What Is the Story About?
The story of Vilangu revolves around a police station in a small village in Tamil Nadu. The routines of everyone at the station is disturbed when a dead body is found in the outskirts, in the forest. To make matters worse, the head goes missing after the area is marked.
Paridhi (Vimal) is the SI of the station. He is sincere and hardworking. His dedication to work earns him a good reputation among local policemen, but the pregnant wife is displeased. Despite his integrity, he faces a suspension due to carelessness in the murder investigation. Time is running out as he has only a week. Did Paridhi find out the killer and the head is the series’ main plot.
Performances?
Vimal has got a decent role playing a sincere police officer. Most of the series has him look tense and the small fun moments or dramatic bits are reserved for scenes with his wife’s character. In fact, those parts seem to be added to further those angles in him.
Analysis
Prasanth Pandiyaraj directs Vilangu. It is a thriller with a heavy dosage of police procedural drama mixed in akin to Visaranai and the recent Jai Bheem.
The opening sequence of Vilangu is not to be missed. Otherwise, one might be confused scratching heads as to where things are headed looking at the large part of the opening episode.
An entire half an hour is utilised to establish the space and the different characters inhabiting it. One might get tired usually, but the director (also the writer) neatly establishes the characterisations and the backstories via expository dialogues. It helps in differentiating multiple faces.
The actual story takes off during the final ten minutes of the first episode when the dead body is found. It is linked to the opening. But, the bigger hook is the missing head.
What follows is a mix of an intriguing investigation and repetitive horrific police brutality to extract the truth. The former is fine whereas the latter gets on nerves after a point. But, they are critical to the final outcome and hence can’t be done away with.
The in-between drama involving the husband and present wife looks concocted to create fake emotional baggage for the cop. There is a caste and sub-caste angle there to them, which also has a connection with the overall story, but everything looks forced.
The many obstacles and clues related to the investigation part are a mixed bag. The whole ritual part of a group of villagers when Paridhi goes to find a suspect is a fine example of a well-done block. It is fresh and engaging and intriguing at the same time.
The beating up in lockup after finding a suspect gets predictable and formulaic after a point. However, it is why the twist in the tale also is a little effective.
The revelation of the killer, the way it happens and how it progresses is tied to the police brutality. The flashback of the psycho killer is interesting, but how it’s all revealed between the two concerned people could leave people divided. We didn’t mind it, though as it ties in with the insignificance of the person well.
The ending ‘after’ the revelation of the killer could have been a bit tidy. It feels like going on and on after a point. But, the shocking nature of the crime conveyed on the other hand makes one glued.
Overall, Vilangu is a decent investigative drama with a psycho killer twist. If you had liked the recent Jai Bhim, give the series a try. Be wary of the slow pace and needless drama and romance, though.
Other Artists?
Ineya playing the only female role of any importance is alright. She looks lovely and does well, but her entire track doesn’t add much to the narrative. Reshma Pasupuleti appearing briefly is okay.
It is the entire police station gang that shine in Vilangu. All the actors have a unique role like Bala Saravanan as hot-headed, caste fanatic, Karuppu always ready to beat. Munishkanth as Uthaman, a bumbling yet senior police officer guiding the younger or escaping the wrath slyly from seniors. The rest are also fine, but fail to leave an impression as they are part of a large crowd.
Music and Other Departments?
The background score by Ajesh is excellent. It gets the rooted, small town yet old-world feel well. Dinesh’s cinematography isn’t flashy, but the objective seems to be to capture the daily routine and realism, with clear frames. He has done a good job with it. Ganesh Siva’s editing is smooth even though slow. The writing, as mentioned previously, is good.
Highlights?
Story
Writing
Characterizations
Small Twists
Drawbacks?
Wife Track
Repetitiveness
Divisive Revelation
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Vilangu Web Series Review by Binged Bureau