Dayaa marks the OTT debut of JD Chakravarthy. The Hotstar show is a thriller and has Eesha Rebba and Ramya Nambeesan in key roles. Read our review to know if the film has any juice in it or not
Plot
Dayakar, portrayed by the talented JD Chakravarthy navigates life as a driver for a refrigerated van to make both ends meet. A pregnant wife, Alivelu (Eesha Rebba), anchors his efforts with her presence. Fate takes a sharp turn when Dayaa discovers a lifeless body concealed within his utilitarian vehicle. The jolt of this discovery propels him into action, seeking assistance from his aide Prabha (Josh Ravi) to confront the eerie scenario. The cadaver is soon identified as that of Kavitha, a celebrated journalist played by Ramya Nambessan. How Dayaa handles this deadly situation is the story of the web series.
Performances
Every actor contributes their utmost, but it’s JD Chakravarthy who shines brightest. His portrayal of Dayaa encompasses a spectrum of emotions, deftly maneuvering through various shades of the character. The actor’s body language and dialogue delivery are nothing short of commendable, leaving an indelible mark and marking a remarkable entry into the world of OTT.
Ramya Nambessan’s character is intricately etched, and her performance is stellar. She embodies the spirit of an unwavering journalist crusading for truth with conviction. Vishnu Priyaa and Josh Ravi also play crucial roles, their efforts noteworthy. Eesha Rebba’s portrayal, though solid, promises more depth in the impending second season. Babloo Prithiveeraj paints the political canvas with finesse, while Nanda Gopal’s performance is nothing short of a revelation.
What’s Good
Storyline
Thrills
Runtime
Performances
What’s Bad
Slow start
A few unnecessary characters
Analysis
The exceptional nature of Dayaa lies in its ensemble cast of strong characters, a rarity in Telugu OTT. Crafted with finesse by writer-director Pavan Sadineni, each character possesses their distinct objectives, intricately weaving a tapestry of interests. The intersection of these paths is masterfully depicted, showcasing skillful storytelling. The latter segment of the series propels the narrative into a higher gear, where the bulk of the drama and action unfurls.
Here, pivotal characters undergo profound transformations, punctuated by moments that evoke both excitement and admiration. Amplifying the impact is Shravan Bharadwaj’s exceptional background score, elevating crucial scenes to a new level. A significant highlight of the series is its conclusion, riddled with suspenseful cliffhangers that leave viewers eagerly anticipating the forthcoming season. This isn’t a mere extension for the sake of it, but a response to the narrative’s authentic demands.
While the initial world-building is well-executed, the story encounters hiccups after its foundation is laid. The pacing falters in some episodes, moments that could have been streamlined to accentuate tension and intrigue. The narrative truly finds its rhythm around the fifth episode, with the non-linear storytelling approach gradually growing on the audience. Pavan Sadineni’s directorial prowess shines through, particularly in steering the series toward a captivating crescendo.
Shravan Bharadwaj’s captivating score emerges as a standout element, while meticulous sound design envelops even the smallest nuances. Cinematographer Vivek Kalepu’s lensing injects substantial visual richness, and the editing in the later episodes maintains a commendable pace. Production values remain consistently high. In a way, Dayaa is one the best-made web series in Telugu and commands a must-watch for every thriller genre lover.
3.5/5
Bottom Line – Solid Thriller with multiple twists
