What Is the Story About?
A serial killer is on the prowl in Hyderabad, targeting police officers. Dynamic police officer Kiran Prabha (Lavanya Tripathi) is assigned the case. How Kiran, along with Prabhakar Sharma (Aadi Saikumar), finds out the real killer is the series’ basic plot.
Performances?
Aadi Saikumar, who has been attempting various genres off late, makes his digital debut with Puli Meka. He plays a forensic officer investigating the crime scene and helps solve the case.
It is a different role for Aadi but generally doesn’t require heavy dramatic performance. To add emotional depth, there is a relationship drama as a subplot. The actor is sincere as usual, which is evident all through, but it doesn’t go to the next level. Apart from a few moments, nothing else highlights his act.
Lavanya Tripathi plays a tough cop role in Puli Meka. Initially, there is a huge build-up, but things start to fizzle out once a critical moment happens. The character’s behaviour changes and the attempt to at least act tough goes for a toss since then. She is alright, otherwise, but there is nothing memorable.
Analysis
Chakravarthy Reddy directs Puli Meka, conceived and created by Kona Venkat. It is a serial killer investigative thriller, the likes of which have flooded the OTT space in the past few years.
Right from the start, we know how the story takes place. The space setting, characters’ interaction, team formation, gruesome murders etc., are all there. So, what holds the attention initially is the actual story itself. The murder of police officers and the killer intrigues one initially.
However, it doesn’t take long before things jump into outdated terrain from sheer predictability. Many thrillers are predictable but follow a more slick and trendy approach. That is not the case in Puli Meka, as the making and the content bring an outdated vibe. The worse fears come true as more of the story is revealed.
There is a critical twist right around the series’ middle. It’s here that the outdated narrative takes effect dominantly. The family drama and comedy previously, despite the issues, were passable, but they just feel half-baked and half-hearted after that point.
The primary focus of the series shifts to a different goal than where it started. And things don’t look gripping anywhere. The comic impulses in the narrative and their insertion in the proceedings are a dead giveaway to where the problem lies. The direction, too, doesn’t help the cause as it enhances the outdatedness.
All that is left after a point is finding out the culprit. One can guess that easily, but it’s the lacklustre way he is revealed and the circumstances leading to the revelation. It might be okay for a novice or one who watches thrillers rarely. But, to the frequent watchers, nothing excites. The ending shot has an unexpected twist, making one wonder if a sequel will happen.
Overall, Puli Meka starts decently for a crime thriller but soon takes an outdated approach and stumbles. For thriller genre enthusiasts, there is nothing new. Others who watch them occasionally can try it, with low expectations being the key.
Other Artists?
There are a few familiar faces in Puli Meka. But none have a decent role. We have Suman in a prominent role after a gap, but it is riddled with the most cliches. He goes through his lines with stock expressions. Goparaju Raman gets a different character (for him) that is otherwise very routine. He makes it work with his enthusiasm, but it goes missing majorly during the series’ later portions. Raj Chembolu is okay with what’s given to him. The rest of the cast gets bits and pieces of work, which is okay. However, the utter cliches associated with them make them forgettable.
Music and Other Departments?
Praveen Lakkaraju’s background score is effective. It’s what makes one interested in the proceedings. The work gets weaker as we progress further. Ram K Mahesh’ cinematography is below par. Chota K Prasad’s editing is okay. The writing is passable at best, and they mainly involve some comic quips. Otherwise, for a drama in a thriller, it is pretty ordinary.
Highlights?
Some Entertainment
Beginning
Drawbacks?
Direction
Outdated Vibe
Predictability
Weak Story
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Huge Reservations
Puli Meka Web Series Review by Binged Bureau