developed compared to the rest and show some glimpses of dramatic flair. Ayraa is stuck with one expression like a broken record. Ajay Melvin has a decent part, intermittently, but as a whole, it fails to have any impact. The rest like Sampathram, Sara Annaiah, Gireesh Krish Nair etc. are strictly serviceable to the plot.
Music and Other Departments?
The background score by Santhan Anebajagane is okay. Nothing particularly stands out or enhances the appeal of the series, but it isn’t disappointing at the same time. It is close to a generic feeling. The cinematography by Karthi K Thillai is decent. The editing by Ignatious Aswin could have been better. The writing is ordinary with many sequences having a run of the mill stuff heard many times before.
Highlights?
Connecting Of Various Dots In The Investigation
Suspense Parts
Climax
Drawbacks?
Convoluted Narrative
The Revelation
The Pacing
Editing
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Huge Reservations
PubGoa ZEE5 Tamil Web Series Review by Binged Bureau
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